If you're looking for luxury in southwest Florida, don't fret. Start with Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa and the rest of your luxury getaway will fall into place.

Cruise the Gulf of Mexico's turquoise waters aboard a multi-million dollar yacht. Indulge in massages and body wraps at a world-class spa. Let the sand tickle your toes on nearby Sanibel Island, where seashells and sunsets take center stage.

The Fort Myers and Sanibel area on Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast is ideal for a laidback yet luxurious getaway. You'll find numerous ways to live it up in this part of the Sunshine State – here are four sure-fire bets centered around one top-rated resort.


1) Book a Room at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa

Breathtaking water views greet you at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, located on a private peninsula overlooking Sanibel and Captiva islands. Nestled among 85 acres of coastal scenery, this tropical resort has been named among the "Top 10 Spa Resorts in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler.

Unpack your bags and head outdoors to one of the cascading pools. Order a cool concoction from the poolside bar or cast a line off the private fishing pier, where snook abound. Play tennis on the championship complex or take advantage of preferred tee times at area golf courses. In the afternoon, take a nap in a hammock. Then feast on pepper-dusted ahi tuna and filet mignon at the Courtside Steakhouse, one of several restaurants on-site and home to a 1,200-bottle wine cellar. This is the kind of day you could really get used to, and the kind of place you won't want to leave.


2) Set Sail on the Sanibel Harbour Princess

For an unforgettable experience, board the resort's very own private luxury yacht, the $3.2 million Sanibel Harbour Princess. Savor exquisite cuisine and picturesque views of Florida's Gulf Coast aboard a nightly sunset dinner cruise or a Sunday brunch cruise.

Dinner cruise fare includes pan-seared salmon with tropical fruit salsa and beef tenderloin, while brunch features eggs benedict and pastries. Both offer an array of delectable desserts (key lime pie, anyone?). After dining, check out the view from the observation deck or kick back in the salons, which are equipped with flat-screen TVs and full bars.

The Princess, which is also available for private charters, is the perfect backdrop for romance. Couples can exchange vows on the deck or hold an unforgettable reception at sea.


3) Get a Four-handed Massage

Picture this: two therapists kneading the tension from your body for nearly an hour. It's called the four-handed massage, and it's double the bliss. You can get one at the 40,000-square-foot Spa at Sanibel Harbour. The spa offers more than 60 beauty and body care treatments, several of which use sea-derived products.

Try a Mango Salt Glo, a Sea Shell Body Mask or a Cool Blue Facial. Drop in for an hour or, with packages like "Day Dreamer" and "Perfectly Pampered," stay a while. Couples can enjoy the Caloosa Experience, a one-of-a-kind sensation inspired by the spiritual Calusa Indians, native to the area. This 55-minute treatment soothes the mind, body, spirit and relationship. The spa will even come to you – guests can enjoy a massage in the privacy of their guest room.

The spa also includes an expansive fitness center with work-out equipment, aerobics, yoga and Pilates classes, and personal trainers – just in case all this relaxing isn't really your style.


4) Spend the Day on Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island and neighboring Captiva Island are just across the bridge from the resort. Stroll white-sand shores, swim in the warm Gulf waters and make scouting out shells the only thing on your "to-do" list. It's simple-but-true luxury.

Fuel up at The Island Cow with old-fashioned favorites like buttermilk pancakes and grits. Look for egrets and white ibis at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, or keep an eye out for dolphin in Tarpon Bay.

Other great ways to explore these sun-drenched islands are by bike or on foot. Don't miss the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, built in 1884 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information on planning a luxury getaway to the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, call 866-283-3273 or visit the resort's website.