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Ricks Retreat is a charming ground-level home on a beach street located in the village area of Captiva. A short walk to restaurants, shops and galleries, and a 3 minute walk to the most beautiful beach at the end of the sandy lane. Originally built by Bette Davis, Rick is the 3rd owner. Simple, extra clean and bright..this house has the character of a beach house with all the modern amenities. Fully equipped...just bring your food. 3 bedrooms plus den, the cottage can sleep up to 6: queen bed, queen bed, 2 twins. Two full baths (updated Jan 2022) inside, outside shower (great to shower under the stars at night), full kitchen (new in Jan 2022), outside gas grill, wifi internet, tvs, stereo, DVD. Rents weekly(as required by zoning), typically from Sat-Sat, but can be flexible on check-i...Ricks Retreat is a charming ground-level home on a beach street located in the village area of Captiva. A short walk to restaurants, shops and galleries, and a 3 minute walk to the most beautiful beach at the end of the sandy lane. Originally built by Bette Davis, Rick is the 3rd owner. Simple, extra clean and bright..this house has the character of a beach house with all the modern amenities. Fully equipped...just bring your food. 3 bedrooms plus den, the cottage can sleep up to 6: queen bed, queen bed, 2 twins. Two full baths (updated Jan 2022) inside, outside shower (great to shower under the stars at night), full kitchen (new in Jan 2022), outside gas grill, wifi internet, tvs, stereo, DVD. Rents weekly(as required by zoning), typically from Sat-Sat, but can be flexible on check-in and check-out days in the off-season. Come enjoy paradise! and PET FRIENDLY!
House Rules
Pet-friendlyKid friendlyNo smoking
Bathrooms
2 Full baths
Meet the host
richard g
Hosting since January 2011
Languages spoken: English
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests:Â I am not physically on the islands...always available by email or phone or text
-When we arrived at the pick up office in Sanibel, we collected an envelope to find no keys within, so we figured there would be a lockbox with code entry. When we arrived to the house we found out that keys were supposed to be in the envelope and had no way inside. We had to contact the Royal shell property manager and proceed to their Captiva office to pick up our keys which they had originally forgot.
- Fire ants were trailing in restrooms from within walls and would end up in sink and around toilets and showers
-Woke up to a thick brown spider on the wall in the bedroom, easily 4in wide
-Had to smash a few roaches occasionally
-Dead bugs on walls in bathrooms, ceilings, etc.
-Freezer and kitchen smelled entirely of fish. We could not use ice maker because it reeked of fish
-Contacted the owner who was in shock of the complaints and offered to have a cleaning crew come out, which wouldn’t have done anything as we brought our own cleaning supplies and started scrubbing away at the freezer...on vacation yay
-Musty odor throughout the house
-Very uncomfortable beds and pillows were old and lacking of shape
-Woke up with large red ants in bed nightly and with bug bites
-Exterminators came out earlier in week and said there was rat feces on our vehicle, which had been parked for about a day
-Fire extinguisher is not up to code FYI, June 2001
-Entire front of property where there should be a drive way floods and becomes a muddy swamp. Not convenient especially with kids or when you’re carrying beach gear
-Pullout bed in back seating area is very old and uncomfortable. The bed framing jabs you in back
-Overall the place is extremely outdated and needs renovations
-I have been to Captiva numerous times and this, by far, was the worst place I’ve stayed. The previous reviews are what enticed me but shortly after arrival I knew I’d been duped!
-This is worst house on Wightman Lane. My family members stayed on same street at two other homes and they trump this place by a long shot. Luckily we spent most of our time at their houses because it really was a downer staying at Ricks Retreat
-The only pro I would say is location, beach is a 4 min walk
-Either Rick doesn’t know his property is going under and Royal shell is withholding information or he knows and just doesn’t care. Either way this house will be with us forever as one of the worst vacation homes, if not the worst, we’ve stayed at.
Visited August 2020
Written 8 August 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jferrera2619
Fort Liberty, NC2 contributions
Worst house on Whitman Lane
-When we arrived at pick up office in Sanibel, we collected an envelope to find no keys within, so we figured there would be a lockbox with code entry. When we arrived to the house we shortly found out we had to contact the Royal shell property manager to proceed to their Captiva office and pick up our keys which they had originally forgotten.
-ants were trailing in restrooms from within walls and would end up in sink and around toilets and showers
-woke up to thick brown spider in back bedroom on wall , easily 4in wide
-had to smash a few roaches occasionally
-dead bugs on walls in bathrooms, ceilings, etc.
-freezer and kitchen smelled entirely of fish, could not use ice maker because it reeked of fish
-contacted owner and was in shock of complaints and offered to have cleaning crew come out which wouldn’t have done anything as we brought our own cleaning supplies and started scrubbing away at the fridge ...on vacation yay
-musty odor throughout the house
-very uncomfortable beds and pillows were old and lacking of shape
-woke up with large red ants in bed twice and with bug bites
-exterminators came out early in week and said there was rat feces on our vehicle , that had been parked for about a day
-fire extinguisher is not up to code FYI , June 2001
-entire front of property where there should be a drive way floods and becomes a muddy swamp , not convenient especially with kids when you’re carrying beach gear
-pullout bed in back seating area is very old and uncomfortable , the bed framing jabs you in back.
-overall the place is extremely outdated and needs renovations
-I have been to Captiva numerous times and this by far was the worst place I’ve stayed. The previous reviews are what enticed me but shortly after arrival I knew I’d been duped
-This is worst house on Whitman lane , family members stayed on same street over by sun and moon and endless summer and it kills this place by a long shot , luckily we spent most of our time at their houses because it really was a downer staying at Ricks Retreat
-the only pro I would say is location , beach is a 4 min walk
-either Rick doesn’t know his property is going under and Royal shell is withholding information or he knows and just doesn’t care. Either way this house will be with us forever as one of the worst vacation homes if not thee worst we’ve stayed at.
Visited August 2020
Written 8 August 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teresa A
1 contribution
Perfect Getaway
I’ve visited Captiva six times in five years. This is the fourth house I’ve rented and the first time at Rick’s Retreat. The photos in no way do the house justice. You open the front door into a warm and inviting house that is light, airy and spotless. Linens were wonderful and towels soft and fluffy, which isn’t always the case. A short walk to the beach, shopping and great restaurants. Without reservation, I highly recommend Ricks Retreat.
Visited October 2018
Written 5 October 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stay546586
Teresa, thanks so much for your kind review. I am planning to take new pictures when I visit later this month. Hope you will come back.
Written 6 October 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jill J
1 contribution
Everything you need.
Actually quite well appointed .
Clean, plenty of room. Has all the beach gear you need . Plenty of towels , even outdoor shower and hose.
The beach is a few houses down.
Walk to many restaurants including the famous Mucky Duck.
Make sure to take the boat to Cabage Key.
Even dog friendly.😎
Visited August 2018
Written 17 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stay546586
Thanks for your review. Hope to hear from you again.
Written 18 August 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
daviyoga
Baltimore, MD5 contributions
Amazing Captiva Vacay! Can't wait to come back to our 2nd home!~
My family of six absolutely fell in love with Captiva! Our location was perfect as we were steps from the beach, activities and places to dine. The chill environment lends to a relaxing , yet indulgent week. The sunsets are breathtaking as well as all of the lush surroundings. Our home was clean, quaint and completely inviting for my 7 year old twins as well as teens. While it was nice to walk down the street to dine, it was preferable to stay on the beach as long as possible and dine in followed by a beautiful sunset/moonlit walk on the beach!
Visited August 2016
Written 22 August 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of an individual traveller and not of Tripadvisor LLC nor of its partners. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stay546586
thanks for your kind words...look forward to you coming back to my "paradise".....Rick
Written 23 August 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vquiltmaker
Georgia39 contributions
In the Heart of Captiva
This home is well suited for families with 3 large bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 den, and 2 baths. Private because of the tropical plants surrounding the home, yet in the heart of Captiva with a very short walk to everything--beach, restaurants, shops, etc! Enjoy the outside deck in the mornings, and the screened in patio in the evenings. Very comfortable and best off all, our sweet puppy could come with us and enjoy everything, too!
Our only complaint was that the master bed sounded as if there was plastic on the mattress or box springs (not a problem for us, we simply changed rooms.). We informed the manager when we left so I am sure that it has been taken care of.
Visited January 2016 Travelled as a couple
Written 3 February 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stay546586
thanks for your review. I came in after you...and put new pads on all of the beds...should make it more comfortable for all.
Written 4 February 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
captdoc41
Ann Arbor, MI34 contributions
Wonderful vacation spot - pet friendly!
We've stayed at Rick's Retreat two years in a row, and it's been wonderful both times. The house is in a perfect location; a half-block walk along a quiet, shady lane to the beach and a half-block walk in the other direction to Captiva Village. We didn't use the car all week. The house is nicely appointed and very comfortable. A gas grill on the deck was useful in preparing meals. The kitchen was fully equipped. Internet and cable TV available (we were there during March madness). Washer and dryer work well. Lots of beach stuff available. Nearby restaurants are OK, but not superb... just fine for this vacation.
Visited March 2015 Travelled as a couple
Written 25 March 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deborah S
Medina, OH55 contributions
Great Access to a gorgeous sea shell filled beach!
This cute cottage-like house is in a wonderful location just 2-3 blocks from the ocean! We had 4 adults and 2 tween-age girls and more than enough room to enjoy ourselves.
Don't even consider bringing any beach toys or chairs because this place has at least 1-2 of everything your or your children could ever want i.e. 4 boogie boards!
The street where the house is located is very quiet and beautiful, yet we were 3 blocks in the other direction from the main street of Captiva and restaurants, groceries, even Star Bucks!
This is also a great place if you are seeking nearly zero steps to entry or exit and no stairs within the home.
As with all things Captiva, you might want to buy your groceries on the main land due to high prices!
While this was our 1st rental of Rick's Retreat, we have vacationed on Captiva 8 times, usually staying at South Seas Resort or at one of several other great rentals by owner.
Be sure to take the Sunset Wild Life Cruise at Captiva Cruises on Andy Rossi Ln (just a couple blocks away!) Awesome sunsets!
Visited April 2014 Travelled with family
Written 13 May 2014. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Road1
6 contributions
The perfect beach house
We stayed at Rick's the first two weeks in February and loved it! The beds were really comfortable and the kitchen well stocked. The overhangs on the roof make the house really cool, and we slept well all night with the windows wide open, only interrupted by the sounds of nearby air conditioners for those who were not as lucky as we were. It's a short walk to the beach, and anything you'd need is already in the house.
Visited February 2014 Travelled as a couple
Written 20 March 2014. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DWolf1
89 contributions
A Great Find
When searching for a vacation rental on the gulf for a week long family reunion, we wanted something homey, something laid back and a little old fashioned, but with all the amenities.
We aren't fans of apartment towers or cookie-cutter condos. When I saw this listing on VRBO, I knew I had found the place. The photos in the listing are current - right down to the bed linens and placemats on the table. What you see in the listing is exactly what you get.
Outside it is like I remember summer holidays on the beach in Florida. A large wooden deck type patio with a barbecue (gas), a table with umbrella, an outdoor shower and every form of beach equipment you might want - along with a cart to take it to the beach. Inside is cool, white tile, both bright and calming. The kitchen is very modern and well equipped. There is plenty of seating in the dining and living areas. AC is very efficient and quiet. The three bedrooms provide plenty of bed space - though, in my opinion, it would make sense to replace the double bed with a queen. There is a den at the back, with an attached screen porch. This is a perfect retreat for reading or just relaxing - and we shared several meals cooked on the grill at the table on the patio, listening to an early evening rain. Two bathroom are very convenient - there is plenty of hot water. There are televisions in several rooms, but we never turned them on. The wireless network was used constantly - and we carried on a week long trivial pursuit tournament, with an interesting challenge, since it was a 1980s release, so every question was a history question!
Days at the beach were wonderful. We walked everywhere on Captiva, enjoying The Mucky Duck and the Old Captiva Inn. It was a delight to discover that there is so much bird life in this area! And that there are still coquinas by the water's edge. One day, we drove to the Everglades, which was an easy drive for a great adventure.
It was vacation the way it used to be - and made possible by the comfort and ease of Rick's Retreat. Rick was very easy to deal with, very accommodating. Royal Shell, his agent in the area, made the payment and key pick up and return very simple. They give you a starter supply ofbath and kitchen and paper goods.
I would definitely recommend stopping at a real supermarket, like Jerry's on Sanibel (which is close to the Royal Shell office on Sanibel, where you pick up your keys) BEFORE going on to Captiva. The store on Captiva is quite expensive, and because of the extremely reduced speed limits on Sanibel and Captiva "(25-35 mph), even a short trip takes a long time.
Visited May 2012 Travelled with family
Written 22 May 2012. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wightman La on Captiva Island Florida. One small block north of the main shopping st of Andy Rosse La. Beach at one end of the Lane and shops/restaurants at the other end.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
Car is really better....one can take a taxi...but rate is around $75 each way. Best to shop for groceries on the mainland at Publix or in Sanibel at Baileys or Jerry's
Activities nearby
Golf course (within 30 mins drive)
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 4 pm • Check out by 10 am
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 8 weeks before check-in
25% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
Notes from owner
Typically rent Sat-Sat during the High Season, but can be flexible at other times during the year. Security Fee Waiver of 2.5% protects against damages. Non-refundable Pet deposit of $175 for 1-2 dogs. Booking fee $385. Tax 11.5%.
About this property
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