Polishing Panama City Beach’s “Pearl”
By Chris Manson March 10, 2005 Issue

Bay Point Resort is only a short drive from Panama City Beach’s endless tourist-junk shops and establishments with “by the sea” in their names. But once you pass through the resort’s gates, you may feel like you’re worlds away.

Jorge Hernandez, vice-president of marketing—he oversees public relations and advertising as well—is enthusiastic about the ongoing and upcoming refinements to the 1,100-acre resort. “One of the things we’ve done is position the resort as the ‘Pearl of the Gulf Coast,’” he says. “A pearl is a natural jewel, and we’re set in a natural environment. Like a pearl develops over time, we’re also developing. We’re constantly shining and adding to that luster.”

The Kingfish Restaurant will soon join Bay Point’s highly regarded eateries—notably 30oBlue—with a first-class array of fresh grilled seafood, regional favorites, and international cuisine. In addition, a grand breakfast buffet sounds like the perfect way to start the day (following those gorgeous sunrises in the heart of a wildlife sanctuary). “New cuisine, new dÈcor—it’s really nice,” Hernandez says. Private small-group dining areas, a sushi bar, and outdoor terrace dining are among the other enticements for visitors. A generous amount of space has been set aside for live entertainment.

By summer, Hernandez anticipates that most of the major additions—elaborate guestroom renovations, a new hotel lobby, and the Discovery Center—will be completed. The Discovery Center is an especially welcome attraction, with a knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any and all questions guests wish to ask regarding the resort’s many features and amenities.

The 12,000-square-foot Spa at the Marriott Hotel sets the standard for Bay Point Resort’s evolution as the premiere resort in the Panhandle. The Spa has been singled out as one of the best facilities of its kind in the area, affording visitors a well deserved opportunity for outright pampering. Services are tailored with a refreshingly personal touch. Private spa treatment rooms are equipped with temperature-control units and top of the line music systems. A salon on the premises provides the best in hair and nail care.

Hernandez—who joined the Bay Point team last August and has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry under his belt—says the only big thing left to be created is the Nicklaus-designed golf course. The challenging course is set to open in the fall; despite a recent rainy spell or three, Hernandez says work is well ahead of schedule. “Weather is always a concern, but the crews are working hard.” The course is designed so that “you’ll pull out every club in your bag.”

The Nicklaus course will be the only golf course of its kind in Northwest Florida. Naturally, water features pop up along the course, but this is certain to be more than a mere upgrade of the old Lagoon Legends course. Hernandez promises a fully satisfying golf experience for both newcomers and longtime enthusiasts.

In the last couple of years, Panama City Beach has attempted to steer its image in a more “family friendly” direction. But Bay Point Resort has been pointed this way since it joined the Marriott family in 1986. “It’s a complete destination experience,” Hernandez says. “The restaurants and shops, the marina and the Gulf, and our own private white sand beach. There’s something for everyone.

“We’re very excited to reintroduce the ‘Pearl of the Gulf Coast’ to the community. It’s something we will continue to develop as the premiere destination resort in the region.”