Dreaming of St Somewhere: Falling in love with St James City, Florida.

Private Retreats in Pine Island Florida amidst Palm tree farms

Ever find yourself stuck indoors, shivering as you stare out the window at gray, snowy skies—daydreaming of being anywhere else? Saint Somewhere has always been my mythical escape, the place my mind drifts to whenever my attitude needs a little latitude adjustment.

For decades, I’ve visited this imaginary tropical paradise in my mind’s eye. I still cherish the memories of my northern town—romantic kisses beneath the first snowfall while skating on Ryder’s Pond, the breathtaking fall foliage as I cruised through upstate New York in a convertible, stopping in Cooperstown to witness the Yankees’ legendary World Series comeback in ’96.

But as the years passed, the pull of the tropics grew stronger. Saint Somewhere became more than a dream—it became the siren song calling me home.

One bleak November in North Carolina, as I sat daydreaming of palm trees and ocean breezes, the phone rang. A friend needed help delivering a boat from Florida’s west coast to the Bahamas. I didn’t hesitate.

Goodbye, snow. Hello, sunshine!

That trip changed my life. I fell head over heels for Pine Island—where the sailboat was moored. It's a place where time slows down, where the old Florida charm still lingers. Nestled between Sanibel, Captiva, and Cayo Costa, the sleepy fishing town of St. James City stole my heart in a way the east coast never had.

Here, boats line the canals, dolphins dance in the water, and the laid-back vibe feels like stepping back into the 1970s. No high-rises. No rush. Just salty breezes, stunning sunsets, and the kind of warmth that seeps into your soul.

I knew instantly—this was it. The perfect place to create a retreat for winter-weary souls seeking sun, serenity, and a taste of the real Florida.

Have you ever found your own Saint Somewhere?