Marco Island is by far my favorite staycation spot. On my first trip there, I was fresh off the heels from a bad break up and eager to get away from everyone and everything for a few days. At the time, I just wanted to take a drive, clear my head and see nothing and no one familiar to my life. I booked a suite at the incomparable Marco Beach resort, packed a good book, a few creature comforts and headed out on an early Friday afternoon. Marco Island is little over an hour outside of Weston. Before I knew it I was driving over the bridged waters that separated the island from another great staycation spot, Naples.
Upon entering the quaint town I immediately felt a little lighter. It was as though I was entered a modern day Pleasantville. The roads were pristine, every home was well kept and the streets seemed almost like a lot on a Paramount set. Upon entering the resort town, I was even more impressed. The resorts are all very well kept, one resort truly doesn’t stand out from the other. I arrived at the hotel and valeted my car (complimentary). The suite was just as impressive, with breathtaking views of the gulf coast from both the living area and the bedroom. Nicely decorated with a modern island theme, the room offered every amenity imaginable. The staff emulated that friendly island charm, greeting you with smiles and quips of reassurance at every turn. The highlight of the trip was the resorts on-site restaurant, Sale e Pepe. In addition, the grounds are beautifully kept. Feel free to enjoy a stroll through the hotels plush gardens right before you get to their boardwalk and private beach.
I have since then stayed in Marco Island a total of 4 times. A more affordable alternate for accommodations is the beautiful Sunset Cove Resort. Though not on the coast, the resort rests on a pristine is waterway. The hotel is less than 5 minutes away from beach access and is surely a better bang for your buck. The two times I stayed here, I booked a 3 bedroom suite at a much lower cost than any one bedroom stay on the islands other beach-front properties. Marco Island is the perfect staycation spot for a quiet getaway. If the goal is to unwind and take things a little light for a few days, there is not better alternative for those residing in the South Florida area.
Recommended 3-day Itinerary:
Friday Bring a glass vase. Arrive at your stay and enjoy the coast. If your on a beachfront resort take a stroll down stairs and pick up a few hundred shells courtesy of the gulf. It makes for a great piece of memorabilia. If your not pooped from the days prior activities, have a few drinks and a quick bite at CJs on the Bay. Not in the mood for drinks or commiserating with locals, then catch a dine-in movie at the San Marco Theater. The seats are comfortable and the food is movie-theater good. It’s an overall good experience. The only dissatisfier may be the infrequent distraction caused by the waiters.
Saturday. Take a day trip to Keewaydin Island by boat. Traipse along the white sand beaches and swim up to the boat-vendors where you can purchase hot dogs and other snacks. Keewaydin is great for shelling, the variety of shells here are endless and beautiful. On your way to or from the island, don’t be surprised if you see dolphins following along your boat. Stay long enough and you may even spot some turtles, ospreys or manatees as well. That said, be sure to make it home in time to enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner at Sale e Pepe.
Sunday. Take in a great oceanfront brunch at the Marriott Beach Resort (just a short walk away from most resort stays) $25-$50. For something cheaper, enjoy your last breakfast on the island at the locals favorite spot, Nene’s kitchen. On the drive home, feel free to take in some last minute shopping at the Naples Outlet Center.
All images © 2013-2014 Donnatilda Tabana.