Spring Break, Island Style — How We Made Memories (And Saved Money) On Captiva Island

Spring break always feels like a reset button. It’s a chance to slow down, soak up the sun and spend time with the people we love most. This year, we took it to the next level by booking Plantation House at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island for a joint vacation with another family. Think toes-in-the-sand mornings, sunset-chasing evenings and kids zipping around in golf carts all day long.

Here’s how we made the most of our island escape, and how HGV Points turned into a big win for our wallet.

Booking The Dream: Points, Planning And A Smart Payback

As HGV Club Members, we’ve gotten pretty savvy when it comes to making our points work for us, and this trip was no exception. We booked Plantation House at South Seas Island Resort using HGV ClubPoints, but because we were planning a bigger spring break with another family, we needed a little boost. So, we borrowed points from the following year (hello, flexibility) to lock in the perfect stay that could accommodate both families comfortably.

Here’s the smart part: Since the other family didn’t have a membership, they paid us in cash for their half of the unit, which covered our annual maintenance fee for the entire year. Win-win!

Island Vibes: What To Do On Captiva Island

If you’ve never been to Plantation House, here’s the vibe in one word: chill. The whole island feels like it’s on island time, and that’s exactly what we needed.

Golf Carts Equal Island Freedom

Hands down, the best decision we made aside from booking the trip was renting a golf cart. Not only did the kids love cruising to the beach and ice cream shop, but it made exploring the resort easy, breezy and way more fun. Tip: Reserve your cart early because they go fast during peak seasons.

Sunset Chasing On Captiva

Every night felt like a private showing of nature’s best work. The sunsets on Captiva are next-level — pink, orange, purple and everything in between. Grab a blanket, head to the beach with your group and just be. No agenda, no stress, just pure island magic.

Eating Out On The Island

While each family brought groceries to make simple meals in our unit’s full kitchen, we also ventured out for fresh seafood, casual beachside lunches and, of course, the occasional frozen cocktail. There’s something extra special about dining out with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves in the background.

Beach Days And Poolside Play

The beach was steps away, and the resort’s pools were a huge hit with the kids. We spent lazy mornings hunting for shells, afternoons floating around with pool noodles and evenings watching dolphins play just offshore. It was the kind of screen-free, memory-making fun that everyone craves.

Making Memories With Those Who Matter Most

The best part of the whole trip was sharing it with another family. From early morning coffee runs to late-night card games on the balcony, the laughter and togetherness made this vacation one for the books. The kids bonded instantly, and the adults got the rare chance to relax.

Traveling with another family also made everything feel easier, including shared meals, built-in playmates for the kids and a lot of laughs. And knowing we were able to make the most of our HGV membership, while covering our maintenance fee in the process, made the whole experience even sweeter.

Final Thoughts: Should You Do It?

If you’re considering a trip to South Seas, do it. Whether you're traveling with friends, extended family or just your own crew, this resort checks every box: beautiful scenery, fun activities, laid-back energy and plenty of space to reconnect.

And if you’re an HGV Club Member like us, don’t forget to explore the flexibility you already have. Borrow points when it makes sense and consider creative ways to share the trip and the costs with others. Sometimes, your dream vacation is just a few clever clicks away.

Read “Dreamscapes And Lava Flows: Our Unforgettable Waikoloa Adventure” for more tropical vibes via one Member’s memorable Hawaiian adventure.