Palm Island Resort, located on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, is the state’s only true-out island resort. There are no bridges or causeways to the island, which ensures a relaxed, tropical vacation setting.
i usually don’t do this but I couldn’t let this go by! We went on a family vacation here and it was not a good experience! 2 strange people tried to walk into out room while we were there. One of them was so drunk he didn’t know where he was? Golf cart full of drunks stopped in front of our unit and one of them relieved himself; then when he was asked not to do it got very belligerent with us? After contacting security they left but came back and continued to harass us? We finally contacted security again and went inside. I left a pouch of jewelry in the room after checking out(I know stupid me) and of course when they were contacted the very same day they didn’t find it. We also left a tackle box that they did find and return but when we received it it was nearly empty. Sorry Palm Island but I wouldn’t recommend! Return my jewelry and I will retract!
Bill C.
Place rating: 4 Englewood, FL
I love the Island feel of this place, like being stranded with all the comforts of home in the comfy condos. If you want to get away and have miles of private beach this is it. Bill,
Marlyn S.
Place rating: 4 Davie, FL
We came here for a friends wedding. It is the equivalent of a rustic Fischer Island. We shared a beautiful house villa with 4people that included a stocked usable kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a washer and dryer. We faced the ocean and had beach access from our villa. We got around the island with a gulf cart that we rented. It was fabulous. The one tip I recommend is BYOF. There are no late restaurant or convenience stores open after 7pm. Therefore, if you get hungry you will need to wait till morning. Otherwise, the stay was very relaxing and would recommend for a beach destination wedding or for disconnecting and relaxing :)
Sandi G.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
We are staying in a magnificent beach villa on Palm Island. I, honestly, can’t say enough about our beautiful accommodations and the service on the island. The restaurants have delicious food, the beaches are gorgeous and the hospitality is first class! We will definitely be coming back and would highly recommend this vacation.
Ingrid B.
Place rating: 5 Tampa, FL
My family and I have been coming every summer for the last 10 years. It’s a week in summer that I always look forward to. It’s a wonderful place to unplug, unwind and relax. There is no traffic only golf carts. You do need to come prepared since there is only 1 restaurant and 1 shop on the island. There are kayaks and paddle boards available to go around the island. We spend our days on the beach and/or pool. Nights are spent watching beautiful sunsets and family time with board games and other fun stuff. This is totally a relaxing place, not much activity other than spotting manatees and other wildlife. Staff are great and very helpful. Once you are on the ferry, your worries start to fade and you instantly start vacation mode! Can’t wait for next year!
Am O.
Place rating: 5 Miami, FL
We absolutely loved Palm Island. The arrival was a bit tricky because the ferry terminal is hidden inside. We went when it was already dark. This is the perfect place to go and do nothing but enjoy company, the beautiful beach and nature. Make sure you bring all your needs(food, body care, etc.) There is only a small store on the island that offers very basic needs. We forgot the salt and were able to purchase some at the little restaurant on the island. This is a place for all those looking to RELAX!
Phoenix Simone W.
Place rating: 4 Arlington, VA
This place is wonderful. My family and I have been coming here every year for about the past 7 years. We go for the week of Christmas, so I’m not sure what it’s like any other time of year. My favorite thing about the island is that you aren’t allowed to drive cars on the island, only golf carts. There isn’t too much to do on the island, which is the beauty of it. We generally spend our time playing board games, going on bike rides, playing tennis, drinking cocktails, and enjoying the beach. Around Christmas there’s also a golf cart parade, which we always love decking out our golf cart for and driving around the island. I’ll admit that after about 4 days we get a little cabin fever and need to leave the island(not too much is near the island except a few restaurants and a movie theater), so it would be nice if there was a BIT more on the island to keep us entertained. There is one restaurant and one tiny shop, but the food isn’t the best. Anyway, if you’re looking for a relaxing peaceful vacation, this is the one.
Elizabeth G.
Place rating: 5 Miami, FL
HELLOOOPEACEFULWEEKEND! Absolutely lovely! You immediately get the feeling of escaping when you have to drive on the ferry to get to the island. Check in staff was welcoming and drove us to get our weekend transportation. a golf cart :) The Gulf of Mexico was the back yard to our cozy little Key’s style villa. Fully stocked kitchen. all you would need are you clothes and food and you could easily stay comfortably long term. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t so great so we weren’t able to kayak as planned so we walked the beach, napped to the sound of the waves, and later as the sun went down wen’t to Stump Pass for some night fishing where we caught dinner to take home. Saturday there was also a Art festival which was fun to check out, the locals were very kind. Kayaks, paddle boards and fishing rods are all for rent. We brought our own rods and went to a bait shop for live shrimp off the island on our Publix run. Two great restaurants, one for each night. Rum Bay right on the island and the other just a water taxi across the bay to. **TIP: With just two dining options(other just a short drive away) I would recommend stopping at Publix on your way in. don’t forget the wine and beer! Kitchen has all of your utensils. you just need the food** Wonderful Escape. we’ll remember our fancy clothes to wedding crash next time ;)
Julie A.
Place rating: 3 Fort Myers, FL
The view/beach is 5-star. However, bed is lumpy and creaks, radio doesn’t work, TV’s are archaic, fan on screened in porch does not work, so overall, a 3.5 star rating is generous, in our experience.
Davis J.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Turn on, tune in & drop out… at this place. Take vaca time from work. Drive your car on the car ferry. Park in lot. Get your golf cart. Check in to your condo. Don’t forget to sunscreen. Take a shot. Take another shot. Go to the beach and find shark teeth. Swim. Get more drunk. Race golf carts. Sleep(optional). ***REPEAT***
Jenna M.
Place rating: 4 Miami Beach, FL
My husband and I absolutely loved this place. We went in the off season with the family so it was nice and quiet and we had all the ammenities to ourselves. What we enjoyed the most: Great service. Very friendly staff. Nice big units. Close by pools whereever you are. Great fishing spots EVERYWHERE. You’ll need a golf cart to get around, I don’t recommend skimping on that. :)
Laura T.
Place rating: 3 Rockville, MD
Quiet. I suppose that is what one would expect mid week this time of year; between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is my first«quiet» vacation. Days filled with long morning runs on the beach, followed by short bike rides around the minimal streets here on the island. A dip in the hot tub and endless hours to read books, sip on wine and munch on cheese and crackers. There are very few people that I pass along my morning run; and even fewer on the streets as I pedal the rented beach cruiser… unless you count the small crews of construction guys working on two enormous beach front properties a quarter mile away from the resort. I’ve passed more«for sale» signs than people; yet sampled a plethora of fish for dinner between Rum Bay and Leverocks. Nothing glamorous; most people would find themselves bored after a few days. I however, have wrapped my arms around these few precious days that I can waste my thoughts on the rolling waves, spend my time counting the steps until I dip my sore toes in the refreshing coolness of gulf water and feel the sun kissing skin without feeling scorched. This… is nice.
J M.
Place rating: 5 Argyle, TX
Less said the better, best beach in the state, maybe the union