Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor’s mid-December opening in 2023 didn’t allow enough time to coordinate holiday events last year. Moving forward, the resort plans to host special events for the community, with holiday festivities and a golf camp among the activities open to the public this month.
Company officials said the Allegiant Travel Co.-owned resort goal has always been to involve the community, especially in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, suggesting special events could help restore a sense of normalcy.
Situated on the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, the resort occupies more than 22 waterfront acres with 785 guest rooms, including 189 suites.
It has six stand-alone restaurants, bars and lounges, poolside offerings and a 25,000-square-foot food hall.
In July, Allegiant Travel Co. announced it retained global hospitality asset management firm Prospect Hotel Advisors to conduct a review of the resort.
Prospect Hotel Advisors has been advising the company on strategies to maximize the value of Sunseeker and aims to improve its financial performance, company officials said.
Allegiant Travel CEO Gregory Anderson said in August that the company expected to see a $15 million cash loss in 2024.
Sunseeker kicked off the holiday season by inviting children to write letters to Santa Claus and send them through a North Pole Mailbox at the resort.
The Kettle Gold Trio will lead a sing along to Christmas classics Dec. 16, 20 and 21, and Charlotte High School Choir will perform on the Vista Point Lawn at 2:45 and 3:45 p.m. Dec. 18.
All three of these events are free, but others require a reservation and carry a cost.
Breakfast with Santa at Stretto, the resort’s Italian restaurant, will take place Dec. 14 and 21, providing guests an Italian cuisine breakfast and a meeting with Santa for $54 per guest.
A Christmas Brunch at Stretto on Dec. 25 will have four seating times — 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The cost is $99 for adults and $40 for children. There will be gourmet foods, live entertainment and children can participate in cookie decorating and face-painting activities.
Adults will have their own celebration at the Level Up the Night Christmas Party at Level Blue from 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 21. The Winter Wonderland-themed party will feature cocktails, live music and dancers.
For golfers, Sunseeker Resorts Aileron Golf Club is partnering with Nike Sports to present a Nike Golf Camp from Dec. 27-29. It is open to campers, parents and local golf aficionados who will have three days of professional instruction and play.
Participants will train at the Aileron Golf Academy under the guidance of PGA member Brian Newman and the Aileron Golf Academy staff.
The three-night camp is available to overnight guests and commuters.
