A Magical Palm-Tree Lined Resort

April 27, 2021 | By Katherine Rogers

While wintertime was in full swing in Alabama, my best friend, since age 3, and I decided to plan a vacation in the sunshine for January. Nothing beats the post-holiday blues like planning a trip to somewhere tropical! As we got closer and closer, our vacation for four suddenly turned into a vacation for eight. As it turns out, everyone needed a little warmth.

We flew into Miami early on a direct American Airlines flight from Birmingham, landed, and quickly made our way to the rental cars. Marathon Key is about 1 hour 40 minutes from the Miami airport, and it’s a fun drive! Key Largo was the perfect spot to stop and grab lunch and a fruity drink along the way!

As you drive into Isla Bella, you find yourself going down a magical palm tree-lined driveway, and quickly you’re given the feeling that you are leaving it all behind. The front desk check-in service is terrific…many glasses of champagne, a tour of the property, and they even offered to take a photo of our group in front of the beautiful beach.

The stark white buildings and modern feel made for a spotless and welcoming oceanfront resort. With over a mile of beach, every room at Isla Bella is Ocean view. The entire resort sits on 24 acres of white sand and gorgeous blue ocean.

Isla Bella Beach Resort also has a beachfront bar, 5 pools, a delicious on-site restaurant, a bar, and a marina. Everything you need is there; there’s no reason to leave!

I particularly liked that the marina had quick bites for meals if we didn’t feel like sitting down for a long meal. The marina also had candy and ice cream. My kids were not with me, but it was a place I know our entire family would love! It is a resort both for families, girls’ trips, and couples’ trips. 

My two most memorable times from this vacation were: first, chartering a part boat for half a day, complete with a slide for all 8 of us to enjoy cocktails and cruise around the keys (this is a must-do)! Second, lying around with my husband under the palm trees for an afternoon.

When you are ready to plan your trip to the Florida Keys, contact me for more information.