I’m a little late to the game in 2019, as this is my first post of the year, but I’ve been having a lot of fun with my time off. I’ve recently been partnering with Opal Collection for some wonderful weekend getaways in Florida. The resorts have continued to impress me and I can’t recommend them enough. We just started the year off with a getaway to The Resort at Longboat Key Club, but today I’m writing all about our stay at Zota Beach Resort. I originally planned on putting them both in one post, but since they’re such different resorts, I decided to split them up! Both located on Longboat Key, they offer the same great amenities and awesome guest services, but the resorts have different styles.
Zota Beach Resort
Zota Beach Resort is Longboat Key’s newest luxury resort and a stunning one at that. With 187 guest rooms and suites, Zota Beach Resort managed to capture a boutique resort vibe (much like their sister resort, Treasure Island Beach Resort). From the valet and front desk to the bartenders and room service, we felt everyone went out of their way to make sure we were happy. We also invited my parents on this little getaway so it was really fun to experience this resort with them.
Fun Fact: According to Zota’s website, the name originates from Sarasota’s original name, Zara Zota, meaning “Sahara by the blue waters”. Over time, Zara Zota evolved into Sarasota, but Zota Beach chose to keep Zota, the perfect name for a resort right on the Gulf of Mexico.
Beachfront King Room
Our beautiful room (request room 613) featured blues and neutrals with a pop of color, offering a calming and elegant vibe. It was very spacious, had an oversized lounge chair, table for two, and a mini refrigerator. On our balcony, we had two chairs and a table, my favorite place for morning coffee.
Amenities
Pool & Jacuzzi
Zota Beach Resort blew us away with their infinity-edge pool and giant jacuzzi. It was probably the largest jacuzzi I’ve ever seen (running the width of the pool) and absolutely perfect for the cool December nights. During the day, the pool was heated to over 80 degrees and our bartender would bring our drinks right to the edge of the pool. That’s my kind of service for vacation. 😉
There’s nothing like having the whole pool to yourself!
Cascades Pool Bar was our favorite spot for a late afternoon cocktail. It was decorated with Christmas lights, had multiple televisions, and the friendliest bartenders.
Cabanas
Zota Beach Resort spoiled us to one of their poolside cabanas for the day. It was so relaxing to have a spot to lounge around, order food and drinks, and even turn on the television in time for Ellen. The cabana offered us a comfortable space in the shade but still just steps to the pool and beach. You could find both of my parents reading their books on this couch the entire day. I had to catch up on some work, but didn’t complain for a single second with the cabana as my office! Although the weather wasn’t too hot for us, I’d say a cabana rental would be a must in the hot summertime months.
All the Extras
Zota Beach Resort is one of those places that you could stay for days without really needing to leave the property. Their entertainment goes beyond the pool and jacuzzi. We loved snuggling up by the fire pit, playing cornhole, and giant chess. They had multiple hammocks near the pool where we could relax as long as we desired. On the beach, they had staff available to set up the chairs and umbrella or you could rent a daybed right on the white sandy beach. We started to feel like we were much further from home, not just a few hours away. For a weekend getaway, that’s a total “win” for me!
Viento Kitchen & Bar
Zota’s restaurant, Viento, was our go-to for breakfast and dinner. Continuing the vibrant ocean colors, it also had indoor and outdoor seating. From the deck, we had a view of the infinity pool and ocean. On the weekends they have a delicious breakfast buffet, but my favorite was dessert. My Dad got the key lime pie and I would order a thin mint martini. It was seriously the best dessert martini I’ve ever had in my life. Every meal here was delicious!
What’s Nearby?
As I mentioned, Longboat Key is just north of Sarasota. The main road that Zota Beach Resort sits on, Gulf of Mexico Drive, actually runs right into St. Armand’s Circle. It’s my favorite spot for a day of shopping, eating at great restaurants like Columbia’s (you have to try their famous “1905” salad), and getting gelato. Every time we’re in the area, we love to pop into Shore, a stylish and beachy lifestyle clothing store for men and women. They also have a location at Disney Springs, but this one is so much bigger!
If you want to venture beyond the resort for dinner, we highly recommend The Lazy Lobster. We devoured all of the lobster our little hearts desired.
Overall, Zota Beach Resort is one of the most comfortable, chic, and impressive beach resorts we’ve visited. I will never hesitate to book a weekend here. The resort and sunsets are everything you could ask for in a weekend getaway.
**Zota Beach Resort sponsored our stay, but this blog post was not part of our contract. As always, all opinions are my own and I was excited to share this wonderful resort. If you book a stay with any Opal Collection resort, let them know you heard about them from me!**
