{Thank you to the J.W. Marriott Marco Island for hosting our Family! }
Last week we hopped in the car and headed down south for two hours, though it felt a world away over on Marco Island. Did I just hop on a plane? Nope! But it felt like I was down in the islands. I have been wanting to stay at J.W. Marriot Marco Island forever – since our babymoon! So when they invited us down I was so excited to experience it. It’s actually a family trip with my husbands company, and they always go to amazing family friendly resorts, and vett it out. So I knew it was going to be good! When we arrived and I shared a bit on stories, I loved hearing from many of you that this is your go to place, and a few even said they were there at the moment too!
The last time we were on Marco Island was 7 years ago, to the month. We were celebrating our babymoon, as I mentioned. It was such a fun, relaxing trip before our world would change forever. And it has changed! Even writing this, and looking at these sweet boys in my arms in the above picture, I could/am tearing up. My heart is filled with gratitude to be their mom, and my husbands wife. And to experience a trip like this- for work! Somebody pinch me. If you would have told me with my pregnant belly seven years ago on that beautiful marco island beach, that seven years later I would be on the beach, watching these two boys play and dance in the sand at sunset, sipping on a fun cocktail with my husband… wellllll, I think I would just have the biggest smile on my face.
I meannnnn my whole world right there ! Plus, just look at that gorgeous powdery white sand. Almost like snow but no snowsuit required (:
Ok, you’re like I’m over your gushy mushyness sarah … get to the review!
The J.W. Marriot Marco Island is a great spot for families, and adults only trips. Did you know they have their own adults only building? Complete with their own restaurants, area on the beach and infinity pool. I’m putting that in my back pocket to remember for when JB and I want to have a little trip just the two of us, or a girlfriend getaway.
Anyway, back to families! When you stay there you’ll get two chairs on the beach. Plus an umbrella. Get there early, so you can get one right up to the shore. All three days we did this, and the boys were happy as larks. Not wanting to leave for anything! I loved this the most. They have a Quinns on the beach cart come by so you can get drinks, or some snacks right up to your chair too. The beach is beautiful. And huge! I don’t think I know of any spot I’ve been to in Florida with more sand, or a larger beach.
Because we spent so much time out by the beach. Building sandcastles, and bunkers (lol)… we didn’t do too much pool time. But we did take a few rides down the slides, splash through the splash pad … the hot tub was conveniently located right by the slides and splash pad for Jb and I.
There are 4 total pools! One for the adults only, the spa pool- also adults only, and two for the kids. One doesn’t have a water slide, and the other does. The one that does is the most family friendly we thought.
The rooms were beautiful! With a hanging swing that the boys just couldn’t get over. Our room was a lanai room that was perfect for our stay. We loved just walking right out to the beach from our room. Would be an amazing time saver if you also were dealing with strollers, and not wanting to do so many elevators.
The boys went to camp one morning while JB and I were spoiled with a massage and a facial, had a spa lunch together by the spa pools, and I even got to use their peloton at their gym! Y’all know I love a good kids club, and I can say this one is one of the best out there. Tiki Tribe was incredible, and my boys wanted to go back the next day! In the 4 hours they were there – they made their own build a bear (turtle and penguin- which they are now very into!), had a yummy lunch, painted robots, and went to 10k for all the games.
Each night they have a flame thrower at sunset on the beach. The boys were absolutely in awe! This is something that I would think we’d have to hop on a plane to the islands to see, and it’s so nice that there’s this vacation/island feel right in our neck of the woods.
that’s a key lime pie! the most delicious octopus!
There are 12 restaurants at the resort – so you truly never need to go anywhere else. But on our first night there we were spoiled with one of the most memorable dinners of my life. A full tasting from Ario’s. The food was sooooo good, and would be perfect for a special occasion. I was shocked that they sat us in their dry aging/wine room. Which was so special, but also worked out well because the boys had a little wiggle room. We were really proud of them for tasting different foods too. We always say they don’t have to like it, but they should at least try it. They are usually good sports about it!
Both nights we ended up at 10k alley. There’s bowling, mini golf, golf simulator, allllll the games and you can grab a drink or dinner there too. One night we had dinner while the boys played on the golf simulator. I took a few swings too (: Afterwards you can exchange your tickets for something – which just made the boys nights.
What a great way to kick off Thanksgiving vacation. I now get why so many families come back year after year to the J.W. Marriot Marco Island!
If you’d like to see some more photos/videos – check out my highlight over on instagram “JW marco island”