I recently returned from a stellar long weekend in Florida, where I made another pilgrimage to the Holy Land, aka the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and also had some MAJOR R&R at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Bonita Springs is about a three-hour drive south from Orlando, so after my friend Marquita and I waved goodbye to Harry and Diagon Alley, we grabbed a cheap rental car from the airport and drove on down. We had a super warm welcome upon our arrival at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, and a super smooth check-in with Lauren at the front desk, before our bags were whisked up to the suite by our porter Jared, who took extra time to make sure we knew where everything was in the room and answer any questions. The room was stunning - we got hooked up with the Island Suite which had five balconies, which is really, truly, the correct amount of balconies. The views of the three-acre waterpark and Estero Bay were absolutely beautiful!
After yelling "I'm king of the world!" from each and every balcony, we headed to a seriously glorious brunch at Tarpon Bay, one of the resort's full service restaurants which features fresh local seafood and has an exquisite menu created by Chef Gaston Sanchez. I couldn’t believe the prix fixe price ($49!) for an extravagant brunch that included a stunning seafood bar as the opener to entrees like Crawfish Eggs Benedict and Piña Colada Crêpes. There's even a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar! We had phenomenal service from Nicole who was so knowledgable and helpful with navigating all the options.
After we stuffed ourselves silly we toured the resort to check out the extensive grounds and all the funtivities the resort offers to keep you busy. It's a really lush place to just stroll around, with lots of shady spots to relax out of the Florida sun, and gorgeous event spaces able to accommodate a number of events of all sizes. I’m already planning my wedding (lol jk still waiting for that miracle)! We spent some time lounging around and checking out Stillwater Spa, and then...obviously...it was time to eat again! We headed back to Tarpon Bay where I got a taste of Chef Gaston’s famous lobster mac n' cheese, as well as MULTIPLE kinds of ceviche which were each delightful and so unique. We again had stellar service and hospitality from Jason and Lisa (go Cowboys!), and met the manager, Carrie, who made sure everything was perfect. The Chef himself stopped by to tell us more about the dishes, which was a super nice touch. We skipped desert at the restaurant so we could instead grab a s’mores kit and hang out by the fire pit in the breezy Florida night air, which was so cozy and cute - a really special offering.
After strolling around the grounds listening to the fountains and waterfalls, I clocked out real hard on the super comfortable bed, and was delighted with the automatic foot light by the beds when I had to get up in the dark. In the morning we ordered Tanglewood To Go, which is the pick-up or delivery meal service offered by the resort's second restaurant. Coconut Point has opted to get rid of tradition room service with those unwieldy trays and excessive plating, instead providing guests with the option to pick up their food, or have it delivered to the room in eco-friendly packaging. I really appreciated the simplicity - and the food came faster than other room services I’ve ordered!
After breakfast we headed to the marina for a 15 minute ferry ride across Estero Bay to Big Hickory Island, where guests of the resort enjoy a private beach and environmental preserve. The bird-watching and sea-shelling were great, and the water was a gorgeous shade of turquoise blue. I didn’t have to fight for beach chairs or umbrellas, as there were plenty available. It was an awesome and serene place. We opted to walk along the mangrove boardwalk back to the resort, and once we got back it was time to hit up the pools and water slides, which I was MOST excited about obvs. We set up camp in an incredibly comfortable cabana (outfitted with fridge, safe, and TV), and ordered lunch from the poolside restaurant Corkscrew. We had a great time talking with our server Yadira, who was so friendly and attentive. All the pool chairs come with adorable lil flags on the back, so if you need anything, you raise the flag to request service. It was literally a dream come true and I wish I could have it set up in my apartment!
Within the resort's three-acre pool complex, there are five waterslides, four pools (including one for adults only), and a hot tub. The Lazy River area features three of the raddest waterslides - two dueling speed slides and a 900-ft inner tube slide. I tried to hard to stay on my inner tube on the white slide, but try as I might just couldn’t finagle it - probably because I was too busy screaming like a banshee as I rocketed down. The waterslides were so epic and are definitely not your average resort offering. There’s a slide for the most thrill-seeking waterbugs in your party, and the cutest lil' slide for the littlest adrenaline junkies. After all that repeated climbing to the top of the slides and screaming on the way down, it was so nice to tuck myself into an inner tube and let the Lazy River carry me away at a leisurely 6 miles per hour, with plenty of shade provided by the tropical plants and the bellies of the waterslides which snaked over head. We kept the relaxation going in the afternoon at Stillwater Spa, where I had an amaaaaaazing relaxing massage with Jubica, who treated me to a little aromatherapy as well. The spa also has a Watsu pool for aquatic therapy!
Everything was beautifully curated, landscaped, manicured, and in order, with little pockets of tranquility and escape that made me forget where I was - it really feels like a luxury
Caribbean getaway, but much easier to get to! It was great to not need a car while there, and to stay and enjoy all the activities the resort offers. Every staff member was so warm and welcoming, and I felt they went out of their way to ensure we were happy and getting the most out of every moment. Thanks to everyone who helped make this visit so beautiful! If you’re looking for a little piece of heaven with even better hospitality, the oasis awaits you at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa.
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