Waterline brings full-service resort amenities to Anna Maria Island

Recently opened Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club brings something new to the area with a full-service hotel that complements the island playground and the area’s history.

Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development invested more than $30 million in the property at 5325 Marina Dr., which was previously home to Pete Reynard’s restaurant.

“It was an iconic restaurant and Pete held court there for more than 40 years,” Mainsail investor Ed Chiles said. “But the property languished after Pete died.”

Reynard’s restaurant and those that followed it have been replaced with a modern, upscale facility that includes 37 luxury suites, Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen restaurant and a marina that faces onto Sarasota Bay where guests often see pelicans, manatees and dolphins.

Waterline also operates a shuttle to take guests to nearby beaches.

“When people walk through the door, they feel an instant calm,” Waterline general manager Sandy Zinck said. “I have never experienced anything like Anna Maria Island. It’s extra special. This is a magical place.”

Recognizing the uniqueness of Anna Maria Island, the developers wanted the resort to fit into the island environment and have been working hard to cultivate a sense of community with local residents.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shoreboard Monitoring benefit from the sales of their shirts and hats in the resort’s gift shop. Turtle Watch Director Suzy Fox presents her talks there as well.

In addition, the resort promotes the work of local artists by displaying their paintings in the hotel.

Mainsail purchased the property in 2009, complete with an existing marina.

Waterline’s amenities include a 50-slip marina, swimming pool, 94-seat Plimsoll Ballroom, fitness center, conference room, business center and a play area.

“It’s in a spectacular location. Waterline is a great place to stay or get a meal. It’s really nice to have a full-service hotel here,” Chiles said.

Elliott Falcione, the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, applauded the arrival of Waterline.

“It’s special because it is a full-service property on Anna Maria Island. They hit a home run with the design and quality of this property,” Falcione said.

Anna Maria Island is virtually built out and there may not be another short-term rental facility built there anytime soon, he said.

“You can take a sunset cruise or go fishing,” Falcione said of the range of aquatic adventures possible at Waterline.

Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson called Waterline a good addition to the city.

“It’s a very nice facility and very much targeted to the look and feel of the area,” Johnson said. “They are a good organization, not new to this, and do a good job,” he said.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, a former mayor of Holmes Beach, said she is a Waterline supporter.

Whitmore had kudos for how Waterline, and its restaurant, Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen, turned out.

Executive chef Jim Baselici said Eliza Ann’s is an upscale, casual restaurant open to the public and designed to make diners feel comfortable with its southern style cuisine.

Eliza Ann’s seeks to use sustainable local seafood when possible. Entrees and po’ boys range in price from $14 to $36.

Diners can order raw bar items, small plates, salads and soups, and everything from burgers to grouper, snapper and filet mignon cooked over the solid fuel stove burning live oak and natural charcoal.

“It imparts natural wood and smoke flavors,” Baselici said.

Popular at Eliza Ann’s are the small grills on Lazy Susans that diners can use to roast marshmallows and make their own s’mores.

A typical guest at Mainsail will stay three to four days, but they can also get a suite for one night if they prefer, Zinck said.

Prices start at $200 plus for a night, but there are special rates available for locals, she said.

“It depends on the time of the year and the suite,” she said.

Waterline is operating with a staff of about 40 and is looking to fill a few positions, including an engineering technician, and in culinary and housekeeping, Zinck said.

For more information, visit waterlineresort.com or call 941-238-6262.

This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Waterline brings full-service resort amenities to Anna Maria Island."