Marriott’s Crystal Shores on Marco Island

Creating a utopia in the Gulf of Mexico, phase one of this residential and hotel fit-out architecturally embraces the island’s 360° views while balancing functionality demands and meeting rigorous ecological requirements.

Harmonizing the lighting demands to aesthetically complement the contemporary architecture, meet illumination specifications, support subtropical climate conditions and comply with Florida’s complex regulations on sea turtle nesting practices begot numerous challenges to the design team. The team devoted many hours to researching and developing a solution that would be both beautiful to visitors and guests and receptive to the needs of the sea turtles. As sea turtles nest along the coastline and migrate back to the ocean by following the brightest horizon, amber colored low wattage LEDs, invisible to the turtles’ eyes, illuminate the exterior path and walkways to reduce disorientation of the nesting turtles and their hatchlings. The exterior corridors reflect path and walkway illumination, creating a gentle warm glow that wraps the facade.

The LED color-changing pool lights are permanently set on a deep saturated blue color to visually complement the amber light of the paths and hotel tower corridors. This $187 million renovation is now open.