I don’t care how old your kids are, back to school season is always a little crazy. There are new schedules to adjust to, new teachers, new classes and those umpteen million forms you have to fill out with the same information over and over and over again. (You’d think this would stop in middle school and high school but no!) It’s enough to make you wish for a day or two out of town with absolutely nothing on the agenda, a relaxing view and beautiful surroundings and great restaurants and shopping nearby.

I’ve always loved the beach, but living in landlocked Tennessee the closest beach is about a seven-hour drive. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg opened in June and it’s just about the closest thing to a tropical vacation in the Volunteer State that I can imagine! My best friend since elementary school and I hit the road from Nashville and when we arrived at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg a few hours later, after a quick pit stop at UT Knoxville to visit her son, we felt like we’d traveled to a tropical vacation spot.

I have been a Jimmy Buffett fan (Parrothead!), since high school. I saw Buffett for the first time in 1987 at the now closed Starwood Ampitheatre in Nashville. And since then I’ve seen him numerous times with my husband. If you are a Buffett fan, you will LOVE Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort. And if you’ve never listened to a Jimmy Buffett in your entire life, you’ll still be wowed at this beautiful tropical destination right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort is located on the right just as you enter the downtown area and within walking distance of everything — Ripley’s Aquarium is practically next door and it’s an easy walk out to the strip with restaurants and shops, including my favorite shopping district, Village Shoppes.

I’ve always stayed at cabin type accommodations in Gatlinburg, so walking into the lobby and straight into a tropical paradise was a welcome change.  You definitely feel like you are immersed in all things Margaritaville and the sign over the check-in desk says it all – “Changes in Latitude. Changes in Attitude.” Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort is filled with details that will change your attitude from stressed out mom to relaxed tourist.

Every room has the following features:

• 50” LCD Smart TVs
• Refrigerator and microwave
• Keurig coffee makers with an assortment of coffee and tea selections (LOVED this in the mornings)
• Complimentary WIFI
• King size rooms feature LED fireplaces

Most rooms at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg also have a balcony which was one of my favorite parts of our room. It was great to come back to the room after being out all day and enjoy the balcony and this pretty view! Our balcony had two comfy chairs and a small table, perfect for setting my glass of wine and a book.

Some highlights of my trip:

Large hotel rooms. All rooms at Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort are suites. We had a suite with two queen-size beds and it was VERY spacious!

Comfortable beds. The beds had great luxury type linens and TONS of pillows.

Huge bathrooms. Most hotel rooms are fairly standard size. That is not the case at Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort. Our room had a very spacious bathroom with a separate soaking tub and amazing shower with a rain showerhead.

Poolside service. I loved being able to order food (and yes…beverages) from the convenience of my lounge chair at the pool.

Outdoor pool and hot tub. During warmer weather the pool is the perfect getaway! Although we didn’t have little ones with us, it also features a fun kid play zone and the water slides were definitely getting lots of use from big kids staying at the resort. Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg also features an an indoor pool and great fitness room. I also loved all of the water bottle filling stations onsite.

Expansive covered outdoor patio. The weather on arrival day was a little drizzly (followed by the most amazing sunny day) and I loved sitting out on this patio. There was a great fireplace and cozy adirondack chairs around the firepit. We ate lunch on the deck one day and I had one of the best grilled chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had in my life!

Onsite spa. I spoke with the manager of St. Somewhere Spa and the spa will work with larger groups who want to book the entire space for a special event such as a bridal shower or just a moms day out! During our stay we also were treated to a free poolside massage as a couple of the massage therapists walked over to meet with guests.

Great food and drink options. You can had downstairs to the License to Chill bar, walk out the front door to Landshark Bar & Grille OR head out to the strip and check out dozens of restaurants in downtown Gatlinburg within walking distance.

Convenient location. I loved that you can literally park your car and never drive during your stay. The resort is right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg and within close proximity to all the popular attractions!

Attention to detail. If you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan you’ll appreciate the great attention to detail throughout the resort, from the subtle parrot pattern in the comfy white duvets on the beds to music playing in the background. The lobby area, which also features a gift shop and coffee and snack bar, is filled with details. I loved this floor design as you enter the lobby, which pays homage to Buffett’s 1977 album Changes in Latitude.

If you’re looking for the perfect mom getaway destination near the Smoky Mountains, I highly recommend a trip to the new Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

This trip was part of a sponsored review opportunity. All opinions expressed on my blog are mine.