Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa Hits Construction Milestone, On Track for 2027 Opening

New Westin Resort Aims to Redefine Hospitality on Florida’s Space Coast

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA — Driftwood Capital has reached a significant construction milestone on the Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa, announcing the project’s successful structural “top off” as work continues on the $420 million oceanfront development along Florida’s Space Coast.

The 502-room resort is now approximately 45% complete and remains on schedule for a projected opening in the third quarter of 2027, according to the company. Once finished, the property is expected to be operated by North Palm Beach–based Driftwood Hospitality Management.

Construction on the Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa began in September 2024 and represents Driftwood’s latest large-scale investment in the Space Coast, where the firm has maintained a development presence for more than a decade.

The project is being built in partnership with West Palm Beach–based KAST Construction, serving as the general contractor, and global architecture firm Gensler, headquartered in San Francisco.

Company officials said that upon completion, Driftwood is projected to own roughly 62% of the region’s beachfront hotel inventory and about 11% of its total hotel inventory, based on recent market data.

“This achievement marks a continued standard of excellence for development on Florida’s Space Coast,” said Carlos Rodriguez Sr., chairman and CEO of Driftwood Capital.

“The Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa is designed to meet the region’s growing demands while highlighting its evolution in business, technology, tourism, and hospitality.”

To mark the topping-off milestone, Driftwood hosted a traditional ceremony at the construction site, drawing more than 350 construction workers, project partners, and guests. The event recognized the tradespeople and crews responsible for completing the resort’s structure.

Jay Cooper, Driftwood’s managing director of development and construction, said the ceremony was intended to honor the project’s workforce.

“This event is first and foremost to thank all of the men and women who are building this project with pride and bringing to life an idea with the highest level of quality,” Cooper said.

KAST Construction President Sean Ouellette said the resort showcases the firm’s experience with large, complex hospitality projects. “We’re proud to partner with Driftwood on a resort designed to become a major destination for both business and leisure travelers on the Space Coast,” he said.

The Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa is being built on a 15.7-acre oceanfront site at 1300 N. Atlantic Ave. When completed, it will feature what is expected to be the largest conference center on the Space Coast.

The development aims to fill a 160-mile gap in Marriott-branded beachfront resorts along Florida’s Atlantic coast between Daytona Beach and Hutchinson Island.

Plans call for more than 72,000 square feet of open-air meeting and event space, along with 51,500 square feet of indoor conference and gathering areas.

Resort amenities are slated to include 11 food-and-beverage venues, a full-service spa, a surfing wave pool, multiple swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, retail spaces, and a multistory parking garage accommodating approximately 800 vehicles.

Driftwood said the resort is designed to serve both business and leisure travelers, particularly as the Space Coast continues to see growth tied to the aerospace industry.

The region surpassed 100 rocket launches in 2025, breaking the previous annual record of 93 launches set in 2024, according to reported data.

Preliminary economic assessments estimate the Westin Cocoa Beach Resort & Spa will generate about $3 million in tourist development taxes during its first year of operation, increasing to roughly $4.5 million annually by its fifth year.

The project is also expected to create approximately 1,800 direct and indirect jobs in its first year.

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