MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (August 10, 2015) – The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa has officially reopened to guests following a three-month closure to kick off the start of their multi-phase property transformation and brand conversion. The expansions and enhancements are all part of the journey as the resort prepares to convert to a JW Marriott brand resort in 2017 during the third and final phase of the project. The property, which is undergoing a major $250 million expansion, is now moving ahead to their second phase of planned developments and renovations which will continue over the next 16 months.

The completed first phase of the transformation includes expanded pool decks, refurbished lobby and a new porte cochere and grand front entrance to the resort. As part of an ongoing transformation of guestrooms, travelers will be delighted by refreshed décor and furnishings, along with a redesign and reconfiguration of the guest room bathrooms allowing for larger shower, vanity and private water closet. The resort's design was realized by award winning design firm, EoA Inc., which has won multiple design awards for the property's lobby lounge design as well as the presidential suite in the past.

On-property restaurants including Quinn's, Pazzi's, Korals and Café San Marco will reopen and welcome guests, as well as both resort pools. The recently renovated Rookery at Marco course will provide award-winning private golf amongst picturesque natural surroundings, and Hammock Bay, a par 72 championship golf course, is slated to reopen this October.

The resort's reopening has also made way for some reimagined dining experiences at some of the properties pre-existing outlets. Formerly known as Tropiks, MAIA will now showcase the Chef's ingredient-driven menu featuring an abundance of locally and regionally sourced produce right from South Florida. The casual, coastal style eatery focuses on bringing the best and freshest of the local environment tableside, offering healthy alternatives and light bites for breakfast, lunch and seasonal dining.

The resort's fine dining restaurant, Kurrents, has transformed into all-new concept ARIO, slated to open mid-September. Ario promises to deliver a unique, world-class experience to guests. From an extensive, international wine list and globally-inspired handcrafted cocktails, to “in-house” dry-aged steaks and local, gulf-caught seafood, the chef's vision of using primal ingredients with simple preparation techniques will deliver an unforgettable dining experience.

The property will now move forward into its second phase of enhancements through December 31, 2016. The expansion will continue on the all-new Calusa and Banyan ballrooms with technologically advanced event space. Construction will continue on the brand new 94-room adults-only Lanai tower, featuring a rooftop pool, restaurant with celebrity chef and 12,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art indoor entertainment center on the south side of the property. Also undergoing build out, the oceanfront Tiki Bar, which is slated to open later this fall. In January 2017, the property will become the JW Marriott brand's first beachfront resort in the continental United States and boast a total of 100,000 square feet of innovative event space, 810 finely appointed guestrooms and suites across the resort and new adults-only tower featuring a rooftop, ocean-front, infinity edge pool.

“We are so pleased with the pace of the renovation and thrilled to reopen to our loyal guests,” said Rick Medwedeff, general manager of the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort. “We know our visitors will be highly impressed with the renovations and upgrades to date, and cannot wait to continue to share fresh, new and innovative interiors and amenities with them.”

Throughout phase two of the renovation, the property will unveil newly designed guestrooms and suites, delivering a sense of understated luxury and casual sophistication with subtle yet prevalent Balinese undertones apparent in the finely appointed room details. There will also be a newly refreshed 24,000 square foot full-service spa with Balinese-influenced treatments, private pool and fitness center. With the largest private beach in the Southwest Florida region, the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa provides an exotic escape from the ordinary where its group and leisure guests can find a sense of play, rejuvenation and discovery.

About Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Like no other resort in Southwest Florida, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa is the perfect island within an island escape. The 726-room Balinese-styled resort evokes complete tranquility and harmony. The resort features 4 pools, a luxurious Balinese inspired spa, magnificent outdoor dining and meeting spaces, - two Championship golf courses - the Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club, and finely appointed rooms and suites. Located 20 minutes south of Naples and just a 50-minute drive from Southwest Florida International Airport; Marco Island Marriott Resort & Spa is the ultimate sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. For additional information and reservations please visit www.marcoislandmarriott.com or call 1.800. GET. HERE (1.800.437.4373). To stay up to date on the latest news and happenings follow us on Twitter at @MarcoMarriott and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarcoIslandMarriottResort.