Serious business meets laid-back luxury
When you hear “Margaritaville,” chances are your mind drifts to ocean breezes, palm trees and a frozen drink in hand. But for today’s meeting planners looking for something out of the ordinary that delivers high-quality experiences without the formality, Margaritaville’s growing portfolio might just be your next secret weapon.
With 32 properties and a 33rd on the way, Margaritaville has spent the last decade expandig from its first opening in Hollywood, Florida, into a full-blown collection of resorts that cater to everything from intimate executive retreats to large-scale incentive programs. The company’s message to planners is simple: We do meetings, and we do them well.
Through its “Meet in Margaritaville” campaign, the brand is spotlighting its diverse lineup—from casual limited-service hotels to full-scale tropical resorts—making it easier than ever for planners to book unique, engaging gatherings under one laid-back umbrella. Whether your group is looking for a beachside boardroom, an energizing teambuilding experience or a full buyout, the portfolio offers options that meet a variety of needs while staying true to the brand’s signature spirit.
Despite the flip-flops and calm atmosphere, there’s serious intention behind the fun. “Casual luxury” is how the team describes it—elevated amenities, polished service and dynamic entertainment, all wrapped in a setting that never feels stuffy or scripted. It’s the kind of place where your attendees can be themselves while enjoying top-tier experiences. John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville Holdings, told Smart Meetings, “A very big part of corporate meetings is people socializing in an environment that’s conducive to people being social, and just the idea of Margaritaville is one of the great advantages we have—it’s in the culture.”
And here’s the real surprise: All perceptions change the moment you step into a Margaritaville lobby. That “aha” moment hits; bright design, a sense of place and a warm welcome redefine what lifestyle hospitality can be.
At the heart of Margaritaville is a deep respect for balance—the kind that resonates with today’s professionals. “The whole culture of this brand and company is very much about the sanctity of work; respecting work in all its forms and the idea that you work hard, and you’re also entitled to chill,” says Cohlan. That mindset carries through every property, offering planners a setting where productivity and play don’t just coexist; they elevate one another. Whether it’s a rooftop happy hour after a strategy session or a fireside brainstorm at sunset, Margaritaville naturally fosters connection in a way that feels both elevated and effortless.
Named #1 in guest satisfaction by J.D. Power, Margaritaville is built around happiness for guests, for planners and for its own team, whose company motto is “I love my job.” That energy is infectious, and for meeting professionals chasing both ROI and good vibes, it might just be the perfect pairing. As Cohan puts it, corporate travel hosted by the brand is “something that makes people smile. It’s something that you can look forward to. As a meeting planner, you show creativity when you Meet in Margaritaville.”
This article appears in the May/June 2025 issue. Subscribe to the magazine here.
Sponsored by Margaritaville
