Tour the whimsical new holiday pop-up experiences at KCK’s Margaritaville Hotel
Over the past three weeks, Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City has been quietly transforming its summer cabanas into cozy winter escapes.
The once-open poolside retreats have been retrofitted with sliding doors and plexiglass to offer protection from the cold, and each cabana was hand-decorated by staff members with cheerful, seasonal decor.
“We have six different themed cabanas, and it’s giving the tropical under-the-sea feel for a private outdoor dining experience,” says Katie Roberts, director of marketing.
With whimsical themes such as Yule Tide & Turtle Time, The Frosty Flamingo, Holiday at the Reef, Fa La La Lagoon, Snow on the Sand and Holiday at Hibiscus, the cabanas set the tone for a fun, laid-back holiday inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s island state of mind.
“We wanted to give the city a never-seen activity to be able to come for the holidays — something different,” Roberts added.
On Tuesday, workers were adding the finishing touches to the experience, stringing thousands of holiday lights along the walkway tunnel from the hotel lobby to the pool deck, turning the path into a sparkling entrance to the Frosted Cabanas. As evening falls, a warm winter glow welcomes guests as they make their way inside.
How much do the Margaritaville cabanas cost?
Inside the cabanas, guests will find lounge seating, heated blankets, board games, a TV and featured holiday treats like build-your-own s’mores, passionfruit cheesecake bites and playful drinks including the Sunken Sleigh and Kraken’s Kiss Hot Chocolate.
Each two-hour cabana rental accommodates up to 10 guests and includes a hot chocolate tray, spiced nuts, and pretzel sticks, all set against a backdrop of tropical-inspired festivity.
Reservations for cabanas are now open for two-hour time slots, Wednesday through Sunday. Pricing is $200 on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $250 on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations can be booked through Open Table.
A holiday pop-up bar, too
Just a short stroll from the cabanas, The Frosted Reef pop-up bar invites guests 21 and older to dive into a mesmerizing under-the-sea holiday experience.
Step inside and find yourself surrounded by a whimsical aquatic wonderland, where floating sharks and orca whales don festive Santa caps overhead, and vibrant sea-inspired decorations surround the bar. Oversized, blow-up sharks drift throughout the space, while deep blue lighting bathes the entire bar in an enchanting oceanic glow.
A larger-than-life octopus stretches its colorful tentacles across the space, perfectly capturing the magic spirit of the season beneath the waves.
A festive menu will feature items like French Onion Burger Sliders, Sweet Potato Poutine, and Coconut Shrimp with Mango Chili Sauce.
The Frosted Reef, which will open Wednesday, Nov. 26, will offer a creative drink menu with some specialty cocktails including Dark Tide (spiced mulled wine), Seasick Crocodile (a vibrant, fruit-forward island punch), and Blackbeard’s Brew (an espresso martini with a tropical kick).
Mocktails like Sweater Weather and Citrus Spark are available for those who prefer alcohol-free libations.
Reservations for The Frosted Reef are now open on the hotel’s website. Entry is $10 per person for a 90-minute visit, with groups limited to six. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
