March Madness: A Girls Island Weekend Getaway South of Sarasota

Looking for the distant destination to escape with your girlfriends for a weekend of sun, sand and some fun? Further south of Sarasota is the charming, less-traveled barrier island of Manasota Key and its neighboring town of Englewood on the mainland. 

With a laid-back vibe, tons of waterfront dining options and an array of activities on and off the beach, Sarasota County's most southern key and its surrounding coastal communities are a sublime spot for a memorable girls' getaway. Grab your besties and pack an overnight bag – the beaches are calling.

Where to Stay:

For a luxurious escape with your girlfriends, book a secluded stay at Palm Island Resort, located off the coast of Englewood on a 7-mile-long island called Cape Haze. There is no bridge or causeway connecting it to the mainland, so the only way on and off is by boat. While there is a remote feeling being on Cape Haze, you're never without transportation with the ease of a complimentary water taxi via Palm Island Transit Company and a 6-minute car ferry across the Intracoastal Waterway back to the mainland. 

Find elegant accommodations ranging from Island Beach Villas and Island Bay Villas to condo-style Island Cottages – each encompassing the "Old Florida" style with water views of either the Gulf of Mexico or Rum Bay and its surrounding mangroves. The villas include 1 to 3 bedrooms, full kitchens for your morning coffee, a laundry room, a screened lanai for sunset viño and unique coastal decor (individually owned). The cottages offer 3 bedrooms, ideal for groups looking for direct beach and water access. 

What to Do:

Once settled in, your crew will be pleased to find no such thing as "island fever." There is plenty to do on the island, including complimentary tennis and pickleball facilities, nature programs, sea turtle nesting awareness walks (May–Oct), 5 swimming pools throughout the resort, bicycle and golf cart rentals, guided kayak and paddleboard tours, arranged boat tours, recreational watercraft rentals (jet-skiing, anyone?!), yoga on the beach and more. 

Beyond the resort, there's of course the beach! Spend your girls getaway soaking up the sun on the resort's exclusive 2-mile private beach, or head off the island to Manasota Key to hit up the public beaches of either Stump Pass Beach Park, Blind Pass Beach, Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park, Middle Beach or Manasota Beach. Whether you're lounging in the sand with a good beach read, hunting for seashells together or wading in the clear-blue waters, the beach is the perfect place to unwind and have some laughs with your girlfriends. 

After a full day of sun and salt, treat yourselves to an afternoon of pampering and relaxation at a local spa. From massages and facials to manicures and pedicures, indulge in some self-care and rejuvenation together. The nearest spas will be located on the mainland in Englewood. The Body Bar, Sassy Beaches Salon & Spa, Mriyali Spa Wellness Boutique, All About You Salon & Spa, and 20 West Organic Spa are just to name a few places in the area. 

Where to Eat:

Palm Island Resort is home to the tropical setting of Rum Bay Restaurant right on the island. Open for lunch and dinner, take advantage of fresh local catches, gourmet burgers, pizzas, garden salads and nightly specials "with an island influence." Additionally, the resort has Coconut Café, where you and the girls can head in the morning to grab flavored coffees, fresh-baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches, as well as an ice cream cone or basic grocery provisions. 

Off Cape Haze, head to Manasota Key to enjoy an abundance of fun, lively waterfront restaurants, including Lock 'N Key Restaurant & Pub, known for its delicious seafood dishes, cocktails and live entertainment. Meanwhile, Sandbar Tiki & Grille is a festive tiki bar across from the beach with live music, frozen drinks and cozy firepits to hang around to stay warm after the sun sets. For more upscale dining on the water, head to The Waverly Restaurant & Bar, offering a raw bar and crudo menu, an impressive cheese board, a nice wine selection and a deck with unobstructed ocean views. Magnolia's on the Bay offers more of another sophisticated vibe with views of Lemon Bay and a menu that includes sushi, shareable plates and craft cocktails.

Where to Shop:

On the mainland, don't miss an abundance of shopping by heading to Olde Englewood Village's Dearborn Street. Stroll the historic street for an eclectic mix of women's clothing boutiques, art galleries, home goods and shoe stores and gift shops. Browse for unique souvenirs, locally-made treasures and stylish beachwear to remember your girls' weekend by. Vino Loco Wine Bar, Tapas & Bottle Shop is a great spot to stock up on bottles of wine to bring back to the resort and cheers to a successful girls weekend away. There's even a Wine Cooler for a lovely selection of chilled wines ready for your immediate enjoyment!

If you and your friends happen to find yourselves on Dearborn Street on a Thursday, 9am-1pm, you'll be able to enjoy the Englewood Farmers Market (Oct–May), located at Pioneer Plaza. There, snag a basket of local produce, gourmet baked goods, local honey, international artisan food creations and maybe even a Florida-native plant to take back home with you as a reminder of an unbeatable weekend with your gal pals.