Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg Celebrates Grand Opening

The much-anticipated Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg has arrived, opening its doors officially to guests on June 28 and celebrating with featured 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,” said Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, chief marketing officer of Margaritaville. “This area is full of natural beauty, charm and friendly faces and we’re thrilled to open another picturesque property in Tennessee.”

Ideally situated for endless exploration, Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg, located in the heart of downtown, is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The new resort is within close walking distance of top area attractions including Anakeesta, an outdoor family theme park, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and hundreds of boutique shops, entertainment venues and restaurants.

The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to welcome the new Margaritaville Resort and Spa. Margaritaville officials along with Chamber and City dignitaries gathered in the lobby to officially open the luxury resort.

Photo (left to right): Chamber Ambassadors Bud Lawson and Dorothy Johnson, CVB President and CEO Mark Adams, Margaritaville Resort General Manager Michael Russell, City Commissioner Hannah Helton Harper, President of Margaritaville Hospitality Group Dan Leonard, City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle, Bud Ogle, Margaritaville President Bob McManus, Alex Davis with D&S Builders, President of Marlin Hospitality Ken Leone, Susan Ballard of Susan Ballard Design Group, Partner Clay McManus, Architect Jay De Foe with Trotter and Associates Architects.

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

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg’s design seamlessly blends the rustic, picturesque elements of its mountain destination with the fun and escapism of the Margaritaville brand. Native wood and stone, nature-inspired color schemes and artistic accents representing Margaritaville’s spirit of adventure and escape together create a mountain paradise appealing to a broad audience. The five-acre, 163-room resort incorporates a casual-luxe design throughout its guestrooms and public spaces—with select rooms featuring two queen beds or king beds and fireplaces, one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites with dual master bedrooms and unique family suites with a children’s room.

Resort Amenities and Dining

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 ensure fun for the entire family with an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, covered terrace with fireplace, outdoor fire pit, expansive outdoor pool area with a sizeable two-loop waterslide, hot tub, children’s pool and water play experience.

St. Somewhere Spa

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg features a full-service St. Somewhere Spa and salon. Rejuvenating treatments and services create a relaxing escape, nurturing the body after active outdoor adventures and pampering guests with beauty treatments. 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

Jimmy’s Hideaway is the ultimate escape—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 luxurious private retreat has its own fire pit and private patio that overlooks the convergence of two streams. The bungalow features a rustic beamed cathedral ceiling along with a stone fireplace in the 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,” said Bob McManus, president of and developer of the resort. “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.”

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is now open to local residents and travelers.