South Seas has announced the significant acquisition of a 22-acre property on Captiva Island, previously owned by the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. This expansive, beach-to-bay parcel includes ten buildings and extensive waterfront footage along both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound, marking a major expansion for the resort.
Key Takeaways
- South Seas has purchased the 22-acre Robert Rauschenberg Foundation property on Captiva Island.
- The acquisition spans from the beach to the bay and includes 10 buildings.
- The purchase is a joint venture involving Timbers Company, Wheelock Street Capital, and The Ronto Group.
- South Seas plans to honor Robert Rauschenberg’s legacy through future art-related programming and by integrating existing structures.
- The resort, which reopened in May 2025 after a major renovation, aims to enhance its luxury offerings.
A Strategic Acquisition
This strategic purchase positions South Seas to seamlessly integrate the new property with its existing resort, which underwent a significant reimagining and reopened in May 2025. The acquisition offers prime beachfront adjacent to the resort, presenting opportunities for enhancements to its accommodations, amenities, and overall guest experience. Greg Spencer, president of South Seas, highlighted the rare opportunity this sale presented and expressed enthusiasm for honoring the legacy of the renowned 20th-century artist, Robert Rauschenberg.
Future Vision and Integration
While specific development plans for the Rauschenberg property are still under consideration, South Seas is exploring options that align with the resort’s revitalized vision. The company is committed to honoring Rauschenberg’s artistic legacy through potential art-related programming and the thoughtful incorporation of several existing buildings into the resort’s fabric. This move is part of a larger investment strategy by the joint venture partners, Timbers Company, Wheelock Street Capital, and The Ronto Group, who purchased South Seas in 2021.
Enhancing Captiva’s Appeal
Jonathan Paul, founding partner at Wheelock Street Capital, emphasized the company’s dedication to investing in luxury leisure destinations and enhancing Captiva as a premier destination. The acquisition of the Rauschenberg property is seen as a move that will create long-term value for investors while contributing to the economic vitality and unique character of the Captiva community. The recently reimagined South Seas now boasts new amenities, including the expansive Captiva Landing water adventure park, updated dining options, and renovated marinas, with plans for a new luxury hotel and private residences on the horizon.
About South Seas
South Seas is a 330-acre resort nestled among mangroves, with over half dedicated as a wildlife preserve and estuary. It offers a range of activities including golf, fishing, boating, and exploration of barrier islands. The resort has been a cherished destination for over 75 years and is committed to delivering a resilient, world-class experience for future generations.
Sources
- South Seas purchases Rauschenberg’s Captiva property, Florida Weekly.