Spotting pelicans lazily glide above me as I pulled into Isla Bella Beach Resort was my first clue that this was going to be a relaxing staycation. Situated in Marathon, the midpoint of the Florida Keys, I felt the week’s tension dissolve as the property’s wrought iron gate adorned with a beautiful aquatic theme swung open, granting me access to a winding road flanked by swaying palm trees.
Resort Pool
Photos By Douglas Friedman
Isla Bella, which in Spanish translates to “Beautiful Island,” feels just like you’ve discovered a hidden, exclusive oasis. With 24 acres tucked away from busy Overseas Highway, it’s easy to see why Travel + Leisure voted it one of the top 15 resort hotels in Florida in 2021.
Checking into the 199-room hotel proved difficult, but not due to the service — the staff were both wonderful and highly efficient. Instead, the challenge came from the breathtaking view that instantly robbed my attention upon entering the lobby. Inviting azure waters beckoned, as did powder white sand and an enticing beach — a surprising find in the coral isle-dominant Florida Keys.
Besides its beach, Isla Bella offers five swimming areas: one large resort-style pool by the main building, followed by four others (including an adult-only option) spaced along the accomodations overlooking the sea.
If your goal is to relax and recharge, luxuriating by any one of these is the quintessential choice. There’s a beach bar for cocktails, or, better yet, a mobile bar making the rounds offering guests water, sodas, beer, wine and spirits. I’ll admit, for me, napping on one of the poolside lounge chairs was as ambitious as I got during my stay, but for those craving more, activities like yoga, kayaking and jet skiing await. There is even a guided run along the newly opened pedestrian stretch of the Seven Mile Bridge, which begins just south of the property.
Those who bring kids will find endless family-friendly activities programmed throughout the day. During my stay, there was a cornhole competition, a T-shirt tie-dye activity and a lesson on the Japanese art of fish printing.
Spa
Hotel rooms are key to any memorable experience, and at the Isla Bella Beach Resort, they are modern, bright and comfortable. Ranging from a standard room to a two-room suite with a kitchenette, each features an outdoor terrace or balcony that doubles as a prime spot to watch the extraordinary sunrises. (The resort boasts a dock outfitted with two Adirondack chairs to enjoy Mother Nature’s magic as well.) The bathrooms, outfitted with rain showers, feature luxury amenities like British Molton Brown products.
Speaking of luxury, you won’t want to miss a visit to the spa. With treatments ranging from Margarita on the Rocks (a full body exfoliation followed by hot stone massage), CBD Experience (full body scrub followed by massage using CBD products), as well as massages for couples and expectant mothers, it takes pampering to a new level. Exercise buffs can head to the gym, then stop at Marketplace, a 5,000-square-foot space serving espresso, browse the resort’s boutique or sign up for daily outings like the Ocean Cleanup Excursion, where guests spend a portion of their morning contributing to ocean trash cleanup.
Dining options at Isla Bella Beach Resort include Mahina, a Polynesian-inspired restaurant, Sushi Cabana (an al fresco venue open from 5-9 p.m.), The Beach Bar and Burger Palace. The aformentioned Marketplace also serves sweet and savory pastries. My dining experiences on property proved to be inconsistent, however, for an unforgettable meal, take a drive to IFC (Italian Food Company). With three locations (Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada) and a fourth opening soon, this Italian gem draws crowds, not only for the expertly prepared food (with all the ingredients and culinary talent coming from Italy) but for the festive family-friendly flair that embraces patrons from the minute they walk in until the moment they leave.
At IFC, hospitality is as important as the food. Case in point: When my table’s server overheard us talking about our love of arancini (Sicilian-styled fried rice balls), he quickly jumped in, “You like arancini? I’ll bring you arancini, on the house!” and before we knew it, a plate of the creamy, golden fried balls appeared before us, with a side of tomato sauce that transported me right back to the ferry ride in Trapani, Sicily, where I first sampled the beloved appetizer. Rigatoni with Short Rib came next followed by Fiorentina, a massive 36-ounce Porterhouse steak grilled, sliced and topped with rosemary and Italian chimichurri.
It’s hard to ignore the imposing pizza oven delivering Neapolitan-style pies to almost every table. Even though I was already full, I couldn’t resist and ordered a Margherita pizza. It arrived piping hot with a crispy base loaded with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil. In its simplicity, it was a masterpiece.
Throughout my visit, Mauricio, the affable Italian singer (there on weekends) livened things up with renditions of songs (Italian and American) from the 1970s through present day while servers handed out tambourines for patrons to participate. Introverts take note: This is a rowdy, Italian-style experience, which means grandmas, toddlers and yes, even you, eventually, will find yourself at some point holding the mike next to Mauricio belting out “Dancing Queen” as the crowd claps and cheers you on.
We get so caught up in our busy lives that it is sometimes hard to imagine how easy a quick reset can be. After my experience at Isla Bella Beach Resort, paired with dinner at Islamorada’s IFC, I returned home rested, happy and renewed. And while that feeling is threatened by all the upcoming obligations cluttering my calendar, I’m quick to seek another pocket of time when I can return. I know the gliding birds, sparkling sea, warm hospitality and Chianti will once again welcome me, and I can’t wait to experience it all again.
Isla Bella Beach Resort is located at 1 Knights Key Blvd., MM 47 Marathon. For more information, call 305-481-9451 or visit islabellabeachresort.com.
Bar At Mahina