STAYCATION:

It's summer! School's out, the snowbirds are long gone, and you finally have time to take a much-anticipated vacation. Time off? Heck, business is so slow you might not even be missed at work. And therein lies the problem: Due to the unforeseen economic circumstances of the entire country imploding, your vacation budget has shrunken from grande to poquito. You want to get away, you need to get away — from the stress of work, the depression of little or no

business, the shrinking value of your 401K and the harrowing stories your friends keep sharing.

But New Zealand is out of the question. That Alaskan cruise you've been dreaming about? No way, Jose. Europe, with the additional whammy of a bad exchange rate? Not this year. Even Canada is expensive. And you're not sure Mexico is safe these days.

So what's a person to do?

No worries, mon. Florida Weekly has compiled a handy guide to having a terrific STAY-cation: getaways not too far from home, that offer all the requisite components of a relaxing respite without the expense of jet travel, airport parking lots, roaming charges or rental cars. Enjoy! You deserve it.

COURTESY PHOTO Combine a bit of romance with the spectacular sunsets at the Sanibel Harbour Resort.

Romance with a View

 

Sanibel Harbour's sunset views cap off a relaxing day by the best pool bar going, but why limit yourselves to the pool bar? Grab your toothbrush, a swimsuit, some loungewear and check in for a long, romantic weekend at Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa.

For $159 per night, you and someone special can sip something nice on a four-star balcony high above San Carlos Bay and take silly iPhone pics in your matching robes. The price even includes breakfast in Tarpon House restaurant or via room service.

Who cares about the resort's complimentary high-speed Internet? Its best and highest purpose during your Sanibel Harbour staycation might be for posting tourist-y pictures on Facebook to make all your friends jealous.

Sanibel Harbour is a great getaway spot for numerous reasons. Tennis players will love the resort's lighted Har-Tru courts and daily clinics. Sun worshippers enjoy one of the largest, nicest pools in the area, by which to snooze, read or bake. Paddlers can rent kayaks and canoes from a nearby outfitter that also offers fishing, shelling, dolphin and sunset cruises, as well as powerboat rentals.

LIBBY BOREN MCMILLAN/SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY Nestled between multi-million-dollar estates and the exclusive South Seas Island Resort lies Captiva Island's most unassuming getaway destination, Jensen's Twin Palm Resort & Marina.

Docked right in the resort's own marina is the Sanibel Princess, a 100-foot yacht that proffers a tasty dinner during its nightly sunset cruise around San Carlos Bay and the Sanibel Causeway. Guests can also enjoy a Sunday brunch aboard, taking in the scenery from an air-conditioned salon or outdoor observation deck. And here's a little staycation bonus: Now through Sept. 30, the second

passenger comes aboard for half price. Here are a few more reasons Sanibel Harbour is perfect for a Southwest Florida staycation:

• So you've seen the Causeway a hundred (or a thousand) times. As a guest at Sanibel Harbour, however, you'll appreciate the span it from a whole new perspective. Watching island worker bees come and go from a distance, while you're sipping a piña colada, is oddly satisfying; no need to feel guilty, you've been working hard, too.

COURTESY PHOTO The Ritz-Carlton, Naples offers first-class beaches.

• The rooms at the Sanibel Harbour Resort are high… very, very high. Ask for the highest room you can get, and simply enjoy the air up there. Again, it's a new perspective on a place you know well.

• The third reason you'll fall in love with this property is tiny but significant. We all know that summers here can be brutal. There's too much heat, and often not enough breeze. Welcome to the breeziest pool bar around. Somehow, the waterfront setting of this tiny little bar adjacent to the intracoastal waterway affords not only an endless stream of boat traffic to watch, but a nearly constant breeze at the same time. Perhaps the sheer height of the buildings adjacent to it help the airflow somehow, but frankly, we don't care why it feels so good. We just enjoy sitting at this pool bar, and you will too.

COURTESY PHOTO The "Peace of Mind" package starts at $399 per night, at The Ritz-Carlton (on the Gulf), or $239 per night at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.

• The fourth and final reason to give this staycation a whirl is the Gulf coast sunset. With its prime westward location, Sanibel Harbour delivers a four-star sunset every night of the week; enjoy it over a tasty Margherita pizzetta at Charley's the first night, from your private balcony the second night, from your kayak on night three, from the pool on night four… See what we mean?

That's hard to improve upon; we know, we've tried.

If your budget allows, Sanibel Harbour also has a spa worth investigating. Peruse the spa menu and see what strikes your fancy, from a seashell scrub to a "Mango Salt Glo" treatment. There's also a fitness center and salon, so give your body a little pick-meup, too. The spa gift shop will tempt all but the strongest; the last time we visited, it was selling colorful "ice cream scoops" for the bath that looked good enough to eat.

COURTESY PHOTO Dine at sunset, or...

You've been responsible and chosen staycation over credit card debilitation; treat yourself to a little something as a reward. >>Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive 466-4000; www.sanibel-resort.com

Totally Unplugged

 

Nestled between multi-million-dollar estates and the exclusive South Seas Island Resort lies Captiva Island's most unassuming getaway destination. Nothing says laid-back like Jensen's Twin Palm Resort & Marina.

Manatees make slow, telltale circles near the docks, and simple Old Floridastyle cottages dot this funky little bay front property in the heart of Captiva's village. Floating through the air is the unmistakable hearty laughter of brothers Dave, John and Jimmy, the signature sound that represents why so many guests wouldn't dream of vacationing anywhere else.

While warmly hosting newcomers, the three Michigan-born Jensen boys are an intrinsic part of a Captiva that is, for the most part, long gone. But Jensen's Twin Palm speaks to the island's simpler times: picnic tables near the seawall buzz each evening as families, friends (old and new) and couples grill their day's catch, enjoy a cocktail, and swap tales of boating, fishing and music.

COURTESY PHOTO Enjoy a snack by the pool.

Best of all, the rooms have no phones. You read that right: no phones. Here's your big chance to turn your cell phone off and claim "bad reception, way out there on Captiva," for the duration of your staycation.

Music is an important part of the scene at Jensen's, a bonus component, really. Brother Jimmy's Troublestarters band has barefoot locals dancing with abandon in the moonlight to catchy tunes like "My Baby is a Seafood Platter." The brothers' support of the local music scene even spawned a songwriters' festival, and there's no telling when a jam session might pop up at Jensen's.

Spend a little time in the Twin Palm's homespun marina office to experience the Jensens' sense of humor and dedication to a vision. The walls are nearly covered with hilarious postcards and letters from guests and autographed pictures of celebrities who have hunkered down at the Twin Palm through the years. Luminaries from Kevin Costner to JFK Jr. have enjoyed the hearty hospitality of the Jensen boys.

COURTESY PHOTO Pet-friendly beaches, parks, restaurants and hotels dot Southwest Florida.

Captiva is the gateway to the outislands,

 

so Jensen's water taxi service is the conduit to low-key adventure. Guests go shelling on Cayo Costa, drinking and dining on Cabbage Key and beach-walking on North Captiva. Jensen's also has several boats available for rent; choose a pontoon for a larger party, or a smaller four-stroke center console to zip about with ease. The marina is just minutes from the open waters of Pine Island Sound.

You might think you wanted to go to New York or Chicago or Europe or across the Great Southwest in an RV, but spend a few hours chasing dolphins in the Sound and there's a high likelihood you'll forgot all about that trip you were going to take before the economy took a dive.

COURTESY PHOTO Skip the airport, forego the hotel stay and you might have enough vacation cash to rent a yacht for the week.

Just $145-$165 nets you a fully equipped cottage for a night; for a thousand bucks and the cost of some groceries and booze, you can have the unplugged time of your life. While Twin Palm cottages do have TVs with cable, the rustic pine furniture says it all. Wiggle your toes in the sandy parking lot, lounge at a bay front table covered with chickee thatch, and you might find yourself working up to a nap in one of the lounge chairs fronting the bay.

Wait for some otter action, or meander out to the end of the dock for a look at the water. See what the marina's fishing guides show up with at the end of a charter. Carefully observe their fillet technique. The trick for a great staycation is to stretch these simple activities into a full day. We know you can do it!

Those readers who already believe that paradise consists of a bench, a dock, a cocktail and a fishing rod are bona fide Twin Palm people. Picture parking the car and walking down to the Mucky Duck for sunset, and you start to see the possibilities.

COURTESY PHOTO For a secluded island staycation with air conditioning and other modern conveniences, consider North Captiva.

It's a Tuesday night, the sky is flaming pink, and the mullet are jumping. Fire up the grill, throw a little Old Bay seasoning onto a piece of fish, swap a tall tale with the guy at the picnic table, trade barbs with Dave Jensen as he pedals his bike home for the night. You get the picture.

>>Jensen's Twin Palm Marina & Cottages 472-5800 (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.); www.gocaptiva.com

Luxury for Less

 

If your staycation budget allows for a little local splurging, then by all means consider a luxurious but discounted stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

But be warned: If you take advantage of The Ritz's "Peace of Mind" package, you might be so enthralled with your resort experience that you never even see the sights of Naples itself. (You might be laughing, but it happens).

COURTESY PHOTO Break out of the ordinary and hire a private chef for a special dinner with friends.

The "Peace of Mind" package is designed to give guests "their memory's worth," and walks the walk on package pricing by offering three nights for the price of two, five nights for the price of three, or a full week for the price of only four nights, through Sept. 30. Anyone who's ever stayed at a Ritz-Carlton, much less one so highly lauded in extremely recent polls, will perk up at the very thought of free nights.

The "Peace of Mind" package starts at $399 per night, for single or double occupancy at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples (on the Gulf), or $239 per night at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. The package includes deluxe room accommodations, full American breakfast for two, free Internet and phone calls, overnight parking (which can really add up in a four-star setting) and even Ritz Kids special activities if you want to take the wee ones.

Hold on to your hat, because Ritz- Carlton, Naples, also has a $299 daily spa package rate, which includes $200 worth of spa services and a coastalview room. The same package is only $259 if one elects accommodations at the Golf Resort. Let that resonate for a minute: We're talking about $200 worth of spa services plus a room at The Ritz for as little as $259? Welcome to the new economy; it isn't all bad.

COURTESY PHOTO Chef Matt Mitchell has been working as a private chef for a dozen years.

It's well worth inquiring about an upgrade to the Club Level, a magical floor all its own that defines pampering, with a private concierge on staff, a lovely lounge and balcony area just for Club Level guests, and five meal presentations daily. The meals and snacks are above and beyond, from an international breakfast to fabulous salads, tapas, wraps, antipasto, desserts, champagne and much more. The extra funds you'll spend to reside on Club Level negate the need to patronize any restaurant, and the package discount offsets the extra expense.

If one can muster the will to leave his or her decadent room, The Ritz- Carlton's fabulous pool area awaits, where waiters serve tropical cocktails while sea breezes grace the coastline. And then, of course, there's the resort's world-class spa, where cucumber infused water and tropical treatments help erase all the reasons this staycation felt so necessary. We like the sound of the "Drift to Sleep" and "Dreamtime" treatments, but therapies are customized on an individual basis.

COURTESY PHOTO Coconut Point isn't a mall it's a lifestyle center.

Golfers might think they've died and gone to heaven when considering The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort's "Fairways and Greens" package. It starts at $244 a night and includes two 18-hole rounds of golf daily, at the Greg Normandesigned Tiburon, home of the PGA's Merrill Lynch Shootout. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort is ranked as the No. 1 golf resort in Florida by Condé Nast Traveler magazine and as one of the 15 best luxury golf resorts in North America by Golf Digest. As if that weren't enough, this staycation option also includes daily breakfast and a $50 Waterside Shops retail gift card.

ELLEN MAYERON/SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY Tarpon Lodge's colorful sunsets.

A Sarasota staycation

If, like many others, you find Sarasota to be the most fabulous city in Florida, then head up the coast to enjoy the "Peace of Mind" package at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, for only $269 per night, with the same amazing deal of seven nights for the price of four. This particular Ritz-Carlton, with its relaxing waterfront pool and Mobil Four-Star spa, was recently named the No. 3 hotel in the world and No. 1 domestically for "value and quality" by Expedia.com.

Sarasota itself has it all, from beautiful beaches to an über-cool downtown and and oodles of cultural opportunities. The Ritz-Carlton is in the heart of it all, just blocks from downtown, The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the city marina and the bridge to St. Armand's Circle. So whatever your bent, from fashion to antiques to jazz to boating, your passion is close by. The hotel also hosts a nightly "sunset celebration" at its private Lido Beach facilities (hop a hotel shuttle or drive your own car).

ELLEN MAYERON/SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY The docks at Tarpon Lodge.

And lest the golfers think they'll miss out by staying in a downtown resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, has a championship course in nearby Lakewood Ranch.

Guests taking advantage of this summer's "Peace of Mind" package will soon learn why the Sarasota property earned the "quality and value" award from Expedia.com., as they submit to the pleasure of having every wish not only granted with graciousness, but anticipated beforehand.

>>The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

280 Vanderbilt Beach Road 598-3300

>>The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples 2600 Tiburón Drive 593-2000

>>The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive (941) 309-2000

www.ritzcarlton.com

'Stay, Girl, Stay'

 

You've been looking forward to your week off for a long time, and part of your excitement is the chance to spend unlimited time on an adventure with your furry roommate (the four-legged one). Forget the cruddy economy and follow this simple plan for a fun-filled, Fido-centric staycation:

FLORIDA WEEKLY FILE PHOTO Downtown Punta Gorda has reinvented itself after the devastation of Hurricane Charley.

1. Pack your swimsuit, your beach towel, your tennis ball and the Milk Bones.

2. Pile in the car with your canine companion and head to Fort Myers Beach.

The Beach has similar laws to Sanibel Island when it comes to dogs: They must be on a leash whether on the beach or in the water, and owners must pick up after their pets. On Fort Myers Beach, the rules also state that you must walk your dog between the sea and the high tide mark, but not above that line. That sounds reasonable, considering dogs aren't even allowed on Captiva Island beaches.

The big advantage to taking your pup on vacation to Estero Island, however, is easy access to the fabulous Dog Beach Park at Bonita Beach just south of Lovers Key, where canines can run and do the doggiepaddle all they want, no leashes required. Note: There are no restrooms or fresh running water at Dog Beach Park, so plan your outing accordingly.

FLORIDA WEEKLY FILE PHOTO Laishley Marina with the Four Points Sheraton in the background.

With this juicy morsel in mind, we went looking for a lodging option we could really sink our teeth into, so to speak, and here's what we found.

Both the Wild Wave Resort and a place called Surf and Us (with the same parent company) welcome you and Fido for a stay on Fort Myers Beach.

Located mid-island, the Wild Wave beachfront apartments come complete with grills, beach chairs and a picnic pavilion. No-fuss tile floors take away the pressure of sandy or wet feet (two or four), and rates off-season run $125-$150 per day for double occupancy, and $850-$1,000 per week. It's a terrific low-key option that gives you access to Estero Island's beautiful beaches and a place to unwind with you-know-who.

The spacious Surf and Us, also mid-island, offers elevated one- and two-bedroom units directly on the beach. Rates start at $135 per day off-season, and weekly rentals run $910-$1,540.

Castaways Resort on the far western tip of Sanibel Island offers another pet-friendly getaway option. The beach-to-bay property is an Old Florida classic, with its pool, marina, adorable cottages and low-slung motel dotting the spit of land between the bird-filled shallows of the back bay and the gently rolling Gulf.

A front-desk staffer told us there's no size limit on pets, but you can't bring a pit bull or a Rottweiler. Cats and caged birds are welcome. The charge for bringing your pet is $20 extra per night.

The resort asks that pets not be left alone for more than two hours at a time, an easy feat, considering that next door is a grocery and wine shop, the casual but upscale Sunset Grill and the Lazy Flamingo, an island tradition serving fresh seafood baskets, ice cold beer and raw bar temptations.

Sanibel also has a wildly popular pet shop called Island Paws where you and yours will be welcomed with open arms. Gourmet treats, accessories and mementos of your island stay are there in droves. There's even a do-it-yourself dog-wash station, if you'd like to wash the last of the sand off before driving home. Or, the staff at Island Paws will shampoo and groom your buddy if you'd like to have your own spa day on Sanibel.

>>The Wild Wave Resort 3650 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 463-8900; www.flvacation.com

>>Surf and Us 3870 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 463-6882; www.flvacation.com

>>Castaways Resort 6460 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel 472-1252; www.castawayssanibel.com

>>Dog Beach Park 8600 Estero Blvd., Bonita Beach 533-7275

Anchor out

 

Since you can pass on buying airfare, skip the airport parking fees and forego a hotel stay, you might well have enough vacation cash to rent a yacht for the week. Locally owned Southwest Florida Yachts has been hooking up skippers (as well as Gilligans and Mary Anns) with getaway yachts for nearly 20 years. The fleet includes power and sailboats, from smaller day-sailers to trawlers, all of which depart from North Fort Myers.

If you have cruising experience or a boating resume that qualifies you to captain someone else's privately owned yacht, the process is straightforward: You have a chat with the staff, chose the vessel of your staycation dreams, fill out a reservation form and submit it with your cruising resume and a 50 percent deposit.

On the day of departure, owners Vic and Barb Hansen or their staff will give you or your skipper an extensive check-out aboard the vessel and go over charts of local waters. Then you'll pull up anchor and be on your way.

In a week's time you have lots of great options between Venice and Marco Island. Among the most popular spots are just off Useppa Island and adjacent to Cayo Costa (near the state park).

If you want to pull up to a dock for the night, there are a number of places for that, too. There's a fantastic city dock in Venice. Cabbage Key and Pine Island's Tarpon Lodge have a lovely Old Florida ambiance, and on Captiva Island you can choose from the upscale South Seas Island Resort, low-key Jensen's Marina or the ever-popular 'Tween Waters Inn. Downtown Fort Myers will lure some to her riverfront docks, while others will want to overnight at Port Sanibel or Sanibel Marina.

In good weather, one can anchor off the Sanibel Causeway and take the dinghy to Gramma Dot's at Sanibel Marina for coconut shrimp or a grouper sandwich. Fort Myers Beach and the city of Naples have docking opportunities, as well.

While cruising isn't exactly an inexpensive staycation, the cost will compare favorably to that trip to Europe you were planning before the bottom fell out. Your dollar is actually still worth a dollar all up and down the Gulf Coast.

For more information, "The Waterway Guide" (Florida West Coast & Keys edition) offers a tremendous number of resources for the cruising sailor. >>Southwest Florida Yachts 3444 Marinatown Lane N.W. North Fort Myers 656-1339; www.swfyachts.com

Go incognito

 

Which island holds the fewest number of people who know you? That's the one where you want to find an off-season cottage or condo rental. With agencies and condo owners wheeling and dealing this year, you and your flip-flops could have a whole new perspective by 5 o'clock tonight. Stop shaving. Dress however you want. No one knows what you do or who you are. Bliss!

The most remote option, of course, would be Cayo Costa, but a rustic cottage at the state park isn't very comfortable this time of year. For a secluded island staycation with air conditioning and other modern conveniences, consider North Captiva.

Accessible only by boat, the island to the north of Captiva has all the ingredients necessary for unplugging — which amounts to not much. Once you disembark from your water taxi (call Jensen's Marina on Captiva), it's just you and your bicycle, you and your kayak, you and your fishing pole, you and that trashy novel you've been hiding.

If you rent through North Captiva Island Club Resort, your island fantasy gets better by leaps and bounds: Each rental comes with its own golf cart, nice beach chairs, grill and use of the resort pool, tennis courts, bicycles and fitness center. You even get access to The Boat House restaurant.

We found a two-bedroom, two-bath, beachfront villa that normally rents for $3,400 a week in-season, online at $1,760 per week in the summer. Even without trying to negotiate a better rate, which could well be worth it in a year like this, you can grab your best friends and you're looking at $125 per night, per couple, for a fully loaded cottage on the beach with its own Gulf-view sun deck and hot tub. Last-minute renters often get great deals. And if there are only two of you, know that the rental agency understands you'll cause less wear and tear, and they factor that into your rate.

Your first night, you'll discover that nearly every cottage on North Captiva has a deck up above the palm tree canopy. It's a funny sight, really, standing on your deck to see the Gulf, and looking across the island, a sea of green fronds below, to all the other rooftop decks.

So provision for your stay with some groceries and whatever libations best put you in the island state of mind, and then hop aboard a boat for your incognito staycation on North Captiva. If you have your own boat, all the better. Some homes come with dockage, and then you can enjoy daytripping to Cabbage Key for a burger in paradise, or shelling on Cayo Costa.

North Captiva has a couple of restaurants, an ice cream shop and a little gift shop, but not much else. This is a staycation for anglers, sun worshippers, boaters and do-nothings. Pack a jigsaw puzzle, your poker set, your knitting needles. And yes, Virginia, there is satellite TV — but the sound of the sea is much more soothing. >>North Captiva Island Club Resort (800) 576-7343 www.northcaptiva.com

Pass the Grey Poupon

 

Your 2009 travel budget might have been blown to smithereens, but that doesn't mean your taste buds can't escape the daily grind. Break out of the ordinary and hire a private chef for a special dinner with friends.

Chef Matt Mitchell, who trained at the prestigious Johnson & Wales University Culinary School, has been working as a private chef in Lee County for a dozen years. Your foodie wish is his command, basically, or he can dream up something fantastic. The format of his services is also up to you. Chef Mitchell can prepare one special dinner, or do three meals a day, for as many days as your budget can handle.

"I try to source everything locally," Chef Mitchell says of his menus that take advantage of the freshest seasonal ingredients. "I've got a fish house on Pine Island," he says. "I use all Florida beef; I get it from a lady up in Port Charlotte that has grass-fed beef. I use local produce when I can."

When we caught up with him, he was on Captiva Island, cooking for the inhabitants of a rental home where he often works by the week. We asked what was on the dinner menu the previous evening: "Last night I did a marinated conch salad with fresh hearts of palm, and a plantain-crusted lobster tail with a papaya buerre blanc, black beans with chorizo, and a saffron basmati rice. And for dessert, one of my favorites: a mango pineapple upside-down cake, with a scoop of Queenie's toasted coconut ice cream on top."

The thought of enjoying such a meal in bare feet, in the comfort of your own home or rental, is pretty darn appealing. Chef Mitchell does a lot of anniversary dinners, birthday affairs, and often cooks for 10-12. He charges $100 per hour, plus the cost of food, which can be split among friends, for one heckuva night.

Many people who hire Mitchell end up watching and learning as he preps and cooks, and he doesn't mind that a bit. "It's almost like a little cooking class," he says. "It's all part of the experience."

He brings the food and all his own tools; all your kitchen really has to have is a stove. "It doesn't matter the size of the kitchen," he says. "It's not really relevant." As part of the price, he brings an assistant to help wash pots and pans, tend bar and serve.

The chef will suggest wine pairings if requested, or will write a menu around the customer's wines. He even does breakfast, and what a memorable way to start the day. "I do a stone crab Benedict that's pretty good," he says, adding, "That's something you won't find in a restaurant." Indeed.

For a true stay-at-home staycation, bring in Chef Mitchell for a meal or two. >>Chef Matt Mitchell 340-8651; www.mattzchef.com mattzchef@aol.com

New Urbanite

 

Have you always fantasized about living in a city where you could walk to everything? Although Southwest Florida's vibe is definitely car-centric, you can check into Hyatt Place hotel at Estero's Coconut Point and simply forget your ride. Walk (or bike) to live music, wine tastings, new movies, great shopping, all sorts of restaurants, even a grocery.

Coconut Point wasn't marketed as a mall; it was presented, from day one, as a lifestyle center. After spending a little time ogling the condos and wandering from restaurant to bar to shop, we see exactly what the developer was getting at. Coconut Point is a re-creation of the city lifestyle for people who miss it, or dream of it, but without the problems that typically besiege urban areas.

The just-opened Hyatt Place gives couples room to stretch out between small expeditions. These contemporary suites feel much more like a small condo than a hotel room, yet come with amazing hotel perks. Take, for instance, the 24-hour Guest Kitchen, in which staff will whip up the meal or snack of your choice, anytime of the day or night. Or consider the Hyatt's signature Grand Bed™, the 42-inch HDTV, free wi-fi, a refrigerator to stock with your own favorite goodies, complimentary daily breakfast, a nice pool, and the on-site bakery café, with Starbucks coffee, beer and wine. Are you starting to feel it?

The lodging at Coconut Point should sound appealing to all but die-hard road warriors. We encourage you to take a luxurious day or two soaking up a comfortable, stress-free environment in which you have no responsibilities. Leave your towels on the floor if you want. Simply pick up the phone for more shampoo. Enjoy someone else's cooking. You have no chores whatsoever. There's a pretty good chance that

big, cushy bed is going to lure you into it, in

 

broad daylight. And that's the whole point.

When the urge to explore finally hits, you're in luck. Does a first-run feature film sound good? An elegant steak dinner? A relaxing wine tasting? Live jazz? Maybe a slice of pizza is just the thing to make you feel like you're on vacation. Or perhaps you'd like to spend time hanging out in a bookstore filled with novels, magazines and new music, all of which can be sampled for hours on end.

Hyatt Place makes a Coconut Point staycation even more enticing this summer by offering every second night at half price. We're not in the math business, but we're pretty sure that gives guests four nights for the price of three, or eight nights for the price of six.

Downtown alternative

For some staycationers, a great alternative to Coconut Point will be the River District of downtown Fort Myers. It's urban, it's pedestrian and it's exciting, with an architecturally rich district as the backdrop.

A room at the new Hotel Indigo makes a perfect home base for exploration. Part of the boutique hotel division of Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo has made its stylish mark on the River District, with its thoroughly hip lobby lounge, rooftop pool and bar and access to all sorts of entertainment.

The River District offers a perfect counterpoint to both driving and beaches. Set the mood early for this particular staycation by taking a cab to your temporary abode. Then enjoy the vibrant transportation mode of cities around the globe: foot power.

The city just spent a fortune on a beautification plan; the businesses that survived the turmoil, such as the cozy Bar Association, offer a Cheers-like ambience in which to enjoy the evening. H2 still serves the best tapas in town. Numerous galleries throw their doors open for monthly Art Walks on the first Friday, but are open to the public throughout the week.

We found Saturday-to-Saturday room rates at Hotel Indigo for as little as $121, but switching to a Sunday-Friday stay raised the rate to $135 per night. Either way, downtown Fort Myers is a winner and requires absolutely no security checkpoints, no no layovers and no shared armrests.

For those toying with the idea of selling the house and taking advantage of bargain downtown condos, this is your chance to give the urban life a whirl. You might not like the grass as much as you think you do. >>Hotel Indigo 2115 Main St., Fort Myers 332-0070; www.hotelftmyers.com >>Hyatt Place Coconut Point 23120 Via Villagio, Estero 495-1395; www.Coconutpoint.place.hyatt.com

Your boat, your way

 

Anyone who boats Southwest Florida waters is familiar with Cabbage Key, the funky hilltop bar, restaurant and lodge that never closes. It was with great anticipation that in-the-know locals received the news of Cabbage Key owner Rob Wells having purchased a derelict rehab center on Pine Island's western shore a few years ago. They correctly assumed the property's former fishing lodge, circa 1926, would become a fun destination, another laid-back place where they could boat in, have a bite to eat or a cocktail and be treated like an old friend. Heck, a person can even drive to Pineland… if he has to.

Boating is a far superior way to arrive in the tiny town anchored by what is now the popular Tarpon Lodge. Mr. Wells' amiable son and namesake moved home from New York City to run the joint, which consists of a marina, restaurant and lodging. A new building was constructed to hold comfortable accommodations with porches facing Pine Island Sound; the property's historic home houses a few more rooms, one of the county's coziest bars and a superior restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

On hot or rainy nights, guests congregate in the bar, with its mounted tarpon, brick fireplace and single-malt scotches, then move to the dining room. The restaurant's screened porch is often full, however, and sunset is the appetizer, entrée and dessert that many come to witness.

The younger Wells applied his Cabbage Key sensibility and Wall Street smarts to his family's latest acquisition, and has created the perfect staycation getaway for boaters. For one week of your life, don't mess with boat ramps, don't mess with trailers, don't pay to have your boat hauled to and from the docks. Just power your pride and joy out to the western side of Pine Island, pull into a slip, saunter to your hotel room and prepare for the easiest week of boating in your life.

For as little as $130 a night, you can claim a water-view room with a king-size bed, and here's the kicker: Your boat is steps away, in the water and ready to go, for $15 daily dockage. Gas is "about a 30-second trip, at Pineland Marina," according to staff, and if you have a chart, you know the rest of the story. Captiva, North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, Boca Grande, Bokeelia, Matlacha, Burnt Store, Cape Coral, even Punta Gorda are all yours to explore, in your own vessel, on your own schedule. Anglers, waterskiers, birders: This is the staycation of your dreams.

The biggest surprise about this laidback nirvana is a toss-up between the food and the live music. Both have a loyal following. The restaurant pulls out all the stops for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Filet mignon tenderloin bites or blue crab and roasted corn chowder for starters? You decide. But save room for avocado cucumber salad topped with the day's fresh catch. The menu alone is worth the trip.

And then there's the music. You might easily catch a mind-blowing acoustic guitar act on a Tuesday night. Inquire about entertainment when booking your room; Tarpon Lodge has shown a real dedication to hiring some of the area's finest performers. When locals mingle with resort guests on music nights, it's all good. >>Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant - 13771 Waterfront Drive, Pineland 283-3999; www.tarponlodge.com GPS coordinates: N 26.39.562 W 082.09.180

Be adventurous: Discover Punta Gorda

 

Lewis and Clarke were fearless in their approach to new territory about which they knew nothing. They also had some pretty severe travel restrictions, but headed out for adventure nonetheless. Follow their lead and spend some time in an intriguing nearby place that you've always meant to explore but somehow never have.

Our vote is for Punta Gorda, its quaint downtown boasting the fabulous new Wyvern Hotel and more than a few killer restaurants. PG also has a huge waterfront park with weekly jam sessions in one of its pavilions; an honest-togoodness Irish bar; and one of Southwest Florida's classic waterfront hangouts.

This historic burg also affords visitors the chance to step back in time, via brick-paved streets and charming Old Florida cottages. Conversation with friendly residents is highly likely, and the whole experience is a unique way to unwind from the travails of modern city life. Honestly, when was the last time you just went for an evening stroll through a pretty little town?

Start your own exploration by checking in to the stylish Wyvern. The hotel sports a rooftop pool and pool bar, contemporary rooms and that whole walkto everything bonus. For as little as $109 a night, you and someone special can enjoy a king-size bed, a tempting minibar, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and your own iPod docking station. Stay three nights or more and enjoy a free upgrade to a deluxe room overlooking

the Charlotte Harbor. Several great restaurants are steps away, but don't let your urge to discover route you past the hotel's own dining option. The standout items on the menu at the hotel's Lulu restaurant will get anyone salivating; put a little restaurant money in the budget for gingerbread pancakes, coconut lobster chowder and plantain lasagna.

Beyond the hotel lies an epicurean and entertainment bonanza, all reachable by foot (and certainly by bicycle). Don't miss having lunch or dinner at The Perfect Caper. Owner and Chef Jeanie Roland, nominated twice for the James Beard Foundation's short list, serves lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, and for the summer months is offering a prix fixe dinner of two courses for $20. On Saturdays there are two-pound lobsters at cost.

Also nearby is The Celtic Ray, an authentic Irish pub. The environment is unique enough to merit a visit, but the food and beer will keep you coming back. Try the Guinness Stew for lunch, and be sure to ask if there's any live music on the calendar.

River City Grill remains a local's favorite; this clubby restaurant has a full bar, occasional live music and an appealing menu. Locals vie for tables and barstools nightly; you're sure to make new friends here.

Bin 82 is a relaxing wine bar that made its mark as soon as it opened a couple of years ago. Presseller's Deli has consistently offered great takeout, should you want something to nosh on in the city's beautiful waterfront Gilchrist Park, an utterly irresistible thought.

Architecture buffs will thrill to the interior of the Ice House Pub on Tamiami Trail. The beer is cold, the darts are plentiful, and there's bar food as well. Don't miss this spot.

Other winners: Café Ruelle, a tiny coffee, wine and dessert spot, hidden down a charming alley off Marion; and Cubby's ice cream parlor.

A few blocks to the south is Fisherman's Village, full of shops and restaurants. Harpoon Harry's still holds the prime spot, hanging out over the water, with open-air seating and an east coast boardwalk feel. Linger over sunset and enjoy terrific harbor views.

If it's water that speaks loudest to you, there is a second hotel to consider in Punta Gorda, the just-opened Sheraton Four Points. For under $100 per night, you can enjoy a harbor-view room. The walk is slightly farther to get to downtown restaurants than from the Wyvern.

No matter where you stay in PG, you win. Be adventurous. Try it on for size.

Punta Gorda destinations

>>The Wyvern Hotel Punta Gorda 101 East Retta Esplanade (941) 639-7700; www.thewyvernhotel.com >>Four Points by Sheraton Harbor Resort and Yacht Club 33 Tamiami Trail (941) 637-6770; www.starwoodhotels.com >>River City Grill 131 W. Marion Ave. (941) 639-9080 >>The Perfect Caper 121 E. Marion Ave. (941) 505-9009; www.theperfectcaper.com www.puntagorda-chamber.com