Story Ideas

Portofino Island is brimming with story ideas. Here are a few suggestions:

Luxury at Its Best

At Portofino Island, it’s all about the details. The attention to every aspect of the guest experience is what makes Portofino an unparalleled beachside destination. It is clear from the moment a guest arrives at Portofino’s five beautiful towers, that they are in for something special. Each accommodation features unrestricted, spectacular water views (Gulf and/or sound) from all bedrooms, as well as an endless list of premium amenities and special touches including spacious rooms laced with cushy creature comforts, designer furnishings, wraparound verandas, Roman whirlpool baths, state-of-the-art kitchens and high-speed Internet. Portofino’s To-You™ offerings bring the best of the resort’s pampering – including spa treatments, fitness instruction, a private chef’s dinner and more – right into the privacy of the guest’s accommodations.

An Island Experience in the Southeast’s Backyard

Portofino offers guests a clandestine island feel, but with modern conveniences abounding. Gently tucked away on 10 miles of beach between the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Bay, Portofino is removed from the hustle and bustle of life, yet within a convenient one-day drive from most major cities in the Southeast. And, guests can sneak away for an island experience without the hassle of air travel, passports or customs. While other destinations suffer from the “too factor” – too much development, too much traffic and too many people – Portofino is virtually its own island, intentionally remaining uncrowded and unspoiled.

Fun for the Whole Family

A visit to Portofino is a family affair, and an affair to remember, for that matter. The 28-acre resort is conveniently located on both the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound, offering families endless opportunities for having a great time and re-connecting. From the High Tide Kid’s Club supervised children’s program and an array of Island Adventures to teen- and family-friendly activities, Portofino has something for the pickiest of every pack. Families can make learning fun by honing new skills with surf, tennis or sailing lessons or exploring the area’s environment with a fun and educational eco-tour. Certain programs are offered seasonally.

A Romantic Retreat

Nothing says romance like the alluring sights and sounds of the beautiful emerald green waters and white powdery beaches of Portofino Island. With 10 miles of pristine, uncrowded beachfront, lovers will surely find a relaxing spot in the sand to kick back, relax and let the worries of the world escape. Couples can then treat themselves to spa services either at Spa Portofino, poolside or in the privacy of their guest suite. For a romantic dinner for two, guests can take advantage of the unique Chef-To-You™ service offering a personalized meal from cooking to clean-up. Or, they can make it a date with dinner at Terracotta, the resort’s signature upscale restaurant overlooking the bay.

The Big Adventure

Adventure comes in all shapes and sizes, and at Portofino the choice is all yours. Adventure Beach offers unforgettable fun (in season) on both the Gulf and sound including sailing, surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, volleyball, ferry rides, dolphin cruises, eco-tours and more. The kids can make a splash at Adventure Cove on the sound side with water slides, trampolines, soaker logs and a host of other water toys.

Nature Calls

With the Gulf Islands National Seashore nature preserve bordering the resort, nature calls and Portofino answers with guided eco-tours, a variety of outdoor activities and customized adventures to explore the environment in a personalized way. For children ages 5-12, the High Tide Kid’s Club is a fun way to explore the resort’s natural island environment and make a few new friends. They can play their way through a living laboratory while learning about marine biology, ecology, biology and history.

Florida Beaches Draw Travel Traffic

According to a recent online Omnibus survey conducted nationwide for MasterCard International, more Americans (29 percent of 1,134 surveyed) prefer to spend their down time luxuriating on a warm, sunny beach. And with Florida ranking as their most likely vacation destination (69 percent plan to visit the Sunshine State in the next 12 months), Portofino, off the coast of Pensacola, shines as the perfect choice for vacationers nationwide. In fact, Portofino offers all of the “vacation musts” identified by the majority of those polled, including Florida location, beaches and other warm weather activities, child-friendly destination with activities and golf nearby.

A Holiday by the Sea

With snow-white beaches just steps away, luxurious guest suites big enough for the entire family and holiday festivities taking place along Pensacola Beach throughout December, Portofino is the ideal backdrop for a cozy seaside holiday. Favorite fall and winter holidays take place during the resort’s off-peak season allowing guests to take advantage of the best room rates of the year.

Wellness Retreat

Portofino offers an excellent environment for rejuvenation of the mind and the body. Guests can escape the stresses of everyday life with a quiet retreat featuring a full-service spa, secluded beaches, state-of the art Fitness Center with breathtaking views of the bay, and a series of just-for-you in-suite services including spa, fitness and dining.

A Beat Away from Downtown Pensacola

Pensacola’s famous historic district and Seville Square are just a 20-minute drive from Portofino Island. Portofino offers the best of both worlds serving as a luxurious home-base for guests who want to explore the eclectic art, theatre, dining, entertainment and history of Pensacola’s unique cultural hub.