Notes from the Road: Marco Island

Take a right at the sunset

When I visited Marco Island, I was greeted by nearly everyone I met with a “Welcome to paradise!” And, after spending a few days there, I was convinced. From the silky-soft sand to the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, to sunsets that end with applause by the onlookers (yes, really!) this southwest Florida island is a space unlike any other. You have to see it for yourself.

Meet & Stay

Believe me when I tell you that JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is a deeply special place. Special enough that I woke up early each morning, even when attending an event, even when I was jet-lagged coming from the West Coast, to sit on my balcony and watch the ocean. Every inhabitant of its 809 guest rooms has an ocean view. And every attendee throughout its 140,347 sq. ft. of event space is invigorated by the tropical setting.

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The three miles of private beachfront is a particularly captivating setting for an activation. After all, there’s nothing that leaves an impression like getting to gather, dine and network with your toes in the sand. Whether you meet on the beach or the event lawn, set up breakouts in the Chickee Huts or inspire in the magnificent ballrooms, your event is certain to inspire and invigorate.

Explore

When visiting a destination like Marco Island, it’s almost a requirement that you get in the water. Even in February, when I visited, the sun was out, and the days were warm. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort offers so many opportunities to experience the paradise that surrounds it, it’s easy to find the perfect activity to suit you and your attendees.

I had to opt for two. I spent my Saturday aboard a catamaran, soaking up the sun and enjoying the clean ocean air. As we sailed further and further out, it only grew more peaceful and beautiful—particularly when we had the privilege of seeing a sea turtle swim past right in front of us. This was the hotel’s Sailing & Shelling Excursion, so before heading back to the hotel, we stepped off the catamaran onto a private, uninhabited island, and searched for shells.

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Now, I’m an avid seashell collector (I literally have jars and jars of shells and other treasures like coral and sand dollars that I’ve collected throughout my travels to coastal destinations), but this place was home to shells I never thought I would discover—fully intact conch shells and other rare finds like Junonia and Lighting Welk.

For the more adventurous, I can’t recommend the 10,000 Islands Wave Runner Tour enough. After a safety demonstration, you’ll climb aboard your own Yamaha waverunner and learn how to operate it, and then explore the Ten Thousand Islands of the Everglades with an expert guide.

It’s never guaranteed, but quite possible, that you’ll encounter dolphins, native birds, and (more rarely, but still possible) manatees as you skim along the water past mangrove forests with the wind in your hair and the sun on your back.

Eat

With all that fun, you need some fuel. Luckily, the 12 restaurants available at this resort are there to ensure that fuel is top tier. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, Tesoro is the way to go. Located on the rooftop terrace, with an indoor dining room, it’s one of the best places to catch that applause-worthy sunset while enjoying fresh Italian fare. I opted for the prosciutto and arugula pizza—yes, pizza can be upscale, and don’t tell me otherwise!

However, if you want your toes in the sand while you dine (and why wouldn’t you?) I recommend Kane Tiki Bar & Grill. The restaurant serves Polynesian street food and delicious rum cocktails. Don’t pass up the opportunity to get a poke bowl! And, just for the record, it’s the best seat in the house for the nightly Sunset Celebration and its fire dancer performance.

All the words ahead of this are to say, just know that if you are heading to JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, I’m waiting for my invite!