“Hidden Gem”. “Diamond in the rough”. There are many expressions that come to mind to describe the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. But, the best way to do it justice: “Perfect Family Vacation”.
Located on 26 acres overlooking breathtaking Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, the Bonita Springs Florida hotel – recently honored with Florida Green Lodging’s Three Palm eco-friendly certification – offers limitless recreation, personalized service and attention to detail at every turn.
My husband and two sons, ages 10 and 12, recently flew into Tampa and drove to Bonita Springs. We stopped in Venice, the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World,” to see if we could dig up some fossilized shark teeth. We found 3 teeth, which was enough to satisfy our curiosity and headed straight to Coconut Point, where our idyllic vacation awaited.
Upon arrival, it’s easy to see why the property, with its pools, water slides and private island for family picnics was recently named among Travel + Leisure’s 500 World’s Best Hotels. There was enough activity for the kids and enough downtime for parents. My active boys hit the rock climbing wall within the first five minutes of check-in, while we found a lounge chair by the adjacent pool.
As any parent with kids-on-the-go knows, having a coffee shop on site is a luxury while on a family vacation. The Kofe Nut marketplace became our morning ritual. A cup of Starbucks brew for mom and dad and plenty of bagels and croissants to satisfy the kids before they ran off to the pool. The shop even sells bags of S’mores kits to take to the large outdoor fire pit in the evenings.
The “No Parents Allowed” policy at Camp Hyatt (Camp Coconut) makes it easy for parents to have a real vacation – not an “aggravacation.” The Recreation Staff is ready for action with events like Water Balloon Toss, Arts & Crafts, Sand Castle Fun, Movies, Aquatic Adventures and Looking for Dolphins. While we were visiting for Spring Break, they had Spring Break Saturdays and for Easter weekend, the Easter Bunny visits children in their rooms and even does a performance of the Bunny Hop – poolside.
My kids loved grabbing a bucket of golf balls ($10 from the recreation staff at the pool) and heading over to the property’s special chipping area, where the goal is to try and hit a golf ball onto a Florida-shaped landing pad in the shape of Florida. When we arrived, there were four balls sitting on top of the green. The rest of them were in the surrounding waterway. Hours later, there were 5! My youngest son stunned all of us when he made it (and we were happy to watch as we sat poolside for hours as he entertained himself!) The boys had mango smoothies at Corkscrew to celebrate.
To play a real round on the links, the boys took a hotel shuttle to the world class Raptor Bay Golf Club, a manicured championship 18-hole course. I was able to finish my book, work out in the expansive fitness center and sneak over to the Miramar Outlets for a quick “round” of shopping only about 15 minutes away.
The hotel also offers indulgent treatments at the 19,000-foot Stillwater Spa and a vast array of water sports available nearby. There are many choices to dine on site, including Tarpon Bay, Tanglewood, Corkscrew poolside dining and Mangroves (a bar with an outdoor terrace, where we sat outdoors and watched some March Madness on the outdoor televisions while the boys played outdoor ping pong and checked out the on-site arcade.
Other amenities include:
- Hyatt Grand BedTM / iHome stereo with iPod®docking station
- Deluxe bath with Portico bath products
- Regency Club and stylish suites
- Hertz / shops / DVD library / babysitting
- Complimentary shuttle to golf and beach
- Cold-plunge waterfall / bicycle and kayak rentals
Our stay at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point opened our eyes to a really special place on Florida’s West Coast. The expansive property, with beautiful waterfalls and lush tropical nature preserves, was an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of our lives. We were able to relax while the kids were in heaven – swimming, golfing and eating lots of the “most perfectly made S’mores in the world,” according to my son.
From the moment we stepped into the lobby and were served a glass of champagne, we felt like there was reason to celebrate. The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point takes the word family-friendly to a whole new level. For our family, it will be added to our travel list, but will top our list of places we want to return.
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