In February 2020, just weeks before the world seemed to shut down over night, I escaped to the Florida Keys for an extended weekend of sunshine and relaxation. This was a last minute trip planned with some of my best girl friends. At the time, we were desperate for a weekend away and beyond excited to spend a few days together in the sun. Little did we know that this trip would be one of our last for a long, long time in one of the craziest years ever- making the memories from this trip even sweeter as we look back on this time together.
We chose the beautiful Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa for our escape. Secluded from the main road and tucked away on a small harbor, Isla Bella Beach Resort provided the beach-y paradise feel that the Florida Keys are famous for. With easy access to Rte 1 and everything in Marathon, Isla Bella was a great mix of seclusion and accessibility.
We flew into Miami (after a harrowing flight with some of the worst turbulence of my life), ready to make the several hour long drive down to Marathon. Our trip started off with clouds and rain so we chose to take a leisurely drive down route 1, stopping for lunch and exploring out the comfort of our car window.
Arriving at Isla Bella we were greeted with their exceptional service and complimentary drinks of bubbly. Immediately you are engulfed in the beauty of their property with sweeping views of their private lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico just beyond. A beachside bar serves up cocktails while their courtyard restaurant offers a delicious evening out. White sand bathes the entire property truly making this place feel like a slice of paradise.
We were lucky enough to enjoy one of their beautifully appointed suites, which was the perfect size for our party of three. Our suite opened right up onto the sand and was directly in front of one of their five, yes five, pools. On of our mornings there, I decided to explore and photograph the property. It was a treat to enjoy the warm breeze and sunshine, knowing back home it was cold!
Little over half way between Key Largo and Key West, Marathon was the ideal spot to stay for the weekend. We easily managed an evening trip to Key West while also having time to explore around Marathon. We even took advantage of Isla Bella’s glorious on property spa – talk about a relaxing Mom’s weekend away!
Our last day was the most spectacular of our short weekend away. It was a typical Florida blue bird sky, the temps were in the 80’s and the sun shined brightly. We decided to enjoy Isla Bella’s main pool and sipped cocktails poolside while reminiscing and catching up like the old friends we are. It was near perfection and a memory I held onto throughout much of 2020.
Yes, our trip was as amazing as it sounds and looks ;). As I type, I wonder, when can I return? If planning a wedding or a celebration in the Florida Keys, please reach out! Traveling numerous times per year to the Sunshine State, I would be ecstatic to help a couple document and celebrate a life milestone in the warmth of the Florida sun. Plus, I wouldn’t mind an excuse to return to the beautiful Isla Bella – who wouldn’t?!
