Isla Bella water

Isla Bella Resort & Spa in Marathon Florida

Get Away From Everything in The Florida Keys

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 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.

Similar Posts

  • Unlocking the Secrets of Santorini With Stathis Alexopoulos

    Santorini is a Greek island known for its stunning sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and iconic caldera views. In our recent interview with Stathis Alexopoulos, a professional in the hospitality and tourism industry, we got to learn all about the island’s unique charm and the experiences it offers to visitors. As a travel agency in Mountain Brook,…

  • Exploring DC: Ritz Carlton Guest Experience With Olivier Lau

    Discover Washington, D.C., through Olivier Lau, who offers an insider’s take on what makes the Ritz-Carlton, D.C., so special. Set in the tranquil West End, this luxurious getaway combines timeless elegance with unmatched convenience. It’s perfectly positioned close to D.C.’s iconic attractions while still offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. From Michelin-starred…

  • Tailored Experiences In Greece And Beyond With George Eliades

    We had the privilege of chatting with George Eliades, a seasoned professional in the luxury travel industry. George has a unique perspective on travel, having transitioned from a career in finance to curating incredible travel experiences for his clients. As a travel agency in Mountain Brook, we were honored to hear some of his wisdom!…

  • Grand Cayman

    Grand Cayman (pronounced cay-MAN) is the safest island in the Caribbean. It is a quick flight from Miami airport.  Closed for nearly two years during the pandemic, Grand Cayman is finally open again and ready for tourists!   Grand Cayman The Grand Cayman’s pristine beaches and clear blue water are the ideal destinations for families, couples, and…