By TESS FICCAGLIA
It is summer and the name says it all.
Margaritaville Beach Resort is located at 310 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas and is a welcome addition to the Island. That is apparent by the attendance of the SPI Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Patrick McNulty, Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr, and many of our high ranking first responders along with several invited guests and press who were there at the ribbon cutting on Monday, June 12.
Highland Hospitality Partners of Highline Real Estate Partners purchased the property and invested approximately $30 million dollars to transform the previous Pearl Hotel of South Padre into an oasis second to none on South Padre Island.
The biggest yellow flip flop with an iconic pull tab stands tall against floor to ceiling windows as you enter the spacious lobby of the hotel. It is an indication of the diligence of the owners to reflect a true beach resort. Sculpted by an acclaimed artist, who wishes to remain anonymous, has outdone himself with his first piece of POP-top-Art. It is the first thing you see. Behind those windows is a view of the gigantic, year-round heated pool and breezeway. Comfortable seating in the lobby allows guests to sit and enjoy the views of the beautiful grounds out of the heat. However, I recommend taking a stroll to the breezeway, take a seat in one of the many intimate seating areas and really enjoy those Gulf of Mexico breezes on a warm summer day. On the weekends, the breezeway is filled with vendors for visitors to find that perfect gift for the dog sitter. But don’t leave Fido home because Margaritaville Beach Resort is pet friendly. So maybe the gift shop is better suited for mom minding the kids. Oh, but Margaritaville Beach Resort is so family oriented you might want to bring the kids too. So, let’s make that a gift for yourself.
Take a stroll through the grounds that are so lovely. Hammock Row is for swaying the afternoon away with a good book in peace and quiet. Or the lovely section of concrete benches and grass for the kids or Fido to burn up some of that energy. The enormous year-round heated pool is located just outside the doors to the breezeway with a section just for the kids. Cabanas for rent line the far side. You will enjoy your own little private shaded hut with a refrigerator, TV, lounging chairs with bar and restaurant service. If the sun is your friend, you can sit in the water at the poolside Salty Rim Bar with a delicious frozen cocktail or one of the many varieties of margaritas the name of the resort represents, all made with the Margaritaville brand liquors, (yeah, I didn’t know they had their own brand of liquor either).
The Pink Cadillac, made with Margaritaville Last Mango Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and the house margarita blend with a splash of cranberry juice over ice is bright and refreshing. It pairs nicely with a pizza or a light lunch snack from Joe Merchant’s Coffee and Provisions shop. You can find anything you need there including a great cup of coffee and croissant or Danish to a new pair of swim trunks and sunscreen. Don’t forget to purchase the Margaritaville Blender Cup as a souvenir and have the benefit of discounted cocktails at any Margaritaville Resort you visit. A private beach access allows guests to come and go easily from the beach to the pool.
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