We were looking for a resort in Florida Keys that was somewhat secluded and family friendly, yet still an easy drive for off site activity – Isla Bella Beach Resort in the felt like the unicorn we were seeking. The accommodations were luxurious, as were the amenities, and its location in Marathon, Florida allowed for a few nearby excursions and an easy day trip to Key West. The vacation below is based on a multi-generational trip over Thanksgiving week, including young kids and teenagers.

The Practical Takeaways

• This felt like a Caribbean vacation but without a passport and with easy access to amenities.
• It’s a two hour drive from Miami or a one hour drive from Key West. The road through the Florida Keys is so scenic that getting there is part of the fun – rent a Jeep Wrangler and let your hair go in the breeze.

Accommodations

We stayed in a lovely one bedroom guestroom. The decor is fresh and breezy, and the room was spacious with an ocean view and private terrace.

What we liked most about this resort was its compact size and stunning property. Though our room was towards the end of the site, we had a pool right outside. It was a quick walk to the main lobby area, where the restaurants, bar, and main pool are located. No matter where you are on the property you face the bright blue water and amazing sunsets.

Things to Do

This is a resort where you can lay by the pool and beach, or in a hammock all day long. However, if you want a break from the sun you can also venture out for a bit to these easily accessible activities.

• Turtle Hospital: The Turtle Hospital is five minutes away from the Isla Bella Beach Resort. It is a fully functioning veterinary hospital for sick and injured sea turtles. Throughout the day they give educational tours. Our kids loved learning about the turtles and seeing how they were being rehabilitated before being set free. 

• Seven Mile Bridge: Within walking distance of the resort is the Seven Mile Bridge that leads to Key West. Runners will enjoy the guided runs over the span, and kids and leisurely walkers can enjoy it too. There is also a nature trail just below the bridge that is a nice and quiet place to walk. 

• Key West: Only an hour from Marathon, Key West is an easy day trip. We went to visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Hemingway House, and to eat at Blue Heaven. All of these spots were within easy walking distance from each other. There was clearly a lot more we could have done in Key West, but we will save it for another trip!

• Other activities: The resort offers a daily schedule of activities for kids, including arts and crafts and nightly shows such as circus-like entertainment. There are also plenty of fishing and boating excursions to sign up for.

Dining

We ate most of our meals at the resort. It’s hard to leave at dinner time because you don’t want to miss being at a table with a Florida Keys sunset. In the afternoons, I enjoyed sitting at the bar and having a drink and sushi appetizer while reading a book with my daughter. We did venture out for dinner at Porkys, which was a fun place to visit with great music and, of course, delicious key lime pie.

A Few Extra Tips

• For most of our trips I have lots of tips and reminders on what to pack. For this one I’d simply recommend bringing more than one book. 
• If you fly into Miami you may want to give yourself a day there first, before the drive to the Keys.
• For similar experiences, visit my post on Finest Punta Cana or Puerto Rico.