If you’re craving an exotic vacation brimming with aloha spirit but you’re not ready to board a jet to Hawaii, there’s a destination within easy driving distance that may just be the ticket for you.
It’s the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, a Polynesian-themed oceanfront retreat a mile from the iconic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier.
The upscale, all-suite resort, formerly known as Wakulla Suites, recently underwent a $15 million renovation updating every facet of the property from the 120 two-bedroom suites and hotel lobby to the courtyard and pool.
“Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has been completely transformed and reimagined into Cocoa Beach’s most luxurious resort and beachfront paradise,” Westgate Resort’s Founder and CEO David Siegel said in a press release. “This resort sets the new standard for luxury beach vacationing on the Central Florida Space Coast.”
Guests often fast track to the beach in the morning to enjoy the sun and surf. By afternoon, they’re typically ready to head back to the resort to have some fun at the Wakulla Falls Water Park or wind down at the Makua Lanai adult relaxation zone. Other on-site attractions for the younger set include an activity center with giant checkers, Jenga and Connect Four games.
Grown-ups tend to gravitate to the Aloha Tiki Bar & Café for a tropical cocktail. They also enjoy whiling away the hours floating down the Lazy River, a 335-foot loop through a lush and peaceful landscape. Lunch and snacks include hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and cocktails like the Rum Runner — a guest favorite served in a souvenir tiki cup.
Two-bedroom suites are designed with families in mind — as well as a 1,624-square-foot, four-bedroom option. Besides the two bedrooms in each suite, accommodations include two bathrooms, a full kitchen and dining area, living room and either a patio or deck.
Guests have private access to the beach via a boardwalk and are welcome to enjoy daily beachside concierge and cabana services. Beach chairs with umbrellas, towels, ice chests and Bluetooth speakers are available. Kids (and grown-ups) enjoy complimentary boogie boards, surfing lessons and bike rentals.
Not far away is the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, a historic landmark that extends 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. Shops, restaurants, bars and live musical performances can be found here. You can take the trolley to the pier for free as a resort guest. Besides the pier, you’ll find Rikki Tiki Tavern, an ideal spot to enjoy a Bahama Mama cocktail and listen to live entertainment. Keith’s Oyster Bar, where oysters are king and Pelican’s Bar & Grill, known for its Dungeness crab, are two other dining options. All of them come with a spectacular sunset view.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the area during a space shuttle launch, you’ll be in an optimal spot to observe. But even if there’s not a launch on the calendar when you visit, the Kennedy Space Center is only a few miles away and well worth a visit. You can get an up-close feel for space exploration since its inception as well as learn about ongoing missions.
While you’re there, consider going to The Florida Surf Museum in Cocoa Beach, which traces the sport’s local history, and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, which runs through two national parks — Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore. Bird-watchers will not be disappointed since more than 300 species can be seen in the national parks, including Painted Buntings, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Florida Scrub Jays.
No matter what attraction you decide to explore while vacationing in and around Cocoa Beach, you’ll appreciate returning to Westgate for R&R at the Polynesian-themed resort. It’s like being in Hawaii, but without the long airplane ride or any worries about volcano eruptions. You may not ever want to leave. But remember, you can always go back!
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is located at 3550 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. For more information, call 321-783-2230 or visit westgatecocoabeach.com.
