It’s official, there’s a new resort slated to open in Longboat Key called the Zota Beach Resort. Located on the former Hilton property on Gulf of Mexico Drive, the 187 room beachfront property will open its doors in 2016. The resort will feature a brand new 84-room tower in addiction to 103 completely renovated rooms with an impressive modern design. In addition to the new living spaces, a sleek new lobby, a sun-drenched pool area, a stylish restaurant and wine bar, and a state-of-the-art meeting space will round out the offerings at this exclusive location in one of the most highly sought after oceanfront destinations in the country. Why Zota? “We wanted the name of the resort to reflect something unique and indigenous to the destination,” said Roy Padgett, General Manager of the resort. “Zota” is believed to be a native word meaning blue waters and “Zara” is thought to be a reference to Sahara-like sands, and thus Longboat Key and the surrounding area became know as “Zara Zota” or “Sahara by the blue waters.” In creating the logo, the company wanted to “reflect the relaxed ambiance of the new resort and the Longboat Key lifestyle.” Within the logo, you can see the color palette of the island lifestyle with the sandy beaches, the ocean surf, and the varying hues of emerald and aqua green that the Gulf of Mexico is renowned for, all of which come together as a beautiful representation of island elegance and relaxation. 

Southwest Florida Collection- Zota Beach Resort