By Megan Fitzgerald
Becky Miller stood in the parking lot of the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, stunned by the devastation. The pool deck was gone. The tiki bar had vanished. Mattresses, coolers and linens were strewn across the mangled property. Golf carts had been tossed into the mangroves.
“It looked like it had rained debris,” said Miller, the resort’s general manager. “There were housekeeping gloves and bicycles pulled underneath the building or out in the water. It was overwhelming. I remember just standing there thinking, ‘Where do you even start with this?’”
But Then her chief engineer offered a simple answer: “Just pick up one thing.”
When Hurricane Ian, with winds topping 130 mph, slammed ashore on Sept. 28, 2022, Sanibel residents and business owners couldn’t have predicted the devastating—and long-lasting—impacts of the Category 4 storm. In addition to fierce winds, Ian brought a catastrophic storm surge of 12 to 18 feet.
Nearly three years later, many beloved island spots—Grandma Dot’s, Lighthouse Café, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille—have reopened. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and Billy’s Rentals are also back in business. Condo renovations continue from the east side to the west side of the island. And the lush landscaping is showing signs of life.
Among the island landmarks making a comeback is the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, one of Sanibel’s largest and most beloved destinations. After more than two years of cleanup, reconstruction and resilience, the beachfront resort is open and ready to welcome guests—whether for a weeklong stay or a sun-soaked daycation.
For South Florida travelers in search of a stress-free island escape, Sundial offers a perfect getaway. Located just a few hours from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the beachfront resort is ideal for singles, couples, families and groups—whether for a romantic weekend, a family reunion or even a beachfront wedding.
“We’re open for business,” Miller said. “And we need visitors. We need tourism.”
Following a two-and-a-half-year closure due to hurricane damage, the resort has undergone a full transformation.
“Everything is brand spanking new through the whole resort,” Miller said. “The owners said, ‘While we’re closed, we’re going to gut and go.’”
That investment has resulted in a completely renovated property, including updated restaurants, guest rooms, banquet facilities and public spaces. Over 140 condo-style units—ranging from studio to three-bedroom accommodations with full kitchens—are currently available, with more reopening each month. While work continues on the resort’s beachfront units, most common areas and amenities are fully operational.
Sundial offers five heated pools, direct beach access, and a wide range of complimentary amenities for guests, including bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards and daily activities for children and adults.
“We have ping-pong, foosball, hammocks, giant Connect Four and arts and crafts,” Miller said. “We do tie-dye on Saturdays, and bingo is a big hit in the afternoons.”
Dining options include Turtle’s Pool & Beach Bar, Slice of Paradice pizza and ice cream shop, and the newly renovated Captain’s Catch seafood restaurant. Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is also open five days a week and continues to be a guest favorite.
“Whether you’re staying overnight or coming in just for the day, we want people to know they can still come enjoy the beach, the pool, the food—all of it,” Miller said.
As the third anniversary of Hurricane Ian approaches, the team at Sundial is focused not only on completing renovations, but on helping restore Sanibel’s tourism economy and community spirit.
“It’s meaningful and special because we’re open for business, and we are trying to get off the ground,” Miller said. “We are trying to make the island successful.”
While the island continues to rebuild, Miller emphasized that the Sanibel experience remains unchanged.
“There’s nothing different about Sanibel,” she said. “I think people need to realize that—especially people who love this island. It’s still exactly the same. Come and enjoy. We’re here to embrace your families and your friends and all the things you love to do.”
That sense of hospitality extends to every part of the Sundial experience. With major resort amenities now open, seasonal programming returning, and new offerings—including the Dash Away holiday deal, girls’ getaway packages and the Sand and Sea, a two-night stay and half-day boat rental—staff are eager to welcome back new and returning guests.
“We have plenty of staff to take good care of you,” Miller said. “And we need that tourism to keep all these team members working here, so we can keep the island growing.”
For travelers daydreaming about hammocks strung over white-sand beaches, laid-back island charm, and sun-soaked outdoor adventures, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale—but feels worlds away.
Author: Megan Fitzgerald, PhD, Associate Professor
