by Elizabeth Hilldring
The 1978 “Guide to South Seas Plantation” guest directory, under Dining, reads “…enter Kings Crown through dramatic French doors into a setting of charm and elegance. With light pouring in through the wood-paned windows, paddle-fans whirling lazily overhead, and a picturesque backdrop of rattan and wicker, you are quickly transported to an earlier, more gracious era.”
In 1880, South Seas Plantation was the largest producer of key limes in the world. Kings Crown once served as a warehouse to store fruit, then became a restaurant, and has since been incarnated as a 220-seat banquet space. For decades, shared memories have been created within its walls during wedding receptions, family reunions, and anniversary soirées. With the original fireplace, brick flooring and long view to Pine Island Sound over a lawn of palm trees, the same description of Kings Crown could be written today.
While the resort is not normally open to the public, South Seas is inviting the local community to celebrate the season at Kings Crown with Twelve Days of Christmas—twelve days of holiday brunch, lunch, and dinner affairs. A portion of the proceeds for each event will be donated to the Salvation Army’s family center, with which South Seas partnered during last year’s holiday season.
Creating lasting partnerships is becoming the modus operandi at this vacation destination that has changed hands and monikers many times over the years. Don’t call it a comeback, because South Seas never left. It was, however, given a $140 million renovation in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley. That facelift provided the 330-acre wildlife sanctuary with brand-new amenities and leadership. In addition, there is a renewed dedication to the community it serves and the thirty years of guests who have passed through its gates.
One of those new leaders is a twenty-year hospitality veteran whose style brings old-world charm to every acre. Managing Director of South Seas Rick Hayduk, appointed in June 2008, has personally reached out to local community organizations in an effort to regain a presence in the local community.
“A resort as historically significant as South Seas is unique,” says Hayduk. “Every day I learn something new about the resort’s past from talking with guests whose families have been coming here for generations. With Twelve Days of Christmas, we acknowledge South Seas’ intrinsic value where traditions are cherished and memories are made.”
As one of Parents Magazine’s Top Ten Beach Resorts for Families, South Seas is creating a new formula for success; it’s welcoming the community to participate in upcoming special events for the remainder of 2009 and throughout 2010.
In October, South Seas hosted the first annual “Run for Reading” weekend, presented by Internal Medicine Associates (IMA) and benefitting the Literacy Volunteers of Lee County. The weekend included a 5k run, an aqualthon, and a wellness fair led by IMA. The event, open to the public, was a success. Literacy Volunteers of Lee County Director Tess Murphy said, “Our organization was thrilled that South Seas recognized the importance of adult literacy in Lee County. We can’t wait for next year!"
On November 6–8, South Seas will be hosting “The Buddy Walk Weekend” to benefit the funding of a local summer camp for special-needs children, partnering with an existing organization. Proceeds will be given to the National Down Syndrome Society. The weekend includes a 1.5-mile walk, family activities, and an invitation to enjoy amenities such as South Seas’ new waterslide attraction called H2Whoa!
Other events include a Mother/Daughter weekend in early February 2010, presented by The Bell Tower’s Saks Fifth Avenue and benefiting a local charity.
Hayduk says, “By hosting special-events weekends, South Seas is looking towards a future of strategic partnerships in the local community while staying true to its roots as a multi-generational classic.”
For details regarding booking a reservation for Twelve Days of Christmas, please call 239-472-7685. For more information on all South Seas’ upcoming special events, please call 1-800-CAPTIVA. For more information on South Seas Island Resort, please visit www.southseas.com.