TAMPA, Fla. -- At an October 15 groundbreaking ceremony, Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development announced a target opening date of Fall 2016 for the new Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, a full-service resort on Anna Maria Island, Florida. The boutique waterfront hotel is located at 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach on the East shore of Anna Maria Island and will offer exclusive amenities, distinctive services and numerous opportunities for guests to enjoy the authentic, laidback, beach town vibe of Anna Maria Island.

"Waterline will seamlessly unite the island's Old Florida charm with new experiences, a modern coastal design and luxury amenities," said Joe Collier, president of Mainsail Lodging & Development. "Everywhere they look, visitors can expect to find the best of both worlds at Waterline."

The new resort will feature 37 stylish two-bedroom suites with gourmet kitchens, a 50-slip marina offering a variety of water activities, 2,000 square feet of meeting space, a signature restaurant and bar, as well as resort-style swimming pool with oversized sun deck extending into the marina. Waterline's separate Beach Club will offer exclusive beach access, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, and a "Desalination Zone" for guests to cool down and relax.

The Waterline Marina will be the center of aquatic activity at the resort, with boat slips for guests who arrive by water; charter boats for family outings, eco-tours, guided fishing excursions, sailing adventures and daily sunset cruises; along with stand up paddleboards, kayaks, fishing poles for kids, and a tackle shop with retail offerings.

Based on a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and execution, Waterline is looking forward to establishing a unique, strictly educational partnership with the world-renowned Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, which is celebrating its 60-year history as an independent, non-profit "home grown" marine research institution with extensive expertise in ocean science around the world.

The educational partnership is planned to include a variety of eco-experiences and will enhance and enrich the overall destination experience for Waterline guests and locals alike.

"Mote is pleased with the opportunity to partake in an educational partnership with Waterline, which is intended to increase the experience of the Resort's guests, but also to ensure Mote's world-class science is translated and transferred for positive impact in our community," said Dr. Michael P. Crosby, president and CEO of Mote.

Other strategic partners on the project include Cooper Johnson Smith Architects & Town Planners of Tampa, which is overseeing the design of the resort, featuring an exterior that recalls authentic old Florida, while blending perfectly with the spirit and vibe of Anna Maria Island. The interior design will be handled by Orlando-basedL2 Studios, who will use their extensive industry experience to maximize space and enrich the guest experience through numerous luxury touch points. Financing for Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club is being provided by Bay Cities Bank and GulfShore Bank.

Waterline joins a strikingly unique ensemble of hotels in Mainsail Lodging & Development's portfolio. Epicurean Hotel in Tampa's Hyde Park offers an immersive experience for foodies; Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, a private island resort in the British Virgin Islands; and Mainsail Beach Inn on Anna Maria Island which features twelve upscale two- and three-bedroom vacation residences.

For more information on Waterline, please visit waterlineresort.com

About Mainsail Lodging and Development

Mainsail Lodging and Development is a Tampa-based hospitality company that develops and operates lodging

products in the Southeastern US and the Caribbean. Their properties include Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina (ScrubIsland.com), a private island resort in the British Virgin Islands and member of Autograph Collection® of Marriott International; Mainsail Beach Inn (MainsailBeachInn.com), a boutique beachfront hotel on Anna Maria Island, Florida; the boutique food-focused Epicurean Hotel (EpicureanHotel.com) in Tampa, Florida was created in collaboration with the legendary Bern"s Steak House and was the first newly constructed property in the United States to join the Autograph Collection®. The company also operates corporate housing throughout the Southeast, exclusively managing the Florida market for Oakwood Worldwide® under both its ExecuStay® (ExecuStay.com) and Oakwood® (Oakwood.com) brands, while also operating ExecuStay (ExecuStay.com) in Georgia, portions of Alabama, and The Carolinas. Mainsail is developing their fourth hotel, Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club on Anna Maria Island, Florida, which is slated to open in late Fall of 2016

Lauren Swoboda
Hayworth Public Relations
(386) 256-2583
Waterline at Anna Maria