The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club and Spa will become the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort come January 2017. But, the name isn’t the only thing that’s received a facelift at this property. The resort is currently undergoing a multi-phase $300 million renovation project that has revamped everything from the golf course to guestrooms and has even incorporated an adults-only area.
The current second phase of the project is expected to be completed by December 2016; it will include redesigned guestroom bathrooms with a larger shower, vanity and private water closet, and a new Kane Tiki Bar & Grill featuring rum-inspired food and beverages (opening September 2016). The second phase also includes a new Menchies Frozen Yogurt shop (opened September 2015) and a new fine dining restaurant, ARIO (opened in October 2015). Phase three will be completed in 2017 when the resort transitions to a JW-branded property, making it the first JW Marriott in the U.S. that’s located on the beach. This third phase will also include a new Banyan and Calusa ballroom, and a new Tower featuring 94 adults-only rooms, a rooftop pool, celebrity chef restaurant, and a 12,000-sq.-ft. indoor entertainment center. Come 2017, the property will encompass 810 luxurious guestrooms and suites across three towers.
Fun in the Sun
Getting your clients there is easy, as the property is located just 45 minutes from the Fort Myers Airport; the property can arrange shuttles for transfers. On-property perks include two private golf courses, including the recently renovated The Rookery and Hammock Bay, plus newly designed bunker complexes and an upgraded clubhouse. For tots, the Tiki Tribe Discovery Day Camp allows children to participate in swimming, crafts, sports, nature lessons, video games and tours. Other activities include 2-hour scenic cycling tours hosted by Certified Naturalist Guides and during which guests can view protected wildlife including burrowing owls, gopher tortoises and eagles, among others, plus walk among ancient Indian shell mounds where the area’s early pioneers settled. For water lovers, suggest a guided wave runner tour through the Everglades’ Ten Thousand Islands, or a 2.5-hour Sailing and Shelling tour on a 6-passenger catamaran. After all that fun in the sun, The Spa at Marco is the perfect spot to relax, as this Balinese-style spa features a mineral tub overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, fitness facilities and salon services. However, once the property switches to a JW in January, the spa will become a SPA by JW, making it one of only two hotels in the continental U.S. to feature one. Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort also features nine dining venues, four pools, water activities such as parasailing and kayaking, and 20 beach chickee huts. Guests who dine at Aria, which houses a dry aging room for steaks, can take a tour of the back of the house to see the kitchen and aging room with the waiter or chef. Guests can take their wine with them as they take part in this complimentary tour (upon request if not offered) and learn a little more about the steak aging process.
Adults-Only Oasis
The new tower, which will open in the first quarter of 2017, features 94 adults-only guestrooms, and an upscale lounge and restaurant concept serving tapas-style menu options. In addition, all guestrooms offer a glass railing balcony and are approximately 500 sq. ft.—larger than the existing guestrooms. And as for that new aforementioned entertainment complex, it will house virtual golf games, bowling, race car games, and have screens for game viewing and serve craft beers. Kids will be allowed at this entertainment center up to a pre-determined time since it is housed in the adults-exclusive area.
Agent Learning
Agents who want to learn more about the property can take part in a Hotel Excellence program with five self-paced modules. After completion, agents are eligible to receive five Fam-Tastic certificates that are good for discounted rates starting at $105, 10 CEUs, “The Reserved for You” e-newsletter, and a printable certificate.
Rates for a standard guestroom start at $189, but vary to $569 depending on season and room type. For more information, visit marcoislandmarriott.com.
