[Longboat Key, FL– June 25, 2015] Longboat Key residents and visitors will not have to wait any longer for the first details of the newest hotel on the island. Zota Beach Resort is the official, new name that will adorn the former Hilton property located at 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL. The 187 room beachfront property is slated for a 2016 opening.

Once complete the new resort will feature a brand new 84 room tower in addition to the 103 completely renovated rooms that will “wow” visitors and guests with a modern, stunning design. In addition to the new accommodations, a sleek new lobby, sun-drenched pool area, stylish restaurant and wine bar, and state-of-the-art meeting space will round out the offerings at this exclusive location in one of the most highly sought after oceanfront destinations in the country.

“We wanted the name of the resort to reflect something unique and indigenous to the destination. While doing research we learned about some of the historical names for the area and thought something along those lines would be a perfect fit,” said Roy Padgett, General Manager of the Zota Beach Resort. “We value the beauty and history of Longboat Key and wanted the color palette and design of the logo to reflect the relaxed ambiance of the new resort and the Longboat Key lifestyle.”

“Zota” is believed to be a native word meaning “blue waters”. The word “zara” may be a Spanish reference to Sahara-like sands, and as the name of the area evolved over time, Longboat Key and the surrounding area became known as “Zara Zota”, “Sahara by the blue waters”. The logo evokes the color palette of the island lifestyle combining ocean surf, sandy beaches and the many hues of emerald and aqua green waters that the Gulf of Mexico is renowned for, together as a beautiful representation of island elegance and relaxation.

Renderings for Zota Beach Resort can be found at www.SouthwestFloridaCollection.com. For information about group bookings, please contact Karen Rangel, Regional Director of Sales at (941) 387-1186 or [email protected].