Casa Ybel Resort Official Site: Sanibel Island Fort Myers area south Florida FL luxury beaches harbor island hotels golf courses romantic spa vacations family getaways weddings honeymoons packages group offers conferences centers suites meetings planning

Natural, secluded, and exclusive, Casa Ybel Resort epitomizes the sanctuary, old-island spirit of Sanibel. Occupying 23 acres of beachfront property isolated from commercial enterprise, the resort is a sheltered getaway where romantic surroundings and outdoor recreation attract couples and families alike. Here, travelers have found respite and hospitality since the 1890s.

Awards: Travel + Leisure magazine listed Casa Ybel among the Top 20 Family Resorts in 2002, the 500 Greatest Hotels in the World in 2003 and Top 500 Places To Stay in the World, 2006. Conde Nast Traveler ranked it among The Best Places To Stay in the World.

Telephone: 239-472-3145 or 800-276-4753
Facsimile: 239-472-2109
E-Mail: casa@casaybelresort.com

Location: Sanibel Island lies just far enough off the beaten path to remain pristine but easily accessible. Refuge lands occupy better than one half of the 12-mile-long coastal island. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge provides entrée into the habitat of the alligator, manatee, bald eagle, river otter, roseate spoonbill, and 200-some other bird species that pass through along a major flyway. Natural white-sand beaches stretch unbroken along the island's Gulf of Mexico shoreline. Because of Sanibel's east-west orientation, the island acts as a catcher's mitt for shells washed up from the Caribbean and the Atlantic. For this reason, it is the best shelling destination in the U.S. Visitors come also for the wildlife attractions, a one-of-a-kind shell museum, and year-round water and land sports.

History: When Reverend George Barnes' boat ran aground on Sanibel Island in 1888, he was sure that God had led him to paradise. He claimed 480 tropical acres and built Sanibel's first church and a cottage.. Over time, the cottage evolved into a fashionable 30-room inn, one of the earliest resorts on the island. In the 1890s, Reverend Barnes' daughter, Georgia, married a resort guest from Kentucky, who built her a grand manor on the inn's property. Named Thistle Lodge, it quickly became the favored gathering spot for celebrities and statesmen seeking escape, including Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Today, Casa Ybel's Thistle Lodge still welcomes guests overlooking the same beach where Reverend Barnes found his paradise on earth.

Guest Rooms: All-suite accommodations--114 luxurious one and two-bedroom suites with Gulf of Mexico views

Sleeper sofa in the living room
Fully equipped kitchen
Coffee maker with tea and coffee
Spacious living room
Private terrace or balcony
Irons and ironing boards
In-room safe
Telephones with free local calls
Remote control TV with cable
DVD / VHS
AM/FM clock radio
Hair dryers
Exclusive Natura natural bath amenities, proceeds protect the rainforest

Recreation Features:

Spectacular beachfront location
Access to 14 miles of gorgeous white sand beaches
Nature sanctuary with bird pond
Olympic sized swimming pool
Kiddy pool
Sbarra Spa treatments in-room or seaside
Bicycling rentals and access to 23 miles of bike paths
Six Laykold hard-surface tennis courts
Beach rentals
Golf privileges
Award-winning Casa Kid's Club with Kids Night Out and Monday Movies (seasonal)
Basketball and volleyball
Boating and fishing

Dining:

Fine fusion seafood and steaks at grand old-island Thistle Lodge
Casual dining and tropical libations at Coconuts Poolside Café & Bar
Live entertainment
Take-out meals
On- and off-site catering

Party/Meeting Facilities:

Four indoor meeting rooms and outdoor beach or sanctuary venues
Creative Celebrations Services staff to effect memorable weddings, anniversaries, holiday events, and small meetings.
All function details handled on-site, from flowers and lighting to music and catering.
Beachfront setting ideal for weddings