Stay & Play

A Slice of Paradise at Lake of the Ozarks

by Randy Mink

Outside the entrance to the lobby, a sculpture of a giant blue flip-flop flanked by palms greets arriving guests at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks. The photo-worthy installation signals the tropical beach vibe that awaits vacationers ready to chill out and unwind.

Sprawling across a hillside overlooking the main channel of one of the Midwest’s largest manmade lakes, the central Missouri playground has been a destination hotel since 1960 but only recently took on the Margaritaville brand, a synonym for island ecstasy and casual fun.

I remember staying at the storied resort with my family when it was called Tan-Tar-A Resort, Golf Club & Spa. For a period, it flourished under the Marriott banner. Tan-Tar-A became Margaritaville in 2019.

As one of 40-some Margaritaville resorts in the real estate/restaurant/retail empire inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle popularized by late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, the 520-room property embodies the spirit of escapism reflected in hit songs like “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” At various venues you’ll hear Buffett’s music and see videos of his performances in addition to songs and clips showcasing other pop artists.

You Won’t Go Hungry in Paradise

In the Anchor Building, the lobby’s License to Chill Bar & Grill, named after a Buffett song title and 2004 concert tour, serves tasty flatbread pizzas and other light fare. A walk down the hill takes you to the waterfront LandShark Bar & Grill, where you might have a fish taco or cheeseburger with your margarita or LandShark Lager, the Margaritaville-brand beer. The adjacent swimming pool, with a swim-up bar and surfboard-shaped bar tables in the water, is one of five at the resort.

On the other side of LandShark is Tiki Hut Pool Bar. Steps away, Windrose Marker 26, a fine dining restaurant, specializes in steak and seafood.

In the resort’s main complex, which spills down the hillside in a series of hallways and stairways, are two other eateries. JB’s Boathouse Grill, accented with nautical trappings, has a great breakfast buffet offering everything from biscuits and gravy to made-to-order Belgian waffles. Nearby are Fin City Pizzeria & Billiards and an eight-lane bowling alley.

Recreational Activities

Margaritaville’s marina rents boats, skis, WaveRunners and other water toys. A 125-passenger yacht, the Tropic Island, offers narrated cruises on Lake of the Ozarks, which was created more than 90 years ago by the construction of Bagnell Dam.

Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park has a 600-gallon tipping bucket, a lazy river, waterslides and an oversized hot tub.

Guests also can tackle the mini golf course or, across the road, the 18-hole championship course at The Oaks Golf Club. They can saddle up for horseback riding at the resort’s stables or compete on the new pickleball courts.

Spacious Guest Rooms

My eighth-floor nest was typical of the generously proportioned, lake-facing suites in the Anchor Building. With a balcony affording scenic views, it had two king-size beds, a sleeper sofa and full kitchen. Besides guest rooms in three additional hotel buildings, there are lakefront cottages with one- and two-bedroom units, plus rentals at the neighboring vacation home community.

Shops on the Boardwalk, up the escalator from the lobby, includes a store purveying Margaritaville-themed merchandise ranging from margarita and beer glasses to Jimmy Buffet CDs and tank tops proclaiming “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem.”

Recharging at Margaritaville Lake Resort is the next best thing to a Florida fling.

www.margaritavillelakeresortlakeoftheozarks.com