Tropical Transformations in Florida; More Renovations…

NATIONAL REPORT—Renovations at two resorts in Florida were given a tropical twist, while an Atlanta Marriott has added the brand’s latest room concept.

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, a Noble House Resort in Naples, FL, recently completed a $30-million renovation.

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

In late 2017, the resort completed a property-wide renovation. The refresh included new guestrooms in the Gulf Tower, a redesigned lobby and a new look for BALEENnaples, the resort’s signature restaurant. In partnership with luxury hospitality and interior architecture and design firm, waldrop+nichols studio, the lobby reflects Naples’ abundant flora and fauna with custom artwork and modern furnishings.

In 2016, the property completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Beach House, providing a modern space with an ocean-inspired color scheme, new furnishings, an updated climate control system and expanded balconies. This renovation also included new tropical landscaping, chaise loungers and updated furniture for private cabanas at the pool area, new Precor cardio machines at the fitness center, and a morning coffee bar at the restaurant.

The restaurant includes new finishes of textural wicker, natural cell stone and cerused oak paneling, along with a four-foot-wide sculpture reminiscent of a whale bone. The Gulf Tower now has oversized organic rugs, four poster beds with Floridian-patterned textiles, unique photography, a canvas oil art collection and bathrooms with new backlit vanity mirrors and silver trimmings.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort

Westgate Resorts is transforming the former Wakulla Suites in Cocoa Beach, FL, into the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort with a $14-million renovation that is scheduled to be completed this summer.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort

The renovated property will include two-bedroom, two-bathroom and fully equipped high-end condominiums; a tropical-themed water park with a lazy river, splash pad and water play area; and a variety of exclusive concierge level services unique to the area.

The extensive renovation covers every aspect of the property, purchased by Westgate Resorts in 2016, including all new exteriors, interiors, lobby and amenities. All of the upscale suites will be completely rebuilt from floor-to-ceiling with a modern design and high-end touches, such as stainless-steel appliances and ornate wood finishes. Each suite will have a living space, full kitchen with both table and bar seating as well two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The new centerpiece of the beachfront resort will be complimentary guest access to a 75,000-gallon tropical-themed waterpark featuring action slides, a splash pad and a 335-ft. lazy river.

The 3,500-sq.-ft. flexible banquet and meeting space will feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a bar. The new banquet and meeting space is scheduled to be completed in spring 2018, and will be open for bookings to those not staying at the resort as well.

Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners

The Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners recently completed the final phase of an 18-month renovation.

Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners
Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners

The last phase included the remodeling of all 222 guestrooms, which now feature the brand’s redesigned room concept. The rooms include walk-in, glass-enclosed showers, hardwood floors and earth tone finishes—all designed to create a sense of calm and wellbeing.

The remodeling of the property, which is managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts LLC, also included a total redesign of all public spaces, with an interactive lobby and guest registration area. In addition, the hotel refurbished its nearly 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting and conference space, as well as the swimming pool and deck area, and added a new dining spot, Restaurant 475.

The restaurant offers American cuisine with local specialties—including goat cheese grits and Southern-inspired sweet-tea-brined chicken—along with distinctive offerings and treats such as ice cream made fresh on the premises.