Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg officially opens

The Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg officially opened, kicking off with a celebration alongside city dignitaries and VIPs. The resort is the third Tennessee property for Margaritaville, with a fourth under development in Nashville.

“Gatlinburg is a perfect fit for Margaritaville, with its laid-back vacation feel,” Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, chief marketing officer at Margaritaville, said in a statement. “This area is full of natural beauty, charm and friendly faces and we’re thrilled to open another picturesque property in Tennessee.”

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The new resort is within walking distance of area attractions including Anakeesta, an outdoor family theme park, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and hundreds of boutique shops, entertainment venues and restaurants. 

“Margaritaville is yet another outstanding new lodging development signaling the continuing economic growth of Gatlinburg,” Mayor Mike Werner said during the resort’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We are confident that our visitors will enjoy the Margaritaville experience.”

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg’s design makes use of native wood and stone, nature-inspired color schemes and artistic accents. The five-acre, 163-room resort incorporates a casual-luxe design throughout its guestrooms and public spaces—with select rooms including two queen beds or king beds and fireplaces, one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites with dual master bedrooms and \ family suites with a children’s room.

A range of dining options are available on-site, including the LandShark Bar & Grill, License to Chill Lobby Bar and Joe Merchant’s Coffee and Provisions. Beyond dining, resort amenities include an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, covered terrace with fireplace, outdoor fire pit, outdoor pool area with a two-loop waterslide, hot tub, children’s pool and water play experience.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg includes the full-service St. Somewhere Spa and salon. Multiple treatment rooms—complete with steam showers—offer a selection of massages, facials and skin care, as well as salon services. Special ‘farm to spa’ products will be used during treatments, incorporating natural, wholesome raw ingredients to promote optimal wellness.

Jimmy’s Hideaway is an exclusive bungalow secluded on its own island, yet steps away from all the resort’s amenities. Accessed by a gated path through a secret garden area, this private retreat has its own fire pit and private patio that overlooks the convergence of two streams. The bungalow has a beamed cathedral ceiling along with a stone fireplace in a living and sleeping area. 

“We are overwhelmed by the positive response Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg has already received from visitors and local residents and are excited to open and welcome them officially," Bob McManus, president of and developer of the resort, said in a statement. "Our guests will enjoy Gatlinburg’s incredible mountain setting, the area's outdoor adventures, our signature southern hospitality and Margaritaville’s authentic ‘no worries’ vibe."