Isla Bella Resort

or our big day. With 100 guests attending, it felt like a private destination getaway that everyone loved. •Venue & Atmosphere: The resort is absolutely stunning—modern, clean, and elegant without being overly themed or flashy. It has a laid-back luxury that makes it feel high-end but approachable. We hosted three days of events in four different resort locations, each with its own vibe, and guests could walk between them easily. It gave our wedding weekend the perfect variety without feeling disjointed. One key planning tip: check the **sunset time** during your wedding season! We did, and it made for the most beautiful natural backdrop during our ceremony. • Planning & Coordination: We booked a year in advance and started with an in-person tour led by **Kate Kachugina**, the sales manager. Everything after that was done virtually, and communication was always clear and prompt. The real MVP was our **event manager, Abbey Jones**. She was incredible from start to finish—organized, thoughtful, responsive, and calm under pressure. I planned a full weekend of events: a welcome party, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and farewell brunch. Abbey coordinated everything flawlessly. She truly went above and beyond to make sure every detail was handled and was an absolute pleasure to work with. **Cindy Facenda** managed our room block of 30+ reservations and was fantastic with guest requests, from upgrades to accessibility needs. She made the logistics side stress-free for us and our guests. Overall, the resort staff was warm, helpful, and professional. Special thanks to **Carlos and Rafael**, who bartended our events with great energy and service. While the Beach Bar service can be a bit slow during peak times (due to limited staffing), that was the only minor hiccup. •Food & Beverage: Isla Bella doesn’t allow outside catering (except the wedding cake), but their food is *excellent*. We had a tasting ahead of time and customized our menu easily. Across five weekend events, the quality and presentation were consistent and impressive. We chose a plated dinner for the reception, though buffet options are also available and elegant. • Packages & Pricing: We chose the **premium wedding package**, which included setup, cocktail hour, and dinner. Upgrades like top-shelf liquor or plated service come at additional cost. Pricing felt fair for the level of service and quality. Abbey was transparent and helpful when it came to breaking down costs and ensuring we understood all details before making decisions. •Rooms & Amenities: The guest rooms are beautiful—modern, spacious, and spotless. Some offer direct beach access, while others have ocean-view balconies. The resort includes multiple pools (some adult-only), a gym, spa, on-site dining, and a marketplace. It’s family-friendly but still peaceful, never feeling too busy or loud. • Final Thoughts: From the setting to the food to the exceptional team, Isla Bella made our wedding weekend unforgettable. If you’re looking for a Florida Keys venue that blends beauty, luxury, and convenience, **this is it**. We’d choose Isla Bella again in a heartbeat! (Evan R Photography)