| With its miles of white sand beaches and its laid back personality, Marco Island has been a mecca for visitors since it was a sleepy fishing village. No longer asleep, Marco Island now offers just right mix of relaxation and activities to keep visitors coming back.
The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Spa and Golf Club is located on three miles of beachfront property. I’ve been going to the Marriott since the early ‘90s, when they used to put on a spectacular Sunday Brunch. The hotel has been renovated and added to over the years and now stands as a major destination resort. Multiple restaurants, beach activities, a knockout pool, on-site shopping and over 700 guest rooms and suites all combine to make the Marriott a great base for an overnight or week long stay.
The newly remodeled rooms are large, luxurious and comfortable, each with a private balcony. In addition the plasma TV and generous closet, I liked the fact that the room offered a separate refrigerator in addition to the mini-bar – very convenient for families or those who want to bring their own drinks and snacks along.
The property’s two-story Balinese-style health spa is really an oasis of tranquility. The overstuffed chairs and ottomans in the relaxation area lead to a balcony, where you can sit and wait for your spa treatment while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. I couldn’t resist booking the spa’s signature Balinese massage. Unlike a Swedish or deep tissue massage, this treatment combines Hindu, Chinese and European techniques to soothe and lull you into a total state of relaxation. I have to take the word of my therapist, Angela, about my relaxation level – I dozed off at the end of the massage. But, if Angela is to be believed, the massage did the trick.
Also check out Café San Marco on the resort’s lobby level, located near the shops. I was feeling a bit hungry before my massage and stopped into this bakery and coffee shop for a java and a chocolate croissant, which was fabulous. They also serve up panini’s, if you want something more substantial. Also make a point of going to the resort's beach restaurant, Quinn's on the Beach, for happy hour. At this local favorite, you can listen to live music while watching the sun set. For further details on the resort, visit www.marcoislandmarriott.com
I went to Capt. Brien’s Seafood and Raw Bar for dinner. This casually elegant spot is a real New England style eatery, as its menu attests, while across from the hostess stand is a display of the fresh fish available. If it’s not local, it’s flown in fresh daily from New England. For appetizers, we chose the stone crab claws, steamers and fried calamari. Everything was perfectly prepared and served in generous portions. Dinners included the stuffed shrimp, broiled scallops, ahi tuna and prime rib. No kidding, this was the best meal I’d eaten in a long time – great food, excellent service and satisfying portions.
When you’re in the mood for entertainment, you don’t have far to go. Capt. Brien’s also houses the Off the Hook Comedy Club, where first-string comics appear weekly. Past performers have included Jackie Mason, Andrew Dice Clay, Gallagher, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling and Pauly Shore. There’s also live music and dancing, special events throughout the year and Happy Hour every day from 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. – drinks are half off and include free appetizers. For info phone (239) 389-6900 or visit www.captbriens.com
Another of my favorite places in Marco Island is Porky’s Last Stand. Known for their great barbecue ribs and slow-cooked prime rib, Porky’s transitions into a live entertainment venue at night. Crowds come from Marco and Naples to check out the entertainment line up, including karaoke on Tuesdays and Elvis impersonator Chris Purtee and Chuck Peterson on Mondays. Castaways was playing the night I was there. The trio augments their sounds with lots of electronic backup and has a really broad repertoire, playing everything from Sinatra era standards, to ‘80s disco, to current hits. The dance floor was packed all night long with dancers of all ages. It really doesn’t matter which night you drop in – all of the entertainers are first rate. Porky’s has been around for years and never changes. It hasn’t tried to dress itself up or reinvent itself over and over, which is fine by me since Porky’s is perfect just the way it is. (239) 394-8727 or www.porkyslaststand.com |
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