In post-Ian milestone, new Jimmy Buffett-themed resort ready for guests

A new property is set to open on Fort Myers Beach, with Margaritaville Beach Resort accepting reservations for stays starting Dec. 21.

The opening marks another comeback milestone for Fort Myers Beach, which was hit hard by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The project was delayed for several months due to the storm that smashed into Southwest Florida on Sept. 22, 2023. 

At 251 Crescent St., the resort sits on 7.25 acres along Fort Myers Beach, with direct beach access and views of the Gulf of Mexico, according to a statement. The property also features 254 guest rooms, six restaurants and the beachside Fins Up Beach Club. 

All the restaurants, as well as the 43,000-square-foot Sunset Terrace, are open to the public, the release states, and the property offers food and beverage service across 19,000 square feet of sandy beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico 

The property, of course, also features the themes of the late Jimmy Buffett, whose “laid-back, carefree lifestyle,” the release states, inspired the brand. 

“We are thrilled to open up reservations to Margaritaville Beach Resort to Fort Myers Beach, which is home to some of the most spectacular sunsets, magnificent wildlife and coolest seashells in the world,” Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach General Manager David Cesario says in the release. “Whether a family vacation, romantic escape, getaway with friends, special events or corporate meetings, Margaritaville Beach Resort offers something for everyone. Our team looks forward to being part of the Fort Myers Beach community and transporting guests into a vacation state of mind.”

Minnesota-based TPI Hospitality is the developer of the property. TPI, with three generations of family ownership, develops, builds and manages hotels and restaurants in Minnesota and Florida. Its other Florida property is Compass Hotel Naples. The lead builder was Naples-based DeAngelis Diamond.