In the early 1980s, boating magnate Robert McCullough was looking for a place to test his outboard motors. After flying over Lake Havasu on the Colorado River border between California and Arizona, he became enchanted by the large reservoir “lake” and envisioned the area as a thriving resort community. McCullough purchased a large swatch of property on a peninsula that today is known as The Island. In 1964, he opened a small 16-room inn, which also served as his own residence. Today, the Nautical Beachfront Resort remains Arizona’s only beachfront resort. And I had the chance to experience the property during a recent visit to the western Arizona city that McCullough founded: Lake Havasu City.
The Island is a large stretch of Sonoran Desert landscape that is connected to the mainland and downtown Havasu by the famous London Bridge. While most of the island is uninhabited, pockets of RV campgrounds, seasonal rentals, and high-end condo complexes dot the shoreline. There’s also a public beach and marina, as well as some restaurants, a brewery, and some new hotels at the head of the bridge.
A single road — an extension of the city’s main thoroughfare, McCullough Boulevard — loops around the island. It is lined by walking and bike paths. The Nautical Beachfront Resort is about 1.5 miles from the bridge, so it can be a long walk, especially in the warmer months. But if you don’t have a car, the resort offers bicycles for use free of charge.
Rooms at the Nautical Beachfront Resort
The resort offers 139 rooms and suites spread across seven buildings. All have lake views. The property retains its original midcentury aesthetic. In fact, the original building in which McCullough stayed still showcases its 1960s charm, with its block construction and spider leg framed external staircases.
Rooms at the Nautical Beachfront Resort are expansive, averaging between 415 square feet and 550 square feet. Guests have their choice of configurations: suites with two queens, or two kings, or standard rooms with a single king or two full beds. The suites also include sleeper sofas and can accommodate up to six people.
I experienced one of the resort’s specialty suites, which included a kitchenette and dining room. General manager Scott Barrett mentioned that this particular room was designed to host an MTV reality show. But you need not worry: Guests at the resort nowadays are boating enthusiasts or folks who simply want to relax on the beach or by the pool and soak up the Grand Canyon State’s sunshine and warm weather.
The rooms were last renovated in 2012, and they showcase the colors and design staples of the era. The gold color scheme is complemented by dusty blue-gray accent walls, blue upholstered seating, and dark brown-and-blue carpeting. Dark wood case goods anchor the space.
While not the trendiest of stays, the rooms are bright, clean, and well maintained. All include in-room refrigerators, microwaves, irons, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Laundry facilities are also available on-site.
A Waterfront Oasis
When you come to Lake Havasu, however, you don’t want to spend all your time inside. You want to take advantage of the water and beaches. I visited Lake Havasu in early January to experience the Balloon Festival, and even with the temps hovering in the mid-60s and 70s during the day, guests could be found sunbathing on the beach and hanging out by the pool.
The Nautical Beachfront Resort has two private sandy beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and kids playing. There’s also a large grassy lawn with games and fire pits. And the infinity edge pool is heated for year-round enjoyment. Join in morning yoga sessions on the lawn or aqua-fit classes in the pool.
There are plenty of activities for active guests, as well. You can participate in scavenger hunts, charter tiki boat and fishing tours, enjoy lawn and board game competitions, access the nearby waterpark with inflatable slides and obstacle course, and even rent paddleboards, pontoon boats, or jet skis.
And after a long day of fun and sun, good food is just steps away from your room. Turtle Grill is a full-service restaurant and bar that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I didn’t get a chance to dine on-site, but the menu offers a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and flatbreads, and classic beach fare such as fish tacos, fried shrimp, and fish and chips. There’s also a poolside bar, a mobile beach bar, and a coffee bar.
The resort also features 10,000 square feet of meetings and event space, making it an ideal location for a corporate getaway or a beachside wedding.
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Staying at the Nautical Beachfront Resort
Rates average between $130 and $300, depending on the season. The resort also offers a variety of packages, including spring break and extended-stay specials. And because many guests stay for extended periods of time, they often bring their pets. As such, four-legged travelers are welcome at the resort. Dedicated dog-friendly rooms as well as fenced doggy potty areas are available. There is an addition one-time per pet fee.
Check rates online for the Nautical Beachfront Resort at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
The Nautical Beachfront Resort is a great destination for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and simply enjoy all of the aquatic fun that Lake Havasu City has to offer. For those seeking something a bit more in the heart of the action, the London Bridge Resort is another of the city’s historic properties, and it’s located just steps from the famous London Bridge.
All photos by Rebecca L. Rhoades
