Best Vacations Blog

We are very excited to announce that Royal Shell is now a member of the exclusive Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.   Royal Shell is the top local leader in Southwest Florida. Membership at Leading Real Estate is by invitation only and applicants must go through a rigorous application process and we are thrilled to be accepted. It’s so selective that 80% of applicants are turned down. This...

One of the things that make Sanibel Island so unique is about one-third of it is a federally protected wildlife refuge. Since 1945, the over 7,000-acre J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge has been a valued and protected home for wildlife. The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most celebrated birding locales in the country and you’ll find an impressive variety of species of birds here...

When you walk into the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. You’ll not only see how people lived in the early 1900s, but you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of two of the country’s most well-known trailblazers, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is located on the Caloosahatchee River and is one of the most beloved...

Riverside Park in Bonita Springs is one of the city’s most important gathering places. It’s steeped in history and it’s the place for family-friendly events and things to do. The free park is located on Old U.S. 41 in historic downtown Bonita Springs on the Imperial River. Throughout the year, there are art shows, festivals, holiday celebrations, the Celebrate Bonita Festival and Movies in the Park. There is also a...

Visit the Naples Pier on a weekend during tourist season and you’ll find people visiting from all over the world. As soon as you step onto its sandy boardwalk, you’ll feel at ease. The history of Naples Florida and the Naples Pier is lingering in the air and it almost feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Fishermen guard their posts and cast lines off the side; regulars normally cluster...

Best Restaurants on Captiva Island   Captiva Island is an even more relaxed version of its sister island, Sanibel. Time seems to stand still here and many remark that the island is frozen in time. However, its restaurants aren’t and there is plenty of islands dines to take advantage of while you’re here. They are always serving up delicious meals in a great atmosphere, so what’s not to love? Here...

Ocala is a hidden gem. Located in Central Florida close to major cities like Orlando and Gainesville, the City of Ocala can sometimes be overshadowed by them. However, from its charming and historic downtown to the abundant nature activities around the city, there are lots of things to do in Ocala, Florida. There are so many things to do in Ocala, Florida that you can be confused and not sure...

Golf is practically synonymous with Southwest Florida, and truth be told, some of the best golf courses in the U.S. are in Naples, Florida. There are over 80 championship courses in the City on the Gulf, and we’ve picked our top five best golf courses in Naples with a few bonuses thrown in for good measure. Royal Shell has vacation rentals in areas where the best golf courses in Naples,...

Not only does Sanibel Island have some of the best views, beaches and shelling in the world, it’s also known for its food. It’s one thing to vacation in paradise, but when the breakfast and lunch options on the island are so good, you just have to explore them all! This is your guide to some of the best breakfast and lunch restaurants on Sanibel Island. Enjoy! In no particular...

There’s something special about Sanibel Island. You feel it as soon as you cross the Causeway. It’s a magical place for people who want to slow down and experience a truly tropical vacation. One of our favorite things about Sanibel Island is the food. Sanibel Island restaurants here have a remarkable amount of character and a refreshing atmosphere—not to mention the mouthwatering fare. Here is your guide to the best...