The Best Beach Resort in the Florida Keys? Isla Bella Beach Resort

What Is The Best Beach Resort in the Florida Keys? Check out Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon Florida.

Isla Bella Beach resort
Isla Bella Beach Resort in the Florida Keys

This video from the World Fishing Alliance gives a great overview of Isla Bella Beach Resort in the Florida Keys.

We get asked from time to time:

What is the best beach resort in the Florida Keys?

The easy answer is the new Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon. After bouncing back from the damage caused by Hurricane Irma, Marathon and the Middle Keys are now a true vacation destination and ready to show off their hidden gems.

Isla Bella is a luxury hotel, the biggest one to pop up in the Florida Keys since Irma rolled through in 2017. With 199 rooms, Isla Bella is now one of the largest resorts in the Keys. And if you're flying in on a private aircraft, you're in for a treat because Marathon Aviation is expanding its airport facilities to include a fancy new hangar complex and relaxation areas.

Quite frankly, Isla Bella is paradise. Spread across 24 acres on Knights Key, it's a lush oasis that's almost always fully booked. But even with all the guests, it never feels crowded. There are five pools to choose from, a private sandy cove for swimming, and shops at the Manatee Marketplace Cafe and Store. And all of the beach activities - from croquet and volleyball to bocce and chess under the shade of swaying coconut palms, make sure there's something for everyone.

Isla Bella Resort Fishing

And if you love fishing, there’s world-class fishing opportunities right in Isla Bella’s backyard.  Two Conchs fishing charters, led by Capt. Jack Carlson is based at Isla Bella.  Much of their Yellowfin fleet of boats are docked at the resort's marina. Fans of their fishing show on The Sportsman’s Channel flock to Marathon to meet the Carlsons and talk fishing. And Isla Bella makes it super accessible.

And the views are spectacular. The Seven Mile Bridge, which spans the ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, provides a stunning backdrop from the resort's beaches. The architecture is low-key and blends in with the surrounding islands, with white three-story buildings that curve along the waterfront. The mangroves along the shoreline are a haven for fish and birds, adding to the resort's natural charm.

Nearby Attractions in Marathon

There are also plenty of nearby attractions, like the historic Pigeon Key with its remaining buildings from Henry Flagler's bridge-building days, the Turtle Hospital, Crane Point Museum, and the Florida Keys Aquarium.  And don't miss our favorite out of the way place for fresh in-season stone crab, Keys Fisheries.

But honestly, you might not even want to leave the resort. You can tie the knot on the beach and honeymoon in a suite, have breakfast by the water, play beach volleyball with friends, take a kayak along the coastline, or simply catch the moonrise with a complimentary glass of champagne or a refreshing mojito from the beach bar.

It’s a world class Florida Keys beach resort tucked away in the middle of the Keys, just over 2 hours from Miami International airport, and only one hour from Key West.

Watch the Isla Bella Beach Resort video here:

FAQs about Isla Bella Beach resort in the Florida Keys:

Does Isla Bella Resort have a private beach?

Yes, Isla Bella Beach Resort is a luxury hotel in the Florida Keys that boasts a private beach for its guests to enjoy.

Where is Isla Bella Beach Resort located?

Isla Bella Beach Resort is located in Marathon, Florida, approximately 45 minutes from Key West International Airport or 2.5 hours from Miami International Airport. It can be accessed by car via the scenic Overseas Highway (US 1) from mainland Florida.

Does Isla Bella Beach Resort offer public access?

Yes.  However, amenities such as the spa, pool, bar, and dining options are for guests only. The Marketplace encourages local and guest access through the Kings Landing Blvd. entrance.  Isla Bella offers a limited number of day passes throughout the week and on some holidays.

Does Isla Bella resort allow pets?

Isla Bella allows service animals only. Non-service animals are not currently allowed.

Does Isla Bella Beach Resort have a restaurant?

Yes, Isla Bella offers 4 options for dining, from the Polynesian-inspired Mahina, to the outdoor Beach Bar, the Marketplace Cafe, and In-room dining.

What are some 4 star hotels in the Florida Keys?

In addition to Isla Bella Beach Resort, there are several 4-star hotels in the Florida Keys that offer packages including accommodations, meals, and activities.  Places like Cheeca Lodge & Spa (Islamorada), Playa Largo Resort & Spa (Key Largo), and Hawks Cay Resort (Duck Key) are considered 4-star resorts.

Cheers to the great outdoors,
Bert

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