Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa reopened last August, debuting the first phase of its $300 million, multi-phase renovation project that will culminate in the resort’s conversion to a JW Marriott branded hotel on Jan. 1, 2017. As renovations continue, groups can already experience the resort’s two new culinary outlets in addition to nature excursions and customized teambuilding.
The initial renovations included the completion of a new porte cochere and grand front entrance, expanded pool decks and updated guest rooms as well as the introduction of two new restaurants. MAIA, features an ingredient-driven menu focusing on locally sourced, South Florida produce, while ARIO features in-house, dry-aged steaks, Gulf-caught seafood and handcrafted cocktails. ARIO even offers a private, multicourse Chef’s Table experience and a private wine-tasting room for smaller groups.
Taking advantage of the property’s beachfront location, groups can set sail on one of two, six-passenger catamarans as part of the 2.5-hour Sailing and Shelling Tour. A guide will take attendees to visit remote islands and go shelling, as this area is known for its abundant variety of seashells. Attendees can also take the resort’s wave runner excursion to explore the backwaters of the Ten Thousand Islands and visit the mangrove forests in Everglades National Park. Off the water, certified naturalists guides can lead groups on cycling tours to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna as well as ride past freshwater springs once used by Spanish explorers. Attendees may even get a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, eagles and tortoises from the trails.
For larger groups, the resort can organize anything from fish-grilling demos on the beach, sushi-rolling classes in the lobby lounge, customized scrub-making bars at the spa, and even glow-in-the-dark mini golf and rock climbing on the sand.
When the property officially completes the renovation project, it will feature 810 guest rooms and the expanded, 100,000 sf of meeting space. Plus, meeting planners will appreciate the 94-room adult-exclusive tower as well as a 12,000-sf indoor entertainment center with a bowling alley and virtual games.
