Mission Resort + Club (Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla.) has opened Conquistador Bar & Restaurant, a fully reimagined dining experience. The extensive renovation unites the former La Margarita and El Conquistador restaurants into a single, cohesive space that pairs a refined guest experience with a strong sense of community and connection.
Mission Resort + Club partnered with Interior Image Group (IIG) to bring the vision for Conquistador Bar & Restaurant to life as a refined, yet approachable gathering place rooted in Florida’s spirit of exploration and the pioneering legacy of Howey-in-the-Hills founder William J. Howey. Handcrafted tilework, cowhide accents, warm wood tones, and subtle metallic finishes reference the folklore of buried treasure without feeling literal; at the same time, a sunrise-inspired palette and abundant greenery soften the richer textures. The reimagined space boasts 164 seats, including our outdoor dining area. It unfolds as a layered, tactile environment, reinforcing the resort’s role as a community hub for resort guests, its members, and residents.
“This project was all about honoring our history while making the experience even better for the people who come here week after week,” says Cindy Staley, General Manager, Mission Resort + Club. “We listened closely to those folks and especially our members, and that feedback shaped everything from doubling the size of the bar to knocking down the wall to combine the two previous concepts into one. The goal was to build something that feels just as right for a quick drink as it does for a full evening out.”
The culinary program reflects the same sense of exploration found in the design, blending Spanish influences with Floridian ingredients and classic techniques. The menu encourages sharing and variety, with a focus on small plates, seafood, and boldly flavored entrées. The cocktail program continues the global perspective with a lineup of citrus-forward and spice-driven offerings, and a robust beer list features Florida-based craft brews alongside domestic selections. New spirit-free cocktails ensure an inclusive beverage experience for all guests. Dish highlights include Seafood Paella, Lobster Fritas, and Braised Short Rib.
Adjacent to Conquistador Bar & Restaurant, another newly unveiled space, The Great Room, is a warm, multifunctional gathering space designed to transition seamlessly from productivity to relaxation. Outfitted in inviting earth tones and accented with natural greenery, the room is anchored by a stone fireplace, with camel-colored leather seating, arched windows, and generously cushioned lounge areas that welcome business travelers, families, and remote workers alike.
“This space really came from listening to how our guests and members are using the resort and what they felt was missing,” adds Staley. “There simply wasn’t a natural place to gather, so we invested in creating The Great Room. Formerly the El Gitano meeting room, it can still be reserved for private functions, but it now also serves as an inviting, everyday space that works just as well for meeting up, working on a laptop, or relaxing with a drink.”
