Best Resorts in Fort Myers

Open since 1953, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina woos guests with its unobstructed ocean views, complimentary beach amenities and friendly staff. But the star attraction of this property is its location: Spread out across 12 acres in Fort Myers Beach, the resort boasts 1,500 feet of pristine white-sand beach, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Matanzas Pass on the other. Plus, the resort sits less than a mile from Fort Myers Beach's Times Square shopping hub. For those looking to take advantage of Florida's year-round sunshine, Pink Shell offers a variety of on-site amenities, including three heated pools, parasailing and nonmotorized water sports equipment rentals. When you're seeking cover from Florida's intense rays, head inside and indulge in a warm stone massage or a sugar scrub from the Aquagene Spa. A meal at one of the property's two restaurants is also a must. Once you're ready for a little R&R, retreat to one of the resort's 211 villas. Each features a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, a kitchenette or kitchen and an enclosed lanai. Note: The Pink Shell charges a $35 daily resort fee that covers in-room Wi-Fi access, two drinks at Bongo's on arrival day and daily beach chair and umbrella rentals.

Boasting rave-worthy views of nearby Sanibel Island, the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa's convenient locale – on the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico – makes it popular with vacationing families. Guests can delight in the property's gorgeous views, the five different dining venues available and the well-appointed (yet dated) accommodations, which boast furnished balconies and complimentary Wi-Fi access (which is covered by the $25 daily resort fee). Aside from in-room amenities, the resort has four swimming pools and plenty of services at the spa, including facials and body wraps. Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort is about 10 miles northeast of Sanibel Island (across the Sanibel Causeway) and 16 miles southwest of central Fort Myers. Guests urge travelers to bring bug spray and watch out for bird droppings, as the property sees its fair share of heat-loving wildlife. If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can use or earn points here.