It’s no secret that I chase Marriotts. There’s got to be an upside to my husband’s insane work travel. Right? Well, there is ONE. It’s a big one. Points. Marriott points. Lots of them.

So when we decided to explore Sanibel Island on the tail end of our spring break this year of course we didn’t consider staying anywhere but the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa. Perched above the sea with dramatic views of the small islands outside of Sanibel, the Marriott is a great location although it is off the island. We were in an 8^th floor room with a pool and ocean view in the Sanibel tower and we could literally see dolphins diving below!

As dusk neared, the long wooden docks that lead from the pool out into the ocean came alive with diving pelicans and swarming fish. I pushed the baby in the stroller and tipped my face to the sky, inhaling in the salty sea air and letting the warm wind toss my hair. There’s nothing more peaceful for me than the sea and nature coming together.

The hotel does not have a beach, but the pool is perfectly kid friendly and there are innumerable beaches on Sanibel and Captiva. Put your patient hat on, as the drive into Sanibel is a long, crowded one. We entertained ourselves counting up our nature points as we spotted dolphins, snakes, lizards, and tropical birds outside our lowered car windows.

On Captiva we did the requisite searching for shells and the kids had a blast in Sanibel wave-diving and jet skiing.

I busied myself chasing the baby down the beach, burning calories from several grouper sandwiches I devoured.

During our stay we divided our time between the beaches and the pool at the hotel and enjoyed a poolside lunch where they graciously brought a high chair pool side. Talk about service! We ate al fresco at the Tarpon Restaurant at the hotel and

every morning I was gloriously happy to pick up a Starbucks at the onsite café. Chilled coffee in hand, I maneuvered the baby stroller along with my older son each morning down the tree lined beautiful walkways of the hotel which were brimming with tropical flowers, birds, and some pesky little gnats too. We braved the gnat bites, however, as the walk was beautiful.

 The Marriott didn’t disappoint Easter morning when they put on an egg hunt for all of the children staying that day. I grabbed a lemon-soaked water from the front desk and giggled as children literally raced down the sidewalk to be the first to find one of 15 golden eggs.

 It was a good time had by all! --Even the baby who didn’t mind tumbling several times in the tall Florida grass in search of plastic eggs.

 Since the suites were sold out during this busy March week, our family stayed in a double room which always brings its ‘joys’. Having all five of us in one room at night is unfortunately all too eventful, but the room was a nice size and the balcony was a welcome retreat for me to listen to the birds singing and to soak in the warmth of the sun while reading a good book and for my husband to make work calls and to enjoy a rare icy beer.

Even the baby loved to push his face against the balcony bars, dancing, relishing the warm days.

 The traffic to Sanibel was not our favorite, but the Marriott was a great location to explore the island and the hotel was an easy drive to Fort Meyers Beach as well.

We ended our trip lunching there al fresco, people watching, and seeing the sea life in full force from pier. --A surprisingly easy detour from the hotel en route to the conveniently located airport.

Thanks Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa for a sunny place to create wonderful family memories.

 Xo, Bree