Sophisticated design. A fabulous beach. Spectacular sunsets. And just the right amount of Jimmy Buffett.
The Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach is like taking a cruise without leaving land. Where every vacation need is met in a fresh new Fort Myers style.
Looking for a lively pool with live reggae and pop tunes? You got it. Hoping for a sophisticated dining place where you can enjoy mango lobster or a sizzling filet mignon with a glass of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon? Piece of cake. Clients clamouring for a nice balcony where they can watch the waves roll in from the Gulf of Mexico? No worries.
For those who adore Jimmy Buffett but worry the resort might be a little heavy on lost shakers of salt, rest assured they got it right with just a pinch of Jimmy.
The bright, vibrant lobby features lots of comfy, cozy areas to sit and relax, complete with Florida orange, blue and green pillows. Yes, there’s a giant flip flop near the exit to the expansive outdoor deck, as well as parrot paintings, and, yes, the bars and restaurants feature plenty of nods to Buffett lyrics. There’s also a Margaritaville shop for t-shirts, sunscreen and other necessities.
But it’s all tastefully rendered and welcoming to both parrot heads and luxury seekers.
Rooms overlook the pool and the beach, offer crisp white linens that revealed just the hint of a parrot and pillows that read “Changes in Latitude.” There are Keurig coffee makers, a refrigerator, a nice desk, colourful beach paintings, a huge television and a shower big enough for most of Buffett’s Coral Reefer band.
One of the best features of the 254-room resort is the massive terrace on the north side of the building, which overlooks the beach and features a nightly sunset ceremony with drums and, of course, a toast to the day. There’s a large bar, License to Chill, as well as a half-dozen fire pits, colourfulMuskoka/Adirondack chairs, palm trees and an open area with artificial turf so kids can kick or toss a ball around. They also have carts featuring jewelry and other goods offered by local merchants, cornholegames and more.
The gargantuan swimming pool (the Fins Up! Beach Club) is a free-form affair that’s only three-feet deep, so it’s great for cruising about with a cool drink in your hand.
“People really like the vibe,” said Angie Winkel, area sales manager. “It’s very relaxed and there’s a strong sense of well-being.
“It does feel very Florida,” she said. “You feel you’re somewhere completely different from home.”
Winkel said travel advisors are booking a variety of clients into the resort.
“We’re really marketing to all ages,” she said. “There are a lot of families, but also a lot of older and younger guests.”
Winkel took Open Jaw on a tour of the property, starting with the lobby and then heading to the Compass Rose Ball Room, which can host up to 325 people and opens to the big terrace. The resort has the latest high-tech gadgets for presentations, and they can break the ballroom into smaller spaces.
The St. Somewhere Spa features manicures, pedicures and a variety of treatments, including a paradise pina colada facial and a sweet pineapple and mango body polish for two.
Winkel said the terrace is a popular place for weddings, and that they had several on the schedule.
There are oodles of choices on the food side. From fish tacos to a blackened grouper sandwich with fries at La De Dah, where you can dine indoors or dangle your feet in the sand at the edge of the beach. The JWB Steakhouse offers up everything from ceviche to filet mignon and short rib pasta.
The terrace’s License to Chill restaurant features burgers, poke bowls and macadamia crusted grouper, as well as cocktails, wine and beer. They also serve breakfast.
A little bit of Jimmy. And a whole lot of relaxation. Margaritaville Beach Resort is an excellent choice for Fort Myers Beach vacation.
