OLD FLORIDA RETREAT
Palm Island Resort and Charlotte Harbor | By Nicole Poggi

Arial view of Palm Island and Palm Island Resort

Old Florida still exists and is being preserved just an hour and a half south of Tampa. Pure white sands and cerulean waters await visitors at the Palm Island Resort.

Rolling sand dunes and water lapping against Palm Island’s desolate shores is what the experience is all about. If you’re looking to curl up in a beach chair and enjoy the sounds of the ocean and native birds while reading a good book this is the place to do it.

A ferry ride transports cars from the mainland to Palm Island where they remain parked for the duration of the stay. The only methods of transportation on the island include golf cart rides, walking, and bicycling along roads made of crushed shells. A trip to this resort is a true getaway of rest and relaxation.

Paddle through mangroves at one of the top kayaking retreats.

Located in Cape Haze near Charlotte Harbor, the resort encompasses two miles of private beach along Palm Island’s northern end. One hundred and sixty old-Florida style villas overlook the Gulf of Mexico and Rum Bay, with some located next to the Palm Island Marina. Each villa cluster has its own heated pool, hydra spa and outdoor barbecues.

Rum Bay Restaurant offers fine dining with a view of the gulf. Lunch and dinner menus tantalize the taste buds with baby back ribs, blackened grouper and island-baked scallops. Johnny Leverock’s Seafood House is a water taxi ride away, located on the mainland. Lunch and dinner are available with dishes such as shrimp scampi, grouper sandwiches, and salmon fritters. If you’re looking for all natural, inventive cuisine, with a lively atmosphere, a quick trip back to the mainland by ferry and a ten minute car ride can get you to Palmetto Grill, a top quality restaurant offering fresh seafood, organic salads and locally grown vegetables.

Aside from rest and relaxation, guests can enjoy being active through bicycle, canoe, kayak and boat rentals. Fly-fishing, golfing and snorkeling are popular activities on the island, and 11 tennis courts are available for players of any skill level. A fitness center is located in the resort for indoor recreation. Families can enjoy two playgrounds, nature hunts, sand castle building contests, and shell hunts and crafts.

For reservations to Palm Island Resort call (800) 824-5412 or visit www.palmisland.com. For information on upcoming area events, activities and attractions visit www.charlotteharbortravel.com.

(back to top)