Y’all know how much we love traveling, and boy have we found an amazing resort! I don’t know about you, but I love to feel like I’m in the Caribbean on every vacation, but let’s be honest, that just isn’t practical. However, what if I said that you could escape to paradise with what would only be a few hour drive for many of you reading this?! YES, it’s true, paradise exists in the Smoky Mountains! You’ll be whisked away to the tropics when you step foot into Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg!
We’ve been to this resort three different times now in the last year, and I assure you we will continue to be frequent flyers! So, let me share why this resort ranks so high with my family: Introducing the 3 A’s that sum this resort up – Accessibility, Ambience and Amenities.
Accessibility
This one is HUGE for the Gatlinburg area! If you’ve ever visited the area, you know how much of a nightmare traffic can be in downtown Gatlinburg. It can take you 30 minutes to drive not even a half of a mile, and then let’s not even discuss where you’re going to find a place to park once you get to your destination! No one wants to spend their vacation time in the car just trying to get to their favorite restaurant or putt-putt golf course. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is located in the best spot on Parkway, also known as “the strip”. Navigation around Gatlinburg involves the traffic light system, as every traffic light is numbered from 1-10. Traffic Light #1 is nearest Pigeon Forge and Traffic Light #10 is nearest the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Margaritaville Gatlinburg can be found at Traffic Light #3, which means you can walk to all of the main attractions located along Parkway! Once you park your car (or you can have Valet take care of that for ya), you don’t need that car again until you check-out! So, parents, no more packing a day bag from your “out of town” hotel or cabin, because when the kids are getting tired, you can just walk back to the hotel for nap time! I’m telling you, there isn’t a more accessible lodging option in Gatlinburg!
Ambience
So follow along…sunbathers lathered up in Coppertone sunscreen with hints of some orange blossom (upbeat summer floral scent) and white rose (rose mixed with hints of mint and lemon), and finally add in a little driftwood (fresh and airy with salty ocean vibes) to it. Ohhhhh can you smell it?! Well, one step through the sliding glass doors at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg and you’ll smell it for sure! It’s the most amazing scent EVER and once your nose gets a whiff of it, there’s not a care in the world! Suddenly, you realize that Jimmy Buffett is right….”Changes in Latitude equals Changes in Attitude!”. Pro Tip: You can actually buy a diffuser and this actual scent used by the resort for home use! Check it out HERE! If you’re wondering, yes, it’s on our wish list for our house, so stay tuned!
Now, it’s not just the scent that makes this hotel, but also the tropical decor, and of course, we can’t forget about the amazing customer service! We always enjoy when Moose greets us when we pull up. He is such a friendly and welcoming face, so be sure to be on the lookout for him when you arrive!
Let’s talk decor, because I said you can escape to paradise. Well, how does rocking/swinging couches, palm trees, and real parrots sound?! The lobby is designed to be the hub of the resort, as the more the merrier is the vibe you’ll get! Grab a drink from the bar and soak up all of those tropical vibes as you embark on the “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” mentality!
Amenities
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg has it all covered for the adults and the kiddos, as it’s truly a family friendly resort! Let’s start with the kiddos, because I understand the Mama thought process…if there isn’t anything to do for the kids, there isn’t a chance we are staying there! Well, Mamas, trust me, Margaritaville isn’t just where Dad wants to go! Let’s start with the rooms, because these rooms have been designed with families in the forefront. With a full mini bar, complete with a sink, microwave, and mini fridge, you can bring all of the snacks and juice boxes you need. Heck, you can even bring breakfast and lunch options just the same! There is an entire countertop area to store all of the must haves while you’re there, so no more trying to shove Cheez-It boxes on the nightstand. There are a number of different room types available to suit a variety of needs. I highly recommend the family suites, as it offers some privacy via a separate little room off the main area. Beyond the sliding barn door, you have a queen size sleeper sofa, a few sitting chairs, and another TV/entertainment center. Yep, you can keep the kiddos crazies contained into that little area!
Outside the resort, you have a great little splash pad for the young kiddos and of course, we can’t forge the big curly slide for the big kiddos (ok, and adults too!). While were talking pools, let’s talk about the newest addition to the pool area…the sundeck. Now, it may look like a sundeck from ground level, but I assure you that there is a magical treat waiting for you Mamas when you get up there! They have installed little elevated wading pools complete with in-water sun loungers! Yes, the best way to stay cool and soak up the sunshine for us parents! When the evening rolls around, don’t forget to take a little soak in the outdoor oversized hot tub, where you can soothe those sore muscles from lots of walking that you’ve done throughout the day.
For those of you that want to just stay put at the resort, but may still want to get a little exercise in, then have no fear! The Fins Up exercise center is the perfect spot to get a little workout in before setting up poolside for the day. Complete with aerobic equipment, exercise balls, and a pulley system, you’ll be sure to stay in shape while vacationing.
Finally, we can’t forget about a little pampering for you Moms and Dads while you are at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg. Did someone say spa day?! The St. Somewhere Spa is located right there on the property, and is a luxurious escape away from all of that built up stress and tension. From massages, manis/pedis, facials, and even hair and make-up services, you’ll be sure to feel like the prince or princess you were destined to be! I recommend the Wastin’ Away Signature massage (go for the 90 minutes, you won’t be disappointed!) and the Pedicure in Paradise!
Now that you’ve heard all about this amazing resort, who’s ready to escape to paradise?! You can book your next trip by visiting the Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg website, and I’m warning you now, one trip and you’ll be saying “I Have Found Me a Home.” – Jimmy Buffet
Pro Tip: If you want to learn more about some hot spots in the Gatlinburg area that you can hit up while staying at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg, be sure to check out my blog post “All the Go To’s in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge”.