JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa: Paradise for Business or Pleasure

With so much flexibility for remote work these days, there was simply no way I was going to be traveling to the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa for a business meeting without bringing my husband along. The property is a paradise reminiscent of a Polynesian Island, set on three miles of gorgeous white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico at the gateway to the Florida Everglades. What family members wouldn’t welcome a change of scenery for a few days to soak up the sunshine and play on the beach or at the resort’s pools — even if they did have to call into the office or read a few chapters in their school books every day?

Lobby / Photo: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa

Check-in was quick and the front desk clerk provided a map of the expansive resort and reviewed the 12 restaurant options. And as much as I have traveled on business over the years, I still couldn’t help but get that pang of excitement as the keycard unlocked the door and I slowly pushed it open to see our new home for the next few days.

The guest rooms at the JW Marriott Marco Island do not disappoint. The warm woods and Balinese style décor were the perfect accompaniment to the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. I just couldn’t believe how spacious the room was, with a variety of nooks and shelves to store everything as well as a coffee maker, small fridge, and even a table and desk chair which were perfect for video calls. There was also a balcony with chairs where I knew I was going to be checking emails on my laptop.

Ario at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa / Photo: Courtesy of JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa

We made dinner reservations at Ario because we were in the mood for an upscale steakhouse. Our waiter, Nezo, was personable and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, asking us what we usually liked to eat. When my husband ordered the 8 oz. Aberdeen Angus filet mignon with a side of mashed potatoes, he suggested mashed potatoes and recommended the Truffle Wedge with black truffles, herbs, and grana Padano. It was unlike anything we had ever tasted, showcasing Ario’s expertise with salts and spices. This was the kind of service you received everywhere at the resort — thoughtful, enthusiastic, and caring.

We had lunch at Kane’s Tiki Bar often because of its location on the beach, as well as the variety of options including personal favorites like the Maui fries, coconut shrimp, and tuna poke Polynesian bowl. Weather permitting, you can even catch a fire dancer on the beach at sunset each evening. It’s a great way to end the day.

10K Alley at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa / Photo: Courtesy of JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa

Families will also appreciate 10K Alley, which has a gaming arcade with mini-golf, bowling, and more including a tap room with craft beers and bourbons so guests can have a drink and still keep an eye on the little ones. We began our days at Maia for breakfast (get the lobster benedict!) and there was always a daily stop at Café San Marco for a caffeine fix.

Traveling on business (or pleasure, too) can be tiring with early morning wake up calls, delays, and long flights, so I always try to work in a little “me time.” The Spa by JW® offers a complimentary morning meditation on the beach (they have yoga in the mornings and at sunset) and I also booked myself a massage and pedicure (for my husband, too). We were also excited to steal away one afternoon for a Sailing & Shelling Excursion, which took us into the nearby mangroves of The Ten Thousand Islands. We saw dolphins and other wildlife, and went shelling on an uninhabited beach. If you want to just get away from it all — yet still be connected to the world when you need to — JW Marriott Marco Island is the place to be.