After my stay at The Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa to see the most amazing sunrises, we ventured to the other side of Florida to The Zota Beach Resort to catch some epic sunsets. As soon as I walked in the Zota Beach Resort, I was blown away. This hotel is jaw dropping and immediately reminded me of the chic, contemporary, luxury that you find in South Beach Miami. The black trimmed floor to ceiling windows, the smell of sea salt and ocean breeze in the air, and the water that surrounded the resort was unbelievable. They seriously crushed the ambiance and beach front hotel vibes.

Check out my stay at The Zota Beach Resort and everything they have to offer!

Surroundings

Situated along the powder soft beaches and turquoise waters of unspoiled Longboat Key is Florida’s latest, beachfront luxury, boutique resort experience, Zota Beach Resort. Presenting easy access to museums and attractions in Bradenton and Sarasota and upscale shopping, entertainment and restaurants at St. Armands Circle, the contemporary designed, 187-room resort features spectacular water and wood accents with modern architectural touches and a distinctive culinary and lounge offering.

Style and Design

Breathtakingly modern, Zota Beach Resort’s contemporary design is the outcome of a vision from Leo A Daly designs. Guests are greeted by a seamlessly flowing, reflective pond winding its way through the interior and exterior of the lobby while views of the Gulf of Mexico are visible through floor-to-ceiling windows. Authentic architectural elements of wood can be seen throughout the resort paying homage to the original habitants of the area, Native Americans, who used longboats to navigate Longboat Key. With banyan and mangrove trees as inspiration, wood-donned ceilings, playful water patterns laid into the flooring and a floating sculpture of waves in the lobby, the resort presents a peaceful presence of nature’s water and wood elements.

 

Accommodations

Fresh, tranquil and inviting, the 187-guest rooms and suites at Zota Beach Resort reflect the laidback elegance of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Offering three choices of views, resort, pool and beachfront, the stylish accommodations are outfitted with plush beds, 50” flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, safes and coffee makers.

Ideal for family vacations and special occasions, the 30 suites boast a separate bedroom and living room with a sleeper sofa, refrigerator and coffee maker. Select suites offer additional luxuries including oversized balconies, writing desks, full kitchens and dining areas.

 

Viento Kitchen + Bar

Led by Executive Chef Jeremy White, Viento Kitchen + Bar provides guests with an open-air lounge featuring hand-crafted cocktails while a dramatic, floating wine wall and sleek fireplace anchor the restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the culinary concept, Floribbean, is influenced by Florida, Caribbean and Mediterranean cooking techniques and flavors.

I have to say the cocktails were my favorite! I mean… the best! I had something I’ve never had ever and let me tell you… it’s life changing! It’s a key lime martini with a graham cracker rim. Oh my gosh was it good! It’s not on the menu so make sure to ask for it! Delish! I downed about 3 of these bad boys. Days by the pool were spent with a Pina colada in my hand and I did not hate it. There’s just something about a daiquiri that spells vacation! I also got to try the cuban punch at lunch and a local craft beer and they were both tasty! I need to go back for another week to try all the other drinks!

Good news is that you can enjoy all the Viento Kitchen + Bar has to offer in the privacy and comfort of your own room. Room service is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And room service is my jam! I’m all about it because I’m not a morning person at all! I had the most amazing room service. I mean all the carbs. Sorry diet. It was hard what to pick off the extensive menu but I went with OJ, waffles with a berry compote, cinnamon rolls, and croissants accompanied by a fresh fruit plate. Yummmm! There’s really nothing better than breakfast in bed while overlooking the ocean. 

Cascades Pool Bar

In between laps in the pool, enjoy Cascades Pool Bar for a reprieve from the sun and a light bite. For the truest of sunbathers, poolside service is available throughout the pool deck. Cascades is open daily 11:30 a.m. to sunset.

Resort Offerings – Fitness

Ideal for active guests the resort’s modern fitness center is available 24/7 and located on the third floor with floor to ceiling windows, the fitness center offers incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico, towels, water and ear buds. You can choose from a variety of high-tech cardiovascular machines with built-in TVs, along with strength training equipment and plenty of room for stretching.

BEACH

Zota Beach Resort boasts a prime beachfront location offering a beautiful stretch of powder soft white sand beach. I enjoyed many a sunset walking along the ocean enjoying the secluded island ambiance that only Longboat Key can deliver. One of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. 

There are also a lot of beach amenities you can enjoy besides laying out during the day. There are chairs and umbrellas as well as kayaking and paddle boarding. This was the first time I’ve been kayaking and I loved it. I was able to see a pod of dolphins swimming right by the kayak. It was unbelievable. I only fell out of the kayak once and that was when my friend hopped on too! Either way we had a blast playing in the ocean. The water was so calm, so clear, so blue, so perfect.

A few steps from the pool and beach you’ll also find a hammock to relax under the shade and a large over sized chess board. I love the activities and games they have around the resort!

POOL

Zota Beach Resort’s palm tree lined, sun-drenched pool deck offers guests an infinity-edge pool and 21-person hot tub. I want to elaborate on the hot tub. It was the largest hot tub I’ve ever seen! It spanned the entire width of the pool and was giant! I can’t get over how nice the pool and hot tub are. I could have spent all day and night there… and actually, I may have. Definitely the best place to unwind and soak away your worries.

There are also eight private cabanas line the pool deck and are available for daily rentals. The cabanas feature an outdoor living-room complete with lounge furniture, refrigerators and a respite from the sun. These cabanas are no joke you guys! They are incredible. Almost like an open floor plan room that walks right out to the pool. 

Sea Turtles

Every year, from May to October, sea turtles use the more than 35 miles of powder soft beaches of Longboat Key to nest their eggs. Sea turtles, many of which are currently listed as threatened or endangered, are greatly affected by light pollution, causing hatchlings to become disoriented and head away from the Gulf of Mexico after emerging from their nests. With this in mind, Zota Beach Resort is committed to protecting marine wildlife and designed all lighting around the property to be “turtle friendly,” allowing for no white light to be visible from the beach.

Origins

Zota Beach Resort is inspired by the indigenous name of the area, ‘Zara Zota.’  While the origins of the name are not certain and historians have offered several possibilities, one account by historian, Edna Mosely Landers, eludes that early Spanish explorers spotted the white sands on the barrier island from a distance and were reminded of the Sahara Desert. By Landers’ account, Sahara became ‘Zara’ and the native origin of the word ‘Zota’ means blue waters, thus the area became known as ‘Zara Zota,’ the Sahara by the blue waters.

Meetings

Zota Beach Resort makes it easy to host memorable meeting experiences on beautiful Longboat Key. The 2,752 square-foot Zara Zota Ballroom accommodates up to 300 guests theater-style, or up to 170 for a corporate banquet. This sophisticated space is adjacent to 1,925 square-foot pre-function space.

Other meeting amenities include:

• • 2,752 square foot Zara Zota Ballroom, divisible into two separate rooms
    • • • 1,925 square foot pre-function space
        • Dedicated event managers
        • Full-service catering
        • Full-service business center
        • High speed Wi-Fi in all public areas
        • Guest and concierge services
        • 24-hour bell service
        • Laundry & valet service

Weddings

Accommodating weddings of 20 to 150 guests and offering one of the best beaches, exquisite cuisine and tranquil accommodations, Zota Beach Resort is the ideal backdrop for brides and grooms to tie to knot. For those envisioning their toes in the sand, Zota offers the quintessential and secluded beach wedding right on the Gulf of Mexico, while the Zara Zota Ballroom and gulf-side event space serve as ideal reception locations.

Nearby

Bradenton and Sarasota are home to a variety of can’t-miss attractions, museums and outdoor activities including golf, fishing charters, art galleries and botanical gardens. Guests fill their days with relaxation in the comfort of the resort or hop from space to space taking advantage of the numerous nearby sites:

• • Mote Marine Aquarium
  • St. Armands Circle
  • Myakka River State Park
  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
  • The Ringling
  • Sarasota Classic Car Museum
  • Sarasota Jungle Gardens
  • Ed Smith Stadium
  • South Florida Museum
  • Tree Umph
  • DeSoto National Park
  • Manatee Village Historical Park
  • Robinson Preserve

Climate

Longboat Key has a beautifully mixed climate year-round. Bright Florida sunshine paired with warm temperatures is a great combination to just about everyone.

• Spring: High of 85, Low of 66
• Summer: High of 90, Low of 71
• Fall: High of 89, Low of 64
• Winter: High of 75, Low of 53

Just make sure not to go during ‘love bug season’ which happens in May and September.

Location

www.zotabeachresort.com

4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Longboat Key, Florida 34228

(855) 335-1102

 

They even offer custom trip planning for small group getaways so make sure to reach out for your next vacation!

 

Twitter – @Opal_Collection

Facebook – Zota Beach Resort

Instagram – @Zotabeachresortlk  

 

This post was sponsored by The Opal Collection Hotels. All opinions are my own. 

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