You don’t have to believe the stories of rogues, rascals, pirates, captive damsels and hidden treasure chests to enjoy the magic of southwest Florida’s Lover’s Key. Squeezed between the popular island vacation destination of Fort Myers Beach and the quiet upscale beach community of Bonita Beach, it’s a nature preserve in an unlikely place, with a colorful and embellished history.

If you’re not paying attention, you’ll drive right by Lover’s Key State Park without noticing the sign that marks its entrance. But an increasing number of folks are discovering the park and stopping by for a closer look, especially since the park was featured in a Travel Channel special on Florida’s Best Beaches.

This 700+ acre park comprises four interconnected barrier islands with two miles of white sand beaches (Lover’s Key), miles of nature trails (Black Island), and a maze of intricate backwater canoe and kayak trails through the mangroves.

Launch your boat at the boat ramp on the bay side of the park, or launch a canoe or kayak and glide quietly among the mangroves within the park where you may spot manatees, rays, and numerous long-legged, long-necked wading birds. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the concession in the park.

Here are some other ideas for fun in the park:

• Have your wedding ceremony or family reunion at the gazebo right on the beach.

• Bring your fishing gear (and your saltwater fishing license) and go after snook, trout, redfish, and even tarpon.

• Bring your binoculars and enjoy a day of birding.

• Go shelling and match what you find to the collection on display in the park.

• Take a hike on your own or take a ranger-guided nature walk.

• Go for a bike ride on 5 miles of bike trails (bike rentals are available).

• Bring a picnic basket, a cooler and a good book and just relax on the beach and go for a swim in the calm waters. Bring the whole family.

It’s a good walk to the beach from the parking lot where the concession is located, so a tram is provided to help you make the trip on the unpaved trail and boardwalks. Once out on the beach it’s not difficult to find a quiet and scenic spot. Here’s a tip: if quiet is important to you (listen up you romantic types), plan your visit on a weekday when there are fewer people in the park. Weekends bring a flurry of visitors. Fall is often the quietest time.

Restrooms are provided out on the beach, but take a small cooler with drinks and snacks or stop at the concession before you make the trip out to the beach.

Getting to Lover’s Key State Park – from Interstate 75, the quickest route to Lover’s Key begins at exit #116 at Bonita Springs. Drive west on Bonita Beach Rd, which becomes Hickory Boulevard as it parallels Bonita beach before turning toward the mangrove islands that make up Lover’s Key State Park. The park’s address is 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL.

If you’re coming from from Fort Myers Beach, the Lover’s Key is just over the bridge at the south end of Estero Island.

Visit the Lover’s Key Carl E. Johnson State Park web site for more details and a park brochure.

About the author: David McRee is the author of Florida Beaches: Finding Your Paradise on the Lower Gulf Coast, a guide to the beaches of southwest Florida, and served for 2 years as the beach and surf “expert” for VISIT FLORIDA. You can find David on the web at BeachHunter.net and BlogTheBeach.com.

For information, contact:
Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111 (office)
@SunStreampr (Twitter)
CarolynM@SunStream.com
www.SunStream.com

BELLASERA HOTEL’S ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS COUPLES PACKAGE

NAPLES, FL – Bellasera Hotel invites couples to enjoy a romantic getaway in a Four-Diamond hidden-gem-of-a-hotel located at the gateway to Fifth Avenue South. Guests bask in all the comforts of home and all the exotic elegance of an Italian villa. It’s only fitting for Naples, a genteel beach town acclaimed for its first-class shopping, dining, golf, arts and museums.

The “Romantic Rendezvous” package includes: 3-day/2-night accommodations in a fully-appointed one-bedroom condominium suite; a private screened balcony; a bottle of champagne upon arrival; two 60-minute Swedish Massages from the Esterra Spa; and a $25 food credit for the Zizi Restaurant & Lounge.

From now through December 25, 2009, romance packages start at $539 for a one-bedroom condominium suite. Each suite features a private balcony, a fully appointed kitchen, washer/dryer, living and dining room, in-room coffee, cable television, free high-speed Internet and daily newspaper and numerous other rendezvous amenities.

Naples’ pristine beaches – consistently ranked as among the world’s best – are located just moments away. Recreational options also include a heated swimming pool, whirlpool spa, complimentary bike rentals, fitness center and the Esterra Spa. Other popular pursuits include boutique shopping, museum browsing, kayak and canoe trips through the tranquil area waters, beach walks and sightseeing to local historical attractions.

Bellasera Hotel, one in SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection of distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 221 Ninth Street South in Naples, Florida. For reservations and more information, call 800-625-4111 or 239-649-7333, or visit BellaseraNaples.com.

SunStream Hotels & Resorts vision has made it the largest and most successful independent, locally-owned and operated resort company in Southwest Florida. Headquartered in Fort Myers Beach, SunStream Hotels & Resorts has specialized in property development and hospitality management since 1986. SunStream’s distinctive collection of properties in Southwest Florida now includes the Bellasera Hotel, Park Shore Resort, Port of the Islands Resort & Marina, DiamondHead Beach Resort, GullWing Beach Resort, Pointe Estero Beach Resort and opening in November 2009, the Resort at MarinaVillage – a luxurious full-service condominium resort located at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral with 19 stories of sweeping views of the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information on SunStream Hotels & Resorts or to book a reservation, please call 800-625-4111 or visit www.sunstream.com.

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For information, contact:
Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111 (office)
@SunStreampr (Twitter)
CarolynM@SunStream.com
www.SunStream.com

SLIP AWAY FOR SOME TROPICAL TRANQUILITY AT PARK SHORE RESORT

NAPLES, FL – Park Shore Resort invites couples to slip away for a romantic retreat set amidst 13-acres of pure Florida tranquility. Centrally located in a quiet Naples neighborhood, guests are met with a lush tropical oasis, brimming with gorgeous waterfalls, spritzing fountains, cobblestone walkways and colorful landscaping.

The “Tropical Tranquility” package includes: 3-day/2-night accommodations in a fully-appointed one-bedroom condominium suite; a bottle of bubbly champagne upon arrival; two comfy Park Shore Resort robes; and a $50 food credit and two cocktail coupons for the Island Pub Restaurant where waterfalls tumble over a rocky crag and sunning decks overlook the pool and surrounding lake.

From now through December 25, 2009, romance packages start at $379 for a one-bedroom suite. Each suite features a private balcony, a fully appointed kitchen, living and dining area in-room coffee, cable television with free HBO, free high-speed Internet and daily newspaper and numerous other amenities.

Naples’ pristine beaches – consistently ranked as among the world’s best – are located just moments away. Recreational options also include a heated swimming pool, whirlpool spa, picnic gazebo and barbecue deck, tennis and racquetball courts and shuffleboard expand on resort opportunities to exercise. Other popular pursuits include boutique shopping, museum browsing, kayak and canoe trips through the tranquil area waters, beach walks and sightseeing to local historical attractions.

Park Shore Resort, one of SunStream Hotels & Resorts’ distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 600 Neapolitan Way, Naples, Florida, 34103. For more information on Park Shore Resort or to make a reservation, please call 800-625-4111 or 239-263-2222 or visit ParkShoreFL.com.

Headquartered in Fort Myers Beach, SunStream Hotels & Resorts has specialized in property development and hospitality management since 1986. SunStream’s distinctive collection of properties in Southwest Florida now includes the Bellasera Hotel, Park Shore Resort, Port of the Islands Resort & Marina, DiamondHead Beach Resort, GullWing Beach Resort, Pointe Estero Beach Resort and opening in November 2009, the Resort at MarinaVillage – a luxurious full-service condominium resort located at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral with 19 stories of sweeping views of the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information on SunStream Hotels & Resorts or to book a reservation, please call 800-625-4111 or visit www.sunstream.com.

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For information, contact:
Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111 (office)
@SunStreampr (Twitter)
CarolynM@SunStream.com
www.SunStream.com

GIRLS JUST WANNA’ HAVE FUN AT POINTE ESTERO BEACH RESORT

FORT MYERS BEACH, FL – Pointe Estero Beach Resort has packaged together what the girls really want, a beachfront “Girls Getaway Vacation” designed for when the working day is done. Call, text or email your best girlfriends and invite them to relax and rejuvenate at this luxury condominium suite resort located on Florida’s Fort Myers Beach.

The “Girls Just Wanna’ Have Fun” package includes: 3-day/2-night accommodations in a fully-appointed two-bedroom, two-bath suite overlooking the largest expanse of sugar-white sand on Fort Myers Beach and the Gulf of Mexico from a private screened balcony; a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine upon arrival; four 60-minute Swedish Massages and four Mini Facials from the Esterra Spa & Salon conveniently located just one block north of the resort.

From now through December 25, 2009, packages start at $899 for a two-bedroom Gulfview suite. Each suite features an oversized Jacuzzi tub, a fully-appointed kitchen, washer/dryer, living and dining room, in-room coffee, cable television, free high-speed Internet, daily newspaper and numerous other pampering amenities.

The Gulf of Mexico’s white sand beaches are consistently ranked as among the worlds finest. Recreational options also include a heated swimming pool, cabana rentals, whirlpool spa, barbecue area, tennis court, gift shop, and a fitness center. Other popular island pursuits include boutique shopping, kayak and canoe trips through tranquil area waters, water sports, beach walks, and sightseeing to historic homes and attractions.

Pointe Estero Beach Resort, one in SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection of distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 6640 Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. For reservations and more information, call 800-625-4111 or 239-765-1155, or visit PointeEstero.com.

SunStream Hotels & Resorts vision has made it the largest and most successful independent, locally-owned and operated resort company in Southwest Florida. Headquartered in Fort Myers Beach, SunStream Hotels & Resorts has specialized in property development and hospitality management since 1986. SunStream’s distinctive collection of properties in Southwest Florida now includes the Bellasera Hotel, Park Shore Resort, Port of the Islands Resort & Marina, DiamondHead Beach Resort, GullWing Beach Resort, Pointe Estero Beach Resort and opening in November 2009, the Resort at MarinaVillage – a luxurious full-service condominium resort located at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral with 19 stories of sweeping views of the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information on SunStream Hotels & Resorts or to book a reservation, please call 800-625-4111 or visit www.sunstream.com.

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For information, contact:
Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111 (office)
@SunStreampr (Twitter)
CarolynM@SunStream.com
www.SunStream.com

PARK SHORE RESORT
Out-of-the-Way, Yet Only Minutes from Everything in Naples.

(NAPLES, FL) – Structure and formality are for the office and perhaps your mother-in-law’s dining room on a holiday weekend. What a relief to vacation at Park Shore Resort, where guests are not instantly assaulted by an artillery of scheduled activities and protocols. Instead, travelers feel an immediate sense of comfort and ease, just like coming home. Except instead of being greeted by household chores, guests are met with a lush tropical oasis, brimming with gorgeous waterfalls, cobblestone walkways and beautiful landscaping.

Set amidst 13-acres of pure Florida tranquility, the resort revolves around an island where a fountain-splattered moat effectively insulates guests from the world. The Island Pub Restaurant is the heart of the island, where waterfalls tumble over a rocky crag and sunning decks overlook the pool and surrounding lake. For love “on the rocks,” couples can sneak off to the whirlpool spa tucked up on high. After a relaxing soak, a Mango Margarita at the Pub, which offers a choice of poolside al fresco tables or air-conditioned relief, is the perfect cooler. Lunch and dinner menus borrow tropical elements: Calypso Chicken Pasta, Carib-B-Que Ribs, Pineapple Pork Tenderloin, Coco Loco Shrimp, Mango Mahi-Mahi, and the likes. Same as the resort itself, the Island Pub is a family-priced value.

On days when cooking feels right, guests can take their picnics to the barbecue deck – big enough to throw a party. Or they can settle into their one- or two-bedroom condominium suite and cook up a feast in the fully-appointed kitchen, then relax for an evening of free HBO or a movie on DVD.

Volleyball courts, tennis, racquetball, basketball, and shuffleboard expand on resort opportunities to exercise. The Naples Trolley also passes right by the resort and can effortlessly deliver guests to the shopping and dining for which Naples has become known. Two of its most beautiful and sophisticated outdoor shopping centers – Waterside Shops and the Village at Venetian Bay – live right in the neighborhood.

And that’s exactly how you feel at Park Shore Resort, like part of the neighborhood. The Park Shore neighborhood exudes the essence of Naples’ graceful and elegant appeal. The resort’s spacious lobby initiates and completes the sense of welcome and warmth. Guests can pick up an Event Calendar: not the kind that has them booked from sunup to sundown, but one that simply lets them know what activities are taking place at the resort and some of the highlights of this friendly neighborhood. Guests can also check their e-mail or relax with complimentary coffee while the kids play air hockey and video games. On-site laundry facilities and daily housekeeping make life as easy as it gets.

Park Shore Resort, one of SunStream Hotels & Resorts’ distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 600 Neapolitan Way, Naples, Florida, 34103. For more information on Park Shore Resort or to make a reservation, please call 800-548-2077 or 239-263-2222 or visit ParkShoreFL.com.

Headquartered in Fort Myers Beach, SunStream Hotels & Resorts has specialized in property development and hospitality management since 1986. SunStream’s distinctive collection of properties in Southwest Florida now includes the Bellasera Hotel, Park Shore Resort, Port of the Islands Resort & Marina, DiamondHead Beach Resort, GullWing Beach Resort, Pointe Estero Beach Resort and opening in November 2009, the Resort at MarinaVillage – a luxurious full-service condominium resort located at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral with 19 stories of sweeping views of the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

For more information on SunStream Hotels & Resorts or to book a reservation, please call 800-625-4111 or visit www.sunstream.com.

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