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For our 5 year anniversary I knew I wanted to take a little getaway to celebrate. It was going to be the last time we would get a chance to take a trip before the baby came. So we doubled up and made it our little baby moon. I wasn't in the mood to travel far or take a flight. Luckily we live in South Florida and are surrounded by paradise. I decided a trip to the Keys would be the best destination. It was so fun surprising Chase with a little getaway. After all my health scares we really needed to just relax and enjoy each other.
You'll see through the photos but stayed at such a beautiful hotel. Honestly, it has to be one of the best places I've stayed in. What I loved about the property besides its beauty was the location, and experiences the resort provides as part of your stay as well other experiences you can purchase and enjoy without leaving the property. I'm definitely coming back when I'm not pregnant so I can take full advantage.
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WHERE WE STAYED:
The Isla Bella Beach Resort is located on Marathon. If you have never visited the keys before and want to visit Key west I think this resort is a good distance in between. Marathon is less crowded and more laid back (if thats possible) than Key West.
We were greeted before the gate by a gentlemen who was so sweet and helpful. He had our tag ready for our car so we can park on the property without a problem. Once the gates closed we realized how quiet and peaceful it was. The experience started right away, we were so impressed and hadn't even checked in yet.
The moment you drive up to the building for the front desk you'll notice the beautiful and unique architecture. Every aspect of the resort is planned and laid out so methodically. I kept looking around for inspiration for our future home.
You should note when booking at the resort that every single room is facing the ocean. I've stayed at other hotels that do this and always think its genius. Its so nice knowing you'll have the best view without having to pay more for it. Speaking of rooms, there are so many features I really enjoyed. I loved our balcony (every room has one). I don't need to say how pleasant it is to step outside to a beautiful view. I also loved our bathroom! It was so spacious with his and hers sinks, a bath and stand alone shower, LOVED! LOVED! LOVED! They also carry Molton Brown products which are some of my favorites, we use Bobbi Brown body wash at home. Another thing to note about the bedroom are the TVs. I know you'll be on vacation and don't care much about whats on. But the TVs are able to connect to your smart phone and play any app you have such as Netflix. The TV also has maps and menus of the resort features. It made things so easy and simple to look up.
As I previously mentioned the resort is packed full of activities and experiences. Both complimentary and for purchase. You can enjoy some time biking or kayaking. Or purchase an excursion out to sea for some fishing or diving. There was so much to choose from and we never had to leave the resort.
You should note when booking at the resort that every single room is facing the ocean. I've stayed at other hotels that do this and always think its genius. Its so nice knowing you'll have the best view without having to pay more for it. Speaking of rooms, there are so many features I really enjoyed. I loved our balcony (every room has one). I don't need to say how pleasant it is to step outside to a beautiful view. I also loved our bathroom! It was so spacious with his and hers sinks, a bath and stand alone shower, LOVED! LOVED! LOVED! They also carry Molton Brown products which are some of my favorites, we use Bobbi Brown body wash at home. Another thing to note about the bedroom are the TVs. I know you'll be on vacation and don't care much about whats on. But the TVs are able to connect to your smart phone and play any app you have such as Netflix. The TV also has maps and menus of the resort features. It made things so easy and simple to look up.
As I previously mentioned the resort is packed full of activities and experiences. Both complimentary and for purchase. You can enjoy some time biking or kayaking. Or purchase an excursion out to sea for some fishing or diving. There was so much to choose from and we never had to leave the resort.
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| The rooms gave me beach house vibes because of the wrap around porches and tones of white and wood. |
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The property is so beautiful from the ceiling to the floors. Every aspect is so carefully detailed. You'll catch yourself taking pictures nonstop.        |
WHAT WE DID:
The Turtle Hospital: We were between going to the Turtle Hospital or the Dolphin Research Centre. Ultimately, we picked the Turtle Hospital because it was so close to our resort. I figured we could go back to visit the Dolphin Centre when I wasn't pregnant and could experience swimming with the Dolphins.
Regardless, I am so happy we did visit the Turtle Hospital. We learned so much and saw so many turtles in the process of recovery. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release. Although I already try to do my part for the environment, it changed my outlook even more. The smallest of things, such as, stopping the public from littering could help these endangered species.
You can go on their website for more information but a few tips from me. Make sure to call ahead for an appointment. Our tour time was full and its seems like thats often the case. Bring water! Most of the tour is outside, and it is South Florida so chances are it'll be HOT!! like I mentioned its outside so wear sun screen. The price of admission is $25 for adults which might seem a little steep but all that money goes right back to saving the turtles.
Regardless, I am so happy we did visit the Turtle Hospital. We learned so much and saw so many turtles in the process of recovery. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release. Although I already try to do my part for the environment, it changed my outlook even more. The smallest of things, such as, stopping the public from littering could help these endangered species.
You can go on their website for more information but a few tips from me. Make sure to call ahead for an appointment. Our tour time was full and its seems like thats often the case. Bring water! Most of the tour is outside, and it is South Florida so chances are it'll be HOT!! like I mentioned its outside so wear sun screen. The price of admission is $25 for adults which might seem a little steep but all that money goes right back to saving the turtles.
The SPA: Chase and I never go to the SPA. Usually when we are vacation we rather spend the time exploring or being more adventurous. However, I'm pregnant and it was our anniversary, we just wanted to relax and enjoy some peaceful time together.We were so lucky, we visited the resort just days after the SPA officially opened to the public. I opted for a facial and Chase picked a massage.
The SPA at Isla Bella has a menu full of treatments you can choose from. It was actually hard picking just one thing because everything sounded like a dream. But the girls were so wonderful and tailor the experience to you and your needs.
Once we finished signing our forms. We were taken to the back to the locker rooms to change into our robes. I didn't take any photos of the locker room for privacy reasons for the other guest. But take my word. It is so lovely in there and just so peaceful. I was a little bummed because inside the locker room they have the most beautiful steam room and I couldn't use it. Chase did in the mens locker room and he said it was amazing.
Once we changed, we moved over to their Zen room. There were drinks and fruit laid out to eat while we wanted for our services to start.
My facial was incredible. My esthetician was lovely and made the experience so calming and peaceful. It felt like a facial massage and I left in a dazed because it was so tranquil, I didn't want it to end.
My facial was incredible. My esthetician was lovely and made the experience so calming and peaceful. It felt like a facial massage and I left in a dazed because it was so tranquil, I didn't want it to end.
Sea Fishing: Chase had the opportunity to go out deep sea fishing. The boat left early in the morning and returned back at noon. Which was more than enough time. Chase really enjoyed his captain. There was great music and made for a great environment. He had a neat experience while onboard because the other guest were kids from a nearby foster program. He loved watching how happy the experience made them.
He didn't catch anything personally but they collectively reeled in a Tarpon and shark.
WHERE WE ATE:
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| Our first stop of the trip was to "No Name Pub" located in No Name Key. The restaurant is located in the middle of no where but it is a unique spot. Chase would come to eat here when he was younger and wanted to take me. Inside the restaurant the walls and ceiling are covered in money. People have been stapling money to the walls for years with their name on it to add to the growing collection. I have to say the food wasn't out of this word but it was fun to go. |
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| We had the most delicious breakfast with the most amazing view right on the Isla Bella property. |
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| Our favorite treat, Ice Cream. It was delicious and the perfect way to cool down on such a hot day. The Marketplace has the best treats! |
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For Dinner we went back to Il Postino. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and since breakfast was so delicious we had try their dinner menu. The Italian themed restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating looking out to the ocean and we arrived at the perfect time, just as the sun was setting. I recommend booking a reservation especially if you want our door seating because the restaurant was full for dinner.
(Not pictured) Delicious mussels we ordered as and appetizer. They were prepared in such a lovely white wine sauce that was perfect for dipping the complimentary bread in. I ordered Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp. Chase had the Grilled Mahi-Mahi.
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| For breakfast on our last day I had to go back to the Marketplace to pick up some pastries. They have such an assortment ranging from muffins to croissants and sandwiches, not to mention all sorts of drinks. The perfect combination of a cafe and souvenir shop. |
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| On our way back home I asked Chase to stop at Robert Is Here. It is a local fruit stand and farm where they prepare the most delicious and filing fresh milkshakes and smoothies. This place is always busy so prepare for a wait but so worth it. The menu to choose from is extensive and hard to choose from because they have sorts of fruits. I went with a classic banana and strawberry and Chase tried Guanabana which is seasonal. |
We had the absolute best time and can't wait to return. Thank you so much to the Isla Bella Resort for hosting us on such a special and memorable trip.
