11.21.23 UPDATE: Blue Dolphin Sanibel Rebuilding Journey

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, all of us on the Blue Dolphin team are thrilled to give you, our friends and valued guests, an exclusive peek into the incredible rebuild strides we’ve been making since Hurricane Ian left its mark on our beloved Sanibel Island.

We know how many of you treasure the vivid and enduring memories you hold of time spent at the Blue Dolphin. We are honored that the responsibility of ushering this iconic (circa 1958) property through its post Hurricane Ian evolution has fallen to us.

Navigating this transition is a passion, towards which we are mindfully allocating our best efforts and a significant depth of resources. Your support fuels our determination.

As we initially approached the Blue Dolphin Sanibel rebuild, we knew there were some challenges we would need to address. Rebuilding ground-level beach cottages, exactly as they were before the storm, was not going to be feasible given Sanibel’s updated building codes. Changes, since 1958, in land development codes and coastal construction setback lines have also meaningfully reduced the buildable portion of our lot. Additionally, this rebuild requires adapting to new design standards and resilience requirements.

We’re very proud to report that we have, in all instances, found creative ways to turn our most major challenges into exciting opportunities for the future of the Blue Dolphin and you, our cherished guests.

We are pleased to say that the many months of work we’ve put into negotiating these multiple hurdles have delivered us to a design that promises to breathe new life into the Blue Dolphin guest experience.

Allow us to give a little more color to what you’re seeing in the Blue Dolphin Sanibel rebuild renderings…

Our parking area (not visible in these drawings) will be similar to how it was before, in a half-moon area off of West Gulf Drive.

The new design for the Blue Dolphin consists of one building with a central elevator gracefully guiding guests to two stories of beachfront deluxe rooms and suites.

Where before, due to how the buildings were laid out on our property, there were very few rooms with water views – now each and every one of our accommodations will boast amazing Gulf of Mexico views from the rooms and private porches. There will be lots of windows. Abundant Sanibel Island light.

A fully equipped kitchen in every unit ensures a seamless blend of comfort and convenience. An open-air common area on the second level beckons with the promise of morning coffee and creative gatherings.

While it may take a little time to restore the full lushness of our former landscaping – we’re crafting solid plans to bring back the Blue Dolphin tropical hideaway and palm frond vibes that always added to our magical and secluded island atmosphere.

On the operations end, many of you already know Charlene M. Taubert, our seasoned General Manager. Charlene, who has a 20+ year history with Sanibel Island and an impressive track record in boutique inn management, joined the Blue Dolphin team in May of 2022, shortly after the new ownership team acquired the property. Charlene is playing an active role in the rebuild process and her unobtrusive approach to accommodations and guest relations perfectly aligns with the vision for the future Blue Dolphin.

“I feel truly privileged,” states Charlene, “to be working alongside our dedicated ownership team; our very talented Sanibel-based architect, Amy Nowacki; and our acclaimed interior designer, Melanie Haselmayr; plus our communications partner, Barometer Media / Sanibel Barometer to bring this Sanibel Island landmark back to life. The Blue Dolphin means so much to so many people. This shell-strewn stretch of the Sanibel shoreline is a special place. It’s where people spend time together and with nature. It’s where people find peace. It’s where memories to last a lifetime are made. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to experience the new Blue Dolphin.”

There are still many more details that we’re excited to share – as well as a series of fine-tunes for us to traverse – but impressive progress is being made. We’re actively in advanced talks with GCs and hope to have an initial construction timeline that we can share with all of you in the not-too-distant future. The feedback we’ve been receiving is that our Blue Dolphin team has made commendable strides in our progress and is in very good shape with regards to where we currently stand in our rebuild process island-wide.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there! We can’t wait to take you on a visual journey through our reconstruction process, unfolding before your eyes through captivating photos and videos. You’ll be provided a front row seat to the vibrant future we’re crafting – in the heart of Sanibel Island, where the gentle Gulf waves whisper tales of relaxation, creative inspiration, and unforgettable moments.

Your patience has been our strength, and as we prepare to more fully unveil the new Blue Dolphin, we’re counting down the days until we can welcome you back to our tropical hideaway on the pristine shores of Sanibel Island. Get ready to dive into a world where every detail is designed to elevate your stay. Relaxation. Romance. Timeless hospitality. Storybook sunsets. Sand. Shells. Surf. The rhythm of nature. The perfect location. The Sanibel experience.

We can’t wait to share this exhilarating journey with you!

Be sure to connect with us on a Instagram and Facebook (and check back every so often on our “News” page) to follow our progress!