If you grew up in South Florida and took weekend family vacations to Marco Island, you most likely spent your summer days shelling and exploring the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa. Like no other resort in Southwest Florida, the Marco Island Marriott is the perfect island within an island escape. With a $300 million expansion and redevelopment currently in the works, the property is in the midst of a multi-phase renovation project as the resort prepares to convert to a JW Marriott brand hotel on January 1, 2017.
The magnificent Balinese-styled resort evokes complete tranquility and harmony for a perfect getaway. With three and a half miles of pristine beach frontage on the Gulf of Mexico, the Marco Island Marriott is known for its soft white sand beaches and natural surroundings, with the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands at its door. Marco Island has been named one of the top ten islands in the U.S. for the past three years in TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice awards. In 2014, it was ranked the number one island in the U.S. and fourth on the list of top 10 islands in the world.
Make sure to explore the signature culinary offerings at the fabulous dining outlets on the property. Ario, built upon the passion of a primal dining experience for the discerning global nomad, focuses on the unique techniques of dry aging meats, utilization of local seafood selections and featured salts and spices from around the world, all allowing for globally inspired flavors. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the back of the house to see first hand and learn more about the dry aging process for a fully immersive dining experience in the restaurant’s private dry-aging room.
At Maia, the chef’s passion is derived from an ingredient driven menu showcasing simply crafted dishes featuring an abundance of local and regional resources. A highlight at breakfast is the “Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar” where you can infuse vodka spiked with pickled peppers, garlic and other spicy vegetables to create the basis for your Bloody Mary. There’s also an extensive arrangement of house made pickled vegetables, smoky bacon and cured meats, as well as more than 30 types of hot sauces to craft your cocktail to your individual taste. For a real treat, Maia also crafts fresh, house made biscuits daily with a selection of homemade jam and accompaniments.
With the quirky “castaway” feel of the legendary Quinn’s, the beachside restaurant and bar makes dining memorable with tropical island food, breathtaking Gulf views and spectacular Florida sunsets. You can enjoy the casual atmosphere, fresh breezes and large selection of Caribbean-inspired delicacies and delicious tropical drinks, all accented by a stunning fire dancer display everyday at sunset.
Korals, the resort’s lobby lounge, features a full sushi bar and small plates from the hotel’s signature restaurant Ario, as well as a spectacular custom-designed, 11-foot tall, three-foot wide, 3,600-pound aquarium column. As you stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, sip on a cocktail or immerse yourself in the new bourbon menu, featuring the signature continental flight where you can experience whisky and bourbons from around the world.
The property’s Balinese style continues to shine in the newest addition to the culinary offerings line up at Kane Tiki Bar & Grill. Kane is where the South Pacific meets Southwest Florida in a trendy tiki setting just steps from the pool and the powder-soft sand of the private beach. Enjoy refreshing tropical cocktails, flights from their selection of more than 40 rums, or choose from a variety of appetizing small plate options before taking a plunge in the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
For a caffeine fix or something sweet, stop in Café San Marco for the island’s best coffee. The barista makes delicious concoctions and will whip up your favorite drink, including lattes, espressos and cappuccinos. Or you can venture to 400 Pazzi’s restaurant and enjoy delicious authentic brick-oven pizza, panini’s and hearty Italian specialties while sitting on a patio overlooking a backdrop of sun kissed waters. To cool off on a warm, sunny day, Menchie’s is the perfect stop for delicious frozen yogurt.
There is still more to come as, upon the completion of the renovation in 2017, the property will be the JW Marriott brand’s first beachfront resort and boast a total of 810 casually luxurious guestrooms and suites across three towers. With over 100,000 sq. ft. of innovative event space, featuring ceiling heights up to 24-feet and full-length windows it will provide an open feel for groups and events. Additionally, the all-new adult-exclusive tower with 94 luxurious guest rooms and suites will feature a celebrity chef rooftop restaurant, 12,000 square foot indoor entertainment zone as well as a serene rooftop pool.
The Spa at Marco Island Marriott offers the utmost in a relaxing and individual spa experience with treatments specifically designed by world-renowned experts, inspired by the surrounding tropical environs. The Balinese-style spa, with its elegant yet laid back setting, features a mineral tub where you can soak overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and salon services. Upon the brand conversion in 2017, the spa will transform into the exclusive SPA by JW concept
While visiting the Marco Island Marriott, make sure to take a one of a kind excursion in nature with the signature wave runner tour through the pristine backwaters of the Ten Thousand Islands. An expert guide will share knowledge about the natural environment and geography of the region, and during the thrilling tour you’ll have the opportunity to spot much of the area’s diverse wildlife including dolphins, manatees and a variety of native birds. On the Sailing & Shelling excursion, you can set sail aboard a spacious six-passenger catamaran to an uninhabited barrier island as a USCG Captain escorts you on an unforgettable journey along the shimmering Gulf of Mexico. Dolphins, manatees and sea turtles routinely make appearances on your voyage as you find some of the world’s finest seashells.
Whether you spend your day at one of the resort style pools, under a beachside chickee hut, enjoying a variety of water activities, playing a round at one of the two championship golf courses, the Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club, or experiencing one of the nine dining venues offering innovative and immersive culinary experiences, there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy.
For a perfect day trip or a long weekend, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to this beautiful resort to treat yourself to the ultimate luxury in paradise.
Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa
400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
1-800 GET-HERE (1-800-437-4373)