It’s official—one of Southwest Florida’s most high-profile resorts just got a new owner. The Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, a stunning 785-room waterfront destination just a short drive from Wellen Park, has been sold to Blackstone Real Estate for $200 million.
Allegiant Travel Co., the Las Vegas-based airline company behind the resort, made the announcement Monday morning. After months of publicly exploring options—including a potential partner or full sale—Allegiant opted to hand over the keys entirely. The sale is expected to close sometime in the third quarter.
From Turbulence to Takeoff
Sunseeker’s journey hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Originally pitched as a bold move to diversify Allegiant’s business beyond air travel, the resort took a financial beating before it even opened. Construction delays caused by COVID-19, multiple hurricanes, and ballooning costs pushed the project three years past schedule and $225 million over budget. The final price tag? A whopping $695 million.
When the resort finally opened its doors in December 2023, it faced another uphill climb: low occupancy rates. But this spring brought some brighter skies. Allegiant’s May earnings report showed occupancy rising to 70%—up from just 40% the year prior. On top of that, the resort posted a $4.8 million EBITDA profit in Q1, a sharp turnaround from a $4.6 million loss the same time last year.
Still, Allegiant CEO Gregory C. Anderson said the move to sell is part of a clear strategy: focus on flying. “This transaction supports Allegiant’s strategy centered around the airline,” Anderson said, noting that proceeds will help pay down debt and bolster the company’s financial position.
What’s Next for Sunseeker?
With Blackstone now stepping in, the resort might finally get the momentum it’s been waiting for. And we’re not talking small-time here—Blackstone manages over $320 billion in investor capital and has a strong track record in hospitality, logistics, data centers, and real estate around the world.
Local tourism leaders remain optimistic. The area has been pushing the Sunseeker brand hard—especially to international travelers—and insiders believe that effort is about to pay off.
And there’s a lot to brag about. The Sunseeker isn’t just big, it’s loaded. Think two pools, a luxury spa and salon, 20 restaurants and bars, 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a harbor walk, rooftop adults-only retreat, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Plus, a 117,000-square-foot “ground-level experience” built for serious waterfront vibes.
Why It Matters for Wellen Park
While Sunseeker may sit just outside the official Wellen Park boundaries, its success plays into the entire region’s draw. Visitors landing at Punta Gorda Airport are likely to explore the surrounding area, meaning more eyes on local businesses, more buzz for Southwest Florida, and more fuel for the area’s tourism economy.
The takeaway? A resort with a rocky start may have just found its footing—and with Blackstone at the helm, the next chapter of Sunseeker could be the one that really shines.
