Perfect vacations are found on Sanibel Island. Located just off the southwest coast of Florida, this barrier island offers activities, adventures and many ways to relax. Endless beaches remain unspoiled by tourists. This, combined with a veritable abundance of natural wildlife, promises the ideal retreat and refuge on Sanibel Island.

Sanibel has the infrastructure to support your every need and desire. A shopping district offers bargain fare and fashionable finds. Satisfy every craving at your choice of many fabulous restaurants. Accommodations are available to suit all types of travelers.

There are so many resorts and rentals available that it really is easy to find comfortable accommodations on Sanibel Island. Here are some of the best hotel and resort choices that Sanibel Island has to offer:

Beach Road Villas

Surrounded by natural vegetation and native wildlife, the Beach Road Villas offer the perfect tropical getaway. While just moments from the famous beaches of Sanibel, the water way at Beach Road Villas leads directly to the breathtaking Gulf of Mexico. Rent bicycles, beach wagons, umbrellas, hammocks, beach chairs, boat slips and more, right on the premises. Nightly rentals are available at Beach Road Villas.

Coquina Beach

Consider Coquina Beach for weekly Sanibel Island accommodations. Coquina Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico in close proximity to some amazing golf courses. If you like to golf, you’ll love this spot. The courses provide perfect year-round playing conditions.

Treat Yourself to Dugger’s Tropical Village

Dugger’s is one of the better-known properties, renting quaint cottages on Sanibel Island. Every cottage is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is located directly across the road from the revered Sanibel beach. Dugger’s Tropical Village is a prime location at an affordable price. When hunger strikes, take a short walk to the fabulous Riviera Italian restaurant.

Kick Back at Gulf Breeze Cottages

Gulf Breeze Cottages offer nightly and weekly Sanibel Island accommodation rentals on the island’s east end. It’s a combination of incomparable Florida charm with Sanibel’s natural beauty, all in a location close to the beach, shops and restaurants.

Loggerhead Cay

Families love Logger Cay for the tennis court, shuffleboard and pool. Beautifully landscaped grounds make it the perfect spot for relaxation when you just don’t feel like venturing to the beach. Great food and nightlife are nearby, including the critic pleasing “Ellington’s Jazz Bar and Restaurant”, winner of three “Taste of the Islands” awards and eight “Best of the Islands” awards. Weekly accommodations are available at Loggerhead Cay.

These are just a few of the many accommodation options you’ll find on Sanibel Island. Thanks to the natural beauty and excitement of the island itself, you’re sure to have a wonderful holiday no matter where you drop your suitcase.

Author: Farrell Harber.

Columnist Farrell Harber loves writing for numerous web magazines, on parks and recreation and sports store topics.

Although Sanibel Island’s main draw may seem run of the mill, its miles of white sand beaches are truly a sight to behold and have made this island one of the most sought after destinations in the state. Your stresses cannot help but dissipate when your eyes cast over the spectacular crystal blue expanse of the Gulf of Mexico and soak in the sharp contrast of the sand and sea. And as you glance down towards the soft sand that has gently made its way in between your toes, it becomes readily apparent why this is considered the best place for shell collecting in the country.

The 12 miles of sandy waterfront that surrounds the island can be almost magnetizing, making it difficult to drag yourself away from this unbelievable strip of beauty. However, when you retreat to your vacation rental accommodations, you never truly need to leave the beach behind since you are just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge and the gentle lap of the waves is always within sight from your balcony and bedroom windows. Even during sunset, you can saunter across the stunning sands directly behind your condo or house rental without worrying about making it back in time for a family dinner.

When the sun begins to shine on this stunning scenery and the pull of the water begins to overwhelm, you simply need to grab your immediate supplies and go. Walk down to Bowman’s Beach, considered the most popular on the island, and spread out for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and shelling surrounded by lush greenery on one side and gorgeous blue waves on the other. And if you happen to forget your sunglasses or some reading material, a simple stroll up the sand will lead back to your much needed supplies and back to your sunning spot in mere minutes.

In addition to the prime waterfront adventures that lie at your doorstep, many Sanibel Island vacation rentals offer their own form of active amusement for those times when you need a break from the sandy Gulf. A large private pool will certainly appease the kids when you want to relax in the shade, while the soothing hot tub is the surest way to melt away your sore muscles and stress. You can also take advantage of the pristine weather to get in a tennis match or two on the private courts or grab one of the kayaks or canoes that come with your rental for an afternoon of exploration.

When selecting the right Sanibel Island rental for your getaway, consider one that has the spectacular J.N. (“Ding”) Darling National Wildlife Refuge as its neighbor. The wildlife refuge is one of the best in the state and is teeming with recreational activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, kayaking, and, of course, wildlife viewing. The perfect place to commune with nature and appreciate the natural gifts that have been bestowed upon Sanibel Island, you are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from more adventures than you ever imagined.

Since Sanibel Island focuses on its au natural amusements and countless outdoor pursuits, the majority of any getaway is bound to be spent soaking up the splendor of the great outdoors. While your getaway will certainly be exciting when you stay close to the beaches and the “Ding” Darling Refuge, your vacation rental is waiting with wireless internet, a big screen TV, DVD players, and a fully-stocked kitchen to satisfy your entertainment needs when night has fallen on your outdoor wonderland. Inside or out, your vacation has never been more enjoyable or relaxing than when you stay in a vacation home or condo rental.

Author: Jennifer Weiss.

GreatRentals.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Sanibel Island vacation rentals for your next trip off Florida’s Gulf Coast.