JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 153
setting, featuring views of the Gulf of Mexico
while using wood and water elements in homage
to the native Americans who originally inhabited
the area. The resort’s name is derived from the
area’s indigenous name of Zara Zota, which some
historians say may have been a name given by
early Spanish explorers, who thought the white
sand resembled the Sahara desert.
There is a laid back elegance that begins in the
lobby and extends to the 187 guest rooms and
suites that are outfitted with luxury bedding,
stylish furnishings, elegant bathrooms, 50-inch
flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, safes and
coffeemakers.
A modern fitness center is open 24/7 with
incredible views of the Gulf. A palm tree-lined
pool deck surrounds an infinity edge pool and a
hot tub large enough to easily hold more than 20
people. Zota is bordered by a large stretch of beach
that is ideal for relaxing in the sun and by the Gulf
of Mexico with its inviting water sports.
Food service is available at the resort’s Viento
Kitchen and Bar overlooking the pool and Gulf,
where you can get handcrafted cocktails and firstclass
gourmet Floribbean-styled culinary delights
with influences from Florida, the Caribbean and
the Mediterranean. Viento also provides full room
service. At the Cascades pool bar, you can enjoy lite
bites and liquid refreshments.
This Opal Collection property was built by
the same family that operates the Sandpearl and
Opal Sands resorts on Clearwater Beach. Their
experienced hands can be felt and seen throughout
the Zota Beach Resort. Their extreme attention to
detail assures their guests that visiting one of their
properties will be a vacation to remember. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Zota Beach Resort is located at 4711
Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key, (855) 335-1102,
or visit zotabeachresort.com.
The resort’s pool
area is an oasis
designed for
the ultimate in
relaxation.
The Viento
Kitchen and Bar
serves spectacular
meals, such as this
gorgonzola-topped
New York strip
steak.
The beach at the Zota stretches along the
tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico.