Allegiant Travel, best known as a low-cost airline, has launched its long-awaited second airline. Sunseeker Resortthis is a spectacular property located on a prime waterfront perch in the heart of Charlotte County, where the Peace River flows into Charlotte Harbor.
The $653 million luxury resort complex sits on 22 acres and features 785 guest rooms, approximately 24 restaurants and bars, a spa and shops, 60,000 square feet of meeting space, and an adjacent golf course. I am.
The scale of the project could shake up the economy of Charlotte County, the smallest county on Florida’s southwestern Gulf Coast between Collier to the south and Pasco to the north, with ripple effects that could extend to nearby areas. be. Allegiant notes that millions of people have traveled through the region since it began service at the tiny Punta Gorda Airport, just six miles away, and that in 2022 alone, 1.8 million people traveled to and from the region.
“This is transformational. There’s nothing like it, nothing else can compare,” said Dave Gammon, director of the Charlotte County Economic Development Authority.
“When you walk in there, all you can say is ‘Wow.’ I’m going to go there. It’s spectacular.”
Friday marks the resort’s official first day of operation, but operations have been happening behind the scenes for nearly six weeks as staff are trained and acclimatized to the corporate culture ahead of the Dec. 15 grand opening.
The five-year construction project was canceled twice, first in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and second in September 2022 after damage from Hurricane Ian.
For Charlotte County, it was worth the wait. Charlotte’s beaches, restaurants and hotels have long been overshadowed by neighboring areas like Sarasota to the north and Lee to the south. But the Sunseeker concept was copied from Allegiant’s namesake desert complex in Las Vegas, fronting Charlotte’s pristine Charlotte Harbor estuary and quaint downtown Punta Gorda across the Peace River. It is placed in the center.
Competition for workers and tourism revenue is also intensifying in a tight labor market, with Allegiant having six companies in addition to Sarasota, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Punta Gorda.
A look inside Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor
Seashells and marine plants are carved into the terrazzo flooring of the resort’s turquoise lobby and concierge area, about 80 miles south of downtown Sarasota and just off Route 41. The deep light blue stitching on the staff’s uniforms matches the light blue of the check-in counter backsplash, and as you enter through the large lobby doors, impressive views of the Peace River draw your attention to the focal point of the luxury hotel. Pull back.
An elevated boardwalk winding along the back of the property provides public access for strolling while taking in panoramic views of the Peace River and exploring the resort’s dining, bar and entertainment spaces.
Maury’s, the resort’s signature dining option, transports diners to a luxury cruise ship dinner party with its contemporary nautical aesthetic, brass finishes, and leather seating. Our wine-focused steakhouse features premium steak options, an impressive wine cellar, and a private dining space hidden behind a glass wine wall. The restaurant is named after Allegiant’s founder and CEO Morley Gallagher and his junior, and sets the standard for dining throughout the establishment.
Maury’s is one of seven independent restaurants in Sunseeker.
Sunseeker sports bar Allegiant Stadium feels more like a Las Vegas Strip venue than a Southwest Florida dining experience. This sit-down restaurant features 60 LED TVs, 50 beers, and upscale bar favorites like gourmet burgers and hand-rolled pretzels. Oversized leather recliners are lined up near the front bar of the restaurant.
The resort also features an adults-only Level Blue rooftop pool and lounge area, as well as retail along the harborside promenade.
Sunseeker’s wellness facilities, including a fitness center and spa, are located on the third floor of the resort’s main tower.
18-hole golf course, exclusive to Sunseeker Resort guests; Aileron Golf Clubshuttle and cart transportation are available.
Located within the resort’s main building, 60,000 square feet of meeting space and ballroom offer unobstructed views of the Peace River and space for up to 1,000 people for special events.
The suites occupy Sunseeker’s Iris and Lotus Towers, and guests occupy a private entrance portion of the resort, one with a kitchen, spa-like bathroom, and separate dining and living spaces with seaside views. , two or three bedrooms. port and river.
“It’s pretty exciting!” Sunseeker brings economic punch
Gammon, whose role at Charlotte EDO includes spearheading the mission to attract new business to grow the county’s tax base, said the resort will be part of a wave of business and expansion throughout the region. He said it would spur him on.
“We’re offering food and experiences here that we haven’t had before. It’s open to the public, and I think that’s what’s so great about it personally. That area wasn’t open to the public before. “We didn’t have one, but now we have a public walking path and a drainage system, and Sunseeker takes care of the rainwater,” he said. and spills out before entering the port. They have brought economic benefits to our communities and have had a positive impact on the environment. ”
Sunseeker is an area the county has targeted for redevelopment for 30 years and is expected to generate $3 million in property tax revenue annually for the Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
“We’ve been asking Sunseeker for more than two years, even before Sunseeker broke ground,” said Bob White, executive director of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber has been paying close attention since the news broke.”
“It’s pretty exciting! It’s a beautiful facility from the rooms to the food and beverage concept to the pool and event space. It’s phenomenal.”
White and Gammon said that although there was some initial criticism about the traffic from the resort, others see it as a welcome addition to Port Charlotte area businesses and residents.
“I don’t have a lot of concerns about traffic or anything like that, but I think the chamber of commerce is going to be great,” White said. It will be even more important on top of what we already have. ”
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