Florida has always been a firm favourite for holidaymakers, which is why the hotspots are generally crowded and busy. Here’s some good news: there’s a quieter option on the Gulf Coast, close to Punta Gorda. The lovely Charlotte Harbor is home to the rambling whitewashed Sunseekers resort in Southwest Florida.
Sunseeker Resort, Charlotte Harbor, Florida
Sunseekers is owned by Allegiant airlines who spent more than $650 million on this plush destination and has almost single-handedly put the region on the tourist map since opening in 2023. Its landmark, gleaming buildings sprawl over 22 waterfront acres, and look handsome in the Floridian sunshine. Two years later they still look shiny and new.
It comprises a trio of buildings that are home to almost 745 spacious rooms and including 186 suites cum mini apartments complete with dining area and kitchens. An early evening walk along its 2,300 feet of boardwalk is rather wonderful.
There’s no shortage of food options with around 20 eateries on the complex pandering to different tastes, even around its magnificent pools.
Who for
Families, couples and business travellers would love this sprawling resort. Families can play, couples can squirrel themselves away and business travellers can use the extensive convention facilities and still chill out.
Accommodation
Sunseeker Resort, twin bedroom
Sunseeker room 18021
All 745 rooms are spacious, starting with premium rooms and rising to ever more luxurious Sunsuites with balconies, fully fitted kitchens, a lounge area, and a private concierge.
Mine was room 18021 on the top floor of the main building, a premium room with wooden floors, white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows with lovely designer furnishings and finishes, and stunning views of Charlotte Harbor. No bath but there is a lovely and spacious shower area. There’s no balcony either, (chose a suite for that) yetI was still able to enjoy the glorious waterside views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Every day, free bottled water was supplied, plus there is a coffee machine, and of course, slippers, dressing gowns, hairdryer and iron. One of the perks of being on this floor was that the magnificent rooftop pool was steps away.
Facilities
Plenty is going on, Laurelei spa offers various treatments, free fitness classes including yoga and pilates in their incredible 7500 square ft gym. It was glorious being on the treadmill while looking at those views, sometimes catching sight of a frivolous dolphin.
There are two amazing pools with warm water to dip into. The first is a 19,000 sq ft sculpted Reflections pool that seems to weave its way through the resort, looking dapper dressed with palm trees and plenty of sun beds. The second is a superb adult-only rooftop pool (147 feet high), the largest in South West Florida. It wraps around the resort and with its extended hot tub, offers 360° views. There is a bar and food is served to the sunbed. Sipping a pina colada at sunset is a glorious experience. One day, we added luxury by hiring a cabana that comes with drinks and food.
The 18-hole golf course, designed Kipp Schulties Golf Design, is close by with a regular shuttle service to get you there.
Food & Drink
Had we stayed a fortnight at Sunseekers, it is unlikely we would have had a chance to taste everything on offer. In the 25,000 sq ft Harbor Yards Food Hall, there are eleven restaurants all owned by Sunseekers. A variety of offerings include include All American, Asian and a seafood restaurant with three types of oysters. Then there is Half Cracked restaurant, for casual dining and toe-tapping live music.
Harbor Yard at Sunseekers
The most gourmet cuisine experience is at Maurys, which needs a special mention. This is a well-turned-out restaurant with wood walls and an impressive wine list with over 200 options. The meal starts with a breadbasket with a selection of breads, including a soft pretzel roll and parmesan cheese crackers made in-house. The main dishes included a steak and you could choose your own steak knife, a huge durac pork chop which was dark on the outside and pink inside and a golden tilefish.
I had never tasted this fish before, and as the tilefish feeds on crabs and shrimps, so its soft meat offers a delicious seafood-style flavour. Sides included the best brussel sprouts I had ever tasted, these were tossed in a champagne vinagarette and flass fried to cripiness.
There is also casual food available by the exquisite rooftop pool and bar. I enjoyed lunch with a cocktail or two while devouring some amazing views over the water.
How much
Rooms are from $149 per night and Sunsuites and $259 for Sunsuites.
What’s nearby?
There’s the exclusive to Sunseekers Aileron Golf Club a few miles away, and a free shuttle service to take you there. It’s easy to get to Fort Myers and Sarasota by car, as well as the Peace River Wildlife Center where the world’s only albino owl lives and the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, where statues seem extremely lifelike.
Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy a ninety-minute Babcock ranch eco tour to check out the alligators.
VERDICT: Sunseekers is a glorious resort with lovely views in a pretty location. Although large, it can still seem cosy in various sections. Rooms are spacious and modern, food is varied, facilities including outdoor kayaking and golf are impressive and service attentive.
Getting there:
There are five airports that serve Charlotte Harbor: Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Sarasota, St. Pete, and Tampa.