The year was 1968. The month was April. The skies were blue, the temperatures perfect for a Sanibel spring, and as the sun rose over the eastern horizon, a new day in island hospitality was dawning with the groundbreaking of what is today West Wind Island Resort, the “Official Beach Resort of Sanibel Island.” To commemorate the occasion now 50 years later, Sanibel Mayor Kevin Ruane has declared an official proclamation recognizing West Wind Island Resort of Sanibel Island for our half-century of successful island hospitality. 

Presented to ownership and management of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts this past week, West Wind Island Resort consistently ranks today as one of Southwest Florida’s top island resorts among user-generated travel review sites — and certainly, tops in the minds and hearts of the thousands of guests who’ve visited over the years, many of them second- and third-generation visitors. 

“We’re delighted and honored by this recognition from both the City of Sanibel and Mayor Kevin Ruane,” says Tony Lapi, Chief Executive Officer of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts. “We take pride in bringing highest quality hospitality to those who visit us each year and share our resorts, and 50 years is a testimony to the success each of our brand ambassadors bring to making those guests feel welcomed and valued.

So what’s the appropriate gift for a 50th anniversary? At West Wind Island Resort, we believe it’s the gift of sand, sunshine and smiles.

To celebrate, West Wind Island Resort has launched a year-long celebration of its 50 years of outstanding island hospitality with its “50 Cheers for 50 Years”promotion.

“50 Cheers for 50 Years” will award 48 individual winners each one Three-Night Sanibel Delight vacation at one of TripAdvisor’s top-rated Sanibel resorts (and the Official Beach Resort of Sanibel Island). In addition, one winner will receive a Four-Night Super Stay, with another winner enjoying a Five-Night Grand Stay. Winning entrants will be drawn randomly from online and social media entries at www.WestWindInn.com/50-Years or at www.Facebook.com/SanibelWestWind. Winners will be drawn on or approximately April 10, 2018; July 10, 2018; October 10, 2018; and January 10, 2019. Both Super Stay and Grand Stay winners will be announced on or about January 10, 2019. For more details and rules visit www.WestWindInn.com/50-years.

West Wind Island Resort is located on 500 pristine, private feet pf Gulf of Mexico beachfront and features 100-plus highest quality and comfort Gulf-front, Gulf-view and Garden-view studios and guestrooms. The resort also features a spacious pool and pool deck; top-rated Normandie Seaside Cafe for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Upper Deck Pool Bar for lunch, afternoon beverages, gorgeous sunsets and live music many nights; shuffleboard; cornhole and more. When you Book Direct at WestWindInn.com or via friendly on-site reservationists at 800.824.0476, you enjoy a variety of exclusive VIP benefits including no resort fee (versus other travel sites), free bicycle rentals, free paddleboard rentals, free standard Wi-Fi, free newspaper, free parking, free housekeeping, a $100 Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Coupon Book, plus easy and hassle-free reservations changes if you ever need. 

Celebrate “50 Cheers for 50 Years” and enter to win today!

west wind inn 50th anniversary proclamation

Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts ownership and management receiving the West Wind Island Resort 50th Anniversary Commemoration (left to right): Brett Gooch, General Manager; Doug Babcock, Chief Operating Officer; Rene Affourtit, Chief Financial Officer; and Tony Lapi, Chief Executive Officer.