Islamorada's Holiday Isle Resort Gets a Facelift

Historical photo of Holiday Isle Beach Resort and Marina

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 When I heard that Holiday Isle Beach Resort & Marina in Islamorada was undergoing a renovation ($10.5 million to be exact), I thought how great is that? Then memories from years gone by of the iconic destination came flooding back.

Holiday Isle was a long-standing favorite place on weekends to hang by the swimming pool or the private beach, catch rays and drink frozen rum runners and piña coladas. It was Old Florida before Old Florida became cool.

What I liked the most about it was how I felt when I was there —in vacation mode. So even if it was a Sunday fun day with friends (only about a 90 minute drive from Miami) it felt like we’d really gotten away from it all. The waterside location had all the trappings — lounges, live music and of course, a “world famous” tiki bar for Keys-style cocktails and easy eats. I’d say it had it all.

As I traveled the Florida Keys over the years, I’d always make a stop there. I suppose it was my official Keys kick-off spot despite its increasingly long in the tooth façade.

Now with a Holiday Isle redux in full swing, I can’t wait to return to see what’s shakin’ at this old fave of mine. The first phase of the renovation is complete and includes tower guestrooms, the main lobby and swimming pools, plus technology upgrades throughout the resort. Shula Burger, a new burger concept from the legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula, is slated to open.

I’ll keep you posted when I visit. New Holiday Isle Beach Resort memories to come.

Tags: Florida Keys | Holiday Isle Beach Resort and Marina | Islamorada