Looking for fun in the sun, adventure and a little R&R this summer? Whether you need a bonding family vacation, romantic couples retreat, or a place to impress business partners or clients, you’ve found it! Marriott’s Crystal Shores is located on the tropical sandy beach of Marco Island, Florida. This barrier island, linked to the city of Naples by bridges, is the northern most island of the “10,000 Island” chain. The resort sits oceanfront and offers two to three bedroom villas with separate area for the living room, dining room and full kitchen. Also, there is a washer/dryer in every unit, free wi-fi and on-site parking for all guests. Marriott’s Crystal Shores does not require resort fees. You can enjoy on-site amenities like heated outdoor pools with water slides, bbq and picnic areas, beach volleyball and more. Before heading to the beach, which is just steps way, grab a bite to eat at Stilts Beach Bar & Grill. This casual beach side restaurant sits high above the dunes with fabulous views of the gulf. They serve breakfast at 8am to 11am Friday through Sunday and lunch/dinner from 11am to 9pm every day. Want to literally eat, drink and be merry? Off the Hook Comedy Club has awesome seafood and a glorious key lime pie! Comedians from Carlos Mencia to Pauly Shore tour this hot spot. Within one mile you can find a variety of places to eat like 400 Pazzi’s for pizza, paninis, ice cream, lunch and dinner. Have coffee and a pastry at Cafe San Marco. Quinn’s on the Beach is a great stop for tropical appetizers and a cocktail. Maia American cooks up delicious and simple dishes with fresh local ingredients from South Florida. For that luxurious dining experience, romantic dinner for two or for business entertainment, head to Ario Steak and Seafood. Foodies love the exquisite worldly cuisine and atmosphere. If you venture out just two more miles you will see Kane Indonesian Bar & Grill. Kick back and relax with a little something from the rum bar and flavorful Bali street food.

Now that we’ve covered a taste of your accommodations, it’s time to explore! What better place to start than the largest, 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness in the US, Everglades National Park! Protected home to the Florida panther, manatees and so much more. Also the largest mangrove forest in the hemisphere that protects an invaluable array of marine life. You can hike, bike, fish, swim, snorkel, canoe and kayak. Some of the tours you can take include boating with the captain and his crew into the Florida Bay, along the mangrove coast. Naturalists guided tram tours will take you through Shark Valley. Tour into the “River of Grass” on an air boat. You are sure to be amazed around every corner! Want even more thrills and excitement call on Marco Island Water Sports. Parasailing and a 10,000 Island guided wave runner adventure will not disappoint! On this tour you will encounter dolphins, manatee and birds. Look for the beautiful green iguanas living in the mangroves! Wave runners are for rent if you want to just have fun racing around the warm waters of the Gulf. Board one of the catamarans and take off across the gulf and around to the top of Cape Romano where you will stop for beautiful shells and sight seeing. Pass by the famous “Dome Homes” and onwards, into the edge of the Everglades.

Most people, myself included, like to find that “secret spot” that locals only know about. Well, I have the 411 on Tigertail Beach! There is a wild unspoiled peace of heaven there that used to be an off-shore sandbar but the winds of Wilma created a connection to the mainland. “Sand Dollar Island” can only be reached by wading through the lagoon at low tide, or you will have to rent a paddle board or kayak. If you want to get your private spot set up with chairs and a cooler go early before the tide. If you don’t make it, no worries, Tigertail Beach is still amazing with three miles of soft white sands. Find the two level tower with fixed binoculars and observe the spectacular views of the lagoon. You can see birds, sea turtles, dolphins, manatee and other coastal wildlife from here. The park has a play ground, changing rooms and snack bars. This is where you can rent your beach gear, kayaks and paddle boards. Grab a beer and a sandwich and stay for awhile as your resort is less than three miles away.

Have a timeshare question, or just need help with finding the perfect vacation? Contact us here, or call 1.888.888.2204