Hospitality: ‘the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc‘…or better yet, ‘given to generous and cordial reception of guests‘.

Some places get it and some don’t. Jimmy Buffett gets it. The Margaritaville Resort in Pensacola Beach gets it. On our first visit seven years ago we fell in love with the place. From the friendly staff who can’t do enough for you, to the bartenders who make you feel right at home…and personalized text messages throughout your stay, just checking in to make sure you’re relaxed and happy. Plus the setting on beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area that offers something for everyone. That’s why we came back a second time, and loved it even more.

The hotel embraces the island way of life. The light flooded lobby boasts Gulf views from every comfortable couch or Adirondack chair on the deck. Frank and Lola’s (love Pensacola) indoor bar and restaurant are ready when you need a break from the sun.

The pool sits two stories above the beach with sweeping views of the turquoise water. Colorful umbrellas and a tiki bar with ‘Jimmy’ themed boat drinks (like the ‘five o’clock somewhere’) and eight different margaritas (like the ‘who’s to blame’) transport you to the tropics.

Walk across the boardwalk down to the warm gulf waters and forget about life for a while. Sit and stare or float and bob in the prettiest blue water.

Landshark Landing is one of my favorite beach bars anywhere. Just making a comeback from last year’s hurricane Sally, the menu was limited, but the atmosphere was as chill as can be. Lime and turquoise painted beach chairs, hammocks hung from palm trees, a fin-shaped fire pit and live music adds up to a perfect beach hangout where time slows down a bit.

Nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore and Big Lagoon State Park invites exploration of unspoiled beauty. Traverse trails though sand dunes, tropical foliage and palm trees around the bays, lagoons and the shimmering Gulf of Mexico.

Within the National Seashore is historic Fort Pickens, constructed to defend Pensacola Bay and the Pensacola Navy Yard and Depot from foreign attacks. The Fort is a massive structure intentionally designed to look threatening. Explore the dark tunnels, ground level or casemate tier and a second level or barbette tier. Take in the sweeping views from the upper levels as four of five walls front the water, while one wall protects the land.

Getting out on the water is a must, and choices to do so abound. We enjoyed a kayak excursion to the uninhabited islands off Perdido Key. And a dolphin watching cruise at sunset, where we came within a respectful distance of these magnificent creatures.

The Pensacola Fishing Pier extends 1,471 feet out over the Gulf. Rent poles at the entrance and enjoy a day among the seasoned fishermen pulling up pompano, whiting, Spanish mackerel, red drum, black drum, bluefish, jack crevelle, and king mackerel. Keep your eyes peeled for passing dolphins, rays and sea turtles in the crystal clear turquoise water.

Local eateries can get crowded during peak season and most do not take reservations so be prepared to enjoy a tropical drink before dinner. A few of our favorite spots include Red Fish, Blue fish, Pensacola’s ultimate bayside backyard patio…

Peg Leg Pete’s for a seafood feast on the inlet…

and Casino beach for a breezy beachfront experience set at the entrance of the fishing pier.

So, how do you sum up the Margaritavile experience? The brand is iconic, defining a lifestyle we all dream about…here’s the inspiring description that greets you at check-in and stays with you on the back of your room key throughout your stay…

‘WHERE IS MARGARITAVILLE? It’s in the tropics somewhere between the Port of Indecision and Southwest of Disorder, but no parallels of latitude or longitude mark the spot exactly. You don’t have to be a navigator to get there. Palm trees provide the camouflage, ocean breezes bring the seaplanes and sailboats, tourists and travelers. Passports are not required. Island music rules. No waiting lines for anything.

There is a beach and a thatched roof bar perched on the edge of the turquoise sea where you can always find a bar stool. There are lots of lies and loads of stories. It’s a comical concoction that blends together like tequila, salt, and limes.

Where is Margaritaville?

It’s in your mind.‘

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