We’re putting the spotlight on waterfront properties that make for idyllic vacations.
Florida Fun
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort (margaritaville.com/stay), which opened in late 2015 in Hollywood, is a fun take on Florida beachside properties with song lyrics written on the walls as well as many Jimmy Buffet trinkets, including his own surfboards, on display, although nothing beats the cool chandelier made of margarita glasses in the lobby. The 349-guestroom oceanfront resort just debuted the 11,000-sq.-ft. St. Somewhere Spa, with 11 treatment rooms, including two couples rooms, as well as steam rooms, a Vichy shower treatment room, and rainfall showers.
The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club (naplesbeachhotel.com) has renovated its rooms, plus an amped-up golf course is in the works that is set to debut in late fall. After undergoing a $50 million renovation over the past few years, the property’s latest revamp is the replacement of the brick balconies of its main Tower Building with glass balconies to better showcase those stunning Gulf views. Clients opting for a 2-night summer stay, June 1-Sept. 30, will get the third night free.
Farther south in the Florida Keys, the new 96-guestroom The Marker (themarkerkeywest.com), Old Town Key West’s first new build resort in over 20 years, is located on the historic Key West harbor. This waterfront resort features garden-filled grounds, three saltwater pools (including the adults-only Serenity Pool), and an open-air restaurant and bar, the spot to catch those breathtaking sunsets. All accommodations feature a private balcony and locally made bath amenities. Other goodies include bike rentals, in-room spa treatments, yoga classes, and interactive art programming such as a happy hour and an art show, body painting, or sculpture-making.
“California Calling”
On the U.S. west coast, Pasea Hotel & Spa (meritagecollection.com/paseahotel) is the latest addition to The Meritage Collection’s portfolio, opening just steps from the Huntington Beach Pier, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Guests can take in ocean views from any of the 250 guestrooms, including eight luxury 1-bedroom suites and a 1,900-sq.-ft. Penthouse Suite. Guestroom amenities include FRESH bath products, and tech-savvy guests will revel in the ability to open their guestroom door and order room service directly from their mobile device. Keeping true to the Southern California lifestyle, Pasea promotes wellness by offering yoga classes, as well as a Surf Butler who offers complimentary board storage and can arrange surf lessons with local instructors, and provide surf wax and sunscreen. In addition, the property features two infinity pools, a jacuzzi, and VIP cabanas, plus the Balinese-inspired Aarna Spa featuring eight treatment rooms.
Heavenly Hawaii
The paradisiacal islands of Hawaii have a string of hotel offerings you’ll want to take note of. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (princeresortshawaii.com), on the Big Island, for example, recently underwent a $45 million renovation that upgraded the Copper Terrace, and the former Kauna’oa Bar & Grill, which was transformed into a new ballroom. This property, as well as the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, both Prince Hotels & Resorts properties, are focusing on local festivals and events, including a night of jazz at the Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival at the Mauna Kea property on June 4.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa (moana-surfrider.com) is celebrating its 115th anniversary, and to celebrate, the property is offering its exclusive Beach Club as an enhanced experience for all guests through the Beach Club Special, on offer now through Dec. 31. The Beach Club is normally exclusively provided to guests booking Banyan Classic Ocean Club rooms, suites and the Penthouse; through the Beach Club Special, however, guests staying in any other room category now have access to the Beach Club for two adults and two children ages 12 and under, at a rate of $100 per room. The Beach Club offers a wellness-inspired deluxe continental breakfast, Superfoods snacks and beverages throughout the day, and evening appetizers, plus unlimited soft drinks, beer and wine.
The Moana Surfrider property is also taking part in Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Ocean Promotion Plus package (starwoodhotels.com), which offers guests staying at the 11 Starwood Hawaii properties up to 30 percent off, plus daily breakfast for two. The Ocean Promotion package applies to oceanview and other guestroom categories for stays thru Dec. 31.
And looking into the future, the Coco Palms Resort in Kauai (hyatt.com), which is expected to undergo a revitalization and re-open in spring 2018, will be part of Hyatt’s new brand, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. This new collection of unique and independent stay experiences that launched in March includes a portfolio of new and existing upper-upscale and luxury properties that will have their own individual brand identities.
