Margaritaville plans to open first Resort Village in Pocono Mountains on former Pocono Manor site
From a press release:
Today, Margaritaville, a Jimmy Buffett-themed hospitality company based in Orlando, Florida, announced that it will build its first Margaritaville Resort Village in the Pocono Mountains. The year-round destination development plans to begin construction in 2023, with a projected opening of mid-2024.
Promising to bring “an entirely new state of mind to a timeless family destination” on the site of the former Pocono Manor in Monroe County near Mount Pocono (which burned down in 2019), guests will be able to choose from a Margaritaville Hotel, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort, Tiny Homes Bungalows, and a winter experience.
“As the ultimate family destination for over eight decades, the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains has offered a retreat for those in search of fun, relaxation, and a backdrop of lakes and mountains. In Margaritaville, we are known for our sense of escapism and look forward to bringing our vacation lifestyle to the area with the first Margaritaville Resort Village,” said Jim Wiseman, president of development at Margaritaville.
“With diverse places to stay, activities for all ages, and memorable experiences, we’re proud to bring new jobs to the community and welcome new visitors to our state of mind.”
Features of the new Margaritaville Resort Village will include the Margaritaville Hotel Pocono Mountains, paying homage to the original Pocono Manor built in 1902 by providing wilderness gardens, unique restaurants, swimming pools, countless activities, and live entertainment. The LandShark Bar & Grill, adjacent to the hotel, will offer beautiful views of two states and embody the charm of the Poconos.
Camp Margaritaville, the brand’s luxury camping and entertainment destination, will have a variety of camping opportunities, such as RV and super premium RV sites and cabins, as well as a Margaritaville Retail Store, Fins Up Fitness Center, Cheeseburger in Paradise Restaurant, Fin City Game Room, and a 5 O’Clock Somewhere Swim-Up Bar. Additionally, the RV resort will have pickleball courts, a Parakeets Kids Club, and a Barkaritaville Dog Park. The highlight: RV suites with their own golf cart, covered charging station, hot tub, hammock, fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and covered “living room.”
Inspired by the historic rustic cabins found in the area, Tiny Homes Bungalows will have a cabin feel and boast stone fire pits and country patios, providing travelers with a mountain living vibe. For those looking for a “forever” vacation, Townhomes, within walking distance of the hotel, will provide every amenity needed for guests staying a week, a month, or longer. In addition, there will be approximately 1000 “build for rent” cottages in the village.
To embrace winter, dedicated attractions including the LandShark Tube Slide Runs and License to Chill Ice Pond, with an ice bar and coffee and hot chocolate stand, will be perfect for families looking for a little cold weather fun. Surrounding the pond, a Winter Market will feature stands and shops with gifts, bakery goods, and crafts.
“Margaritaville and JEMB Realty have been great partners in Atlantic City since 2013 with the Margaritaville Restaurant, 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, and LandShark Bar & Grill on the beach at the Resorts Casino & Hotel. We look forward to bringing the same energy and excitement to the Poconos,” said Morris Bailey, CEO and chairman of JEMB Realty Corporation.
Margaritaville, “a state of mind since 1977,” is a global lifestyle brand inspired by Jimmy Buffett, whose songs evoke a passion for tropical escape and relaxation. His most popular hits include the titular “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” “A Pirate Looks at Forty,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Why Don’t We Get Drunk,” “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere,” and “One Particular Harbour.”
Margaritaville features over 25 lodging locations and over 20 additional projects in the pipeline positioned across a variety of full-service and boutique hotel brands, branded for-sale real estate, premium RV destinations, and gaming properties, all complemented by an extensive suite of food and beverage concepts across more than 60 stand-alone and integrated F&B venues.
The hotel brands include Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts, Compass by Margaritaville, Margaritaville Beach House, Margaritaville St. Somewhere, and the all-inclusive Margaritaville Island Reserve Resorts. Branded real estate includes its “55 and better” active adult brand Latitude Margaritaville; Margaritaville Cottages, Villas and Residences; One Particular Harbour Margaritaville; and Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham. The brand further expanded with last year’s launch of Camp Margaritaville for its luxury RV destinations. In addition, this month the brand will launch Margaritaville at Sea to support its first cruise ship.
More than 20 million travelers every year change their latitude and attitude with a visit to a Margaritaville location. Consumers can also escape every day through a collection of Margaritaville lifestyle products, including apparel, footwear, frozen concoction makers, home décor, a satellite radio station, and more.
