Largest and Most Comprehensive Spa in Southwest Florida Completes Transformation
Bryanna Weldy, spa director, says, “We have been working diligently to redesign and rebuild our spa, which is an integral part of the Ft. Myers and Sanibel island wellness communities. We are excited to share all of the new offerings with residents through our membership program, and to visitors and resort guests.”
The ambiance is modern luxe and the design theme is inspired by the coast, including teak, grey blue and green color palette. The spaciousness of the spa provides the perfect location for events and spa day getaways and encourages guests to incorporate wellness into their lives through treatments, skin enhancing products, lounges, recreation, and wellness classes.
The new Spa at Sanibel Harbour’s top to bottom renovation includes a grand entrance, mixed mosaic tile flooring, wall treatments, teak toned millwork throughout, spa boutique, salon with stations for hair, manicures and pedicures, heated treatment tables and equipment, men’s and women’s lounges and furnishings, and pools, whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas. A new Couple's Lounge was created for couples to begin their wellness journey prior to their services.
In addition to the spa, the wellness complex of the resort includes the following new or newly renovated amenities:
24-hour access to the 5,500 square-foot fitness center with extensive equipment selections, showering and changing facilities2,000 square-foot fitness studioThree Har-Tru clay tennis courtsEight pickleball courtsBasketball courtIndoor co-ed poolNew Spa BistroCo-ed steam roomSpa boutique with new product lines includingEminence OrganicsYonka ParisGreysonCauseMedicScentsational SoapsDazzle DryKneskoL'DuexRad Roller
Local residents can enjoy six- or 12-month memberships which includes a 15 percent discount on spa services and spa retail; access to spa amenities without a treatment; space in members only exclusive clinics and recreation events; and membership pricing on wellness/fitness classes.
Resort Renovation:
Perfectly situated at the nexus of quiet relaxation and exciting activities, guests can cross the waters to Sanibel Island, explore the natural wonder of the Everglades or enjoy a relaxing round of golf. Water sports and outdoor activities are abundant near the resort, including natural trails, bike and kayak rentals.
The overall design is inspired by the breathtaking grounds, which was completely redesigned and relandscaped. The interiors are crafted with a neutral aesthetic, utilizing a finish palette that highlights the views outward into the lush surroundings. The concept adds a refreshing coastal, clean, and modern look with hues of sea glass. The whimsical headboard mural references the ripples and sand ridges intertwined with the breaking waves.
The resort is putting the finishing touches on its renovation just in time for the winter high season. The 278 guest rooms and 69 suites, including three Elite Suites and two Presidential Parlors, have been renovated to reflect the new design philosophy using earthy tones with complementing sea glass and grey, coupled with a contemporary and upscale twist including new entry way tile, vanities, tiled in showers, carpet, room paint and mural headboards that reflect the Marriott brand’s comfortable, modern aesthetic. Each guestroom features stunning water or island views, with large-format windows to allow guests to fully enjoy the surrounding landscape.
In addition to guest rooms and suites, all six restaurants have been renovated, featuring classic steakhouse specialties to tropical cabana cocktails. The Courtside Steakhouse is an OpenTable 2023 Diner's Choice Award Winner, and the resort is home to a wide variety of culinary traditions, innovative menus and incredible views.
Event space renovations at Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa are also complete. More than 45,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, 13 event rooms and 24 breakout rooms accommodating up to 640 guests, are offered with lovely ballrooms with verandas and scenic Gulf Coast views, intimate event venues and more.
Resort History:
The origins of this tropical resort paradise go far back to the time of the Civil War. The US Marines built a fort here to battle the Seminole Indians during the Wars of Indian Removal.
A telegraph company then sent George Schultz to set up a station and he allowed cowhands to bed down in the barracks, which he then converted into an inn called Tarpon House, and began to attract a more upscale clientele.
In 1906, a fire destroyed Tarpon House and it was rebuilt and the new 40 room hotel reopened in 1908. It was destroyed by fire, again, in 1913, never to be rebuilt again. The only remnant was the partially burned-down pier reaching out into the bay.
In 1989, the graceful Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa now rests on the same foundation of the old Tarpon House, with architecture based on that long-gone grand-dame’s original plans.
Over the years, the resort has hosted many high profile guests including Kevin Nealon - Comedian and actor (Saturday Night Live), Andy Pettitte - Professional baseball pitcher with the NY Yankees (won 5 World Series), Teresa Caputo - American Psychic (Long Island Medium), Pat Sajak - Game Show Host (Wheel of Fortune), Jerry Seinfeld - American Standup Comedian, Steve Martin - American comedian, actor, writer, producer and musician, Olivia "Livvy" Dunn - American artistic gymnast and social media personality, and Dave Chappelle - American standup comedian and actor.