Rolling down the scenic coastal highway of A1A, we passed classic tourist attractions and pulled into Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, a Polynesian-designed oasis. We were welcomed in with laid-back vibes, kind energy, a full rundown of all activities and amenities, and, best of all, complimentary cookies.
The newly renovated tiki-inspired stay offers a cozy getaway just an hour from the hustle and bustle of daily life in Orlando. We spent our days in swimsuits, cruising down the Lazy River, lounging on beach chairs while ordering refreshing daiquiris from the Aloha Tiki Bar to pair with their delicious bites and sandwiches, like their savory, cheesy Cubano.
Beyond that, this inviting property is packed with amenities: Wakulla Water Play Experience, a splash zone for the little ones, Manua Lanai, an adult relaxation zone for slowing down, a pool and hot tub, a barbecue grilling area, an activity hut to keep guests entertained and a gift shop. For those wanting to spend time exploring the Cocoa Beach area, the resort offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Cocoa Beach Pier, where guests can enjoy local restaurants, Chuck’s Arcade, and more.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort feels like a home away from home, perfect for family or group trips looking for long-term travel or quick getaways. The 120 well-maintained luxury suites come equipped with multiple spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, inviting seating at its breakfast nook and living room, an equipped kitchen with updated appliances and more TV channels than there are rooms in the whole resort.
Florida residents often say the phrase “We live where you vacation,” and we experienced that first-hand this past weekend. Seeing Cocoa Beach through the eyes of someone who has traveled thousands of miles to be there– while we merely drove 50 miles– brought me a sense of gratitude to call the Sunshine State home. We saw the sparkle in guests’ eyes as they witnessed a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center while standing on Westgate’s private sandy beach. We smiled at the sunburns of folks from up north, as they clearly underestimated the intense Florida rays.
Walking down from the Lazy River to the main pool area, we heard a range of Southern, New England and Eastern European accents. Guests hail from all over the country, even the world, for a slice of time spent under the blazing Space Coast sun, and they are eager to connect. Whether at the hot tub or the grilling area, people greet each other with a smile and the classic question: “Where are you from?” The resort keeps this friendly momentum going with daily events like poolside Bingo, seashell painting, and DJ dance parties.
Alongside the community-centered approach, Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort also emphasized the importance of staff-guest connection. Greetings from reception staff while walking through the grounds, deep conversations with the energetic Aloha Tiki Bar bartender Sue, and the helpful maintenance staff made this location stand out as a place that makes an effort for guests to feel comfortable in every way possible. Everywhere we turned, staff were present with a smile, ready to assist or answer any question asked.
As we packed up our car and said goodbye to our couple of days in paradise, we were touched by the warmth of the people we came across during our stay. Separate from the typical transactional hotel reservation, Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has created a sense of community, transcending the distance traveled by guests.
