Casa Ybel – elegant beachfront condos on Sanibel Island

The Casa Ybel Resort consists of low-rise beachfront condos, an outstanding restaurant, sports facilities and
a lovely pool area

Casa Ybel (pronounced Ebel) is an upscale beachfront resort on Florida’s unique Sanibel Island. Sanibel is a charming Old Florida destination with 50 miles of lovely beaches, 35 kilometers of cycle paths and no building taller than a palm tree. During our visit, Casa Ybel was our home-away-from-home.

Located on a 14-mile stretch or white sand beach, Casa Ybel has 114 comfortable, well-appointed, one and two bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and terrific views of the beach and Gulf of Mexico. The only things between you and the Gulf of Mexico are a verdant green lawn, palm trees and the beach. Each condo has a screened in balcony overlooking the Gulf, where we enjoyed morning coffee, watching the pelicans diving into the water in search of food. At times we could see dolphins playing not too far off shore.

Condos are well-furnished all have
oceanfront views

Equipped with a large table and chairs, the balconies are an extension of an already large living space. Each building houses only six units, and each building has a large gas barbeque, just a few steps from the units.

Casa Ybel has a rich history dating back the 1880s. Originally established as a resort by a retired Minister George Barnes, one of his daughters and her husband built a luxurious manor house, which they named Thistle Lodge. The lodge was a favourite of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and other celebrities seeking a quiet holiday.

The Thistle Lodge offers fine cuisine, a unique decor and a friendly ambiance

The lodge is now a superb dining room with panoramic views across the Casa Ybel grounds and beyond to the Gulf. There are several intimate dining rooms and a cozy bar to enjoy a drink before dinner. We enjoyed The Thistle so much that we enjoyed outstanding dinners there on two of our four nights at the resort. The restaurant will also prepare regular menu items that guests can pick up at the reception desk and take back to your condo. Thistle Lodge has an excellent wine cellar, and offers guests delicious seafood and prime-aged beef.

The white sand beach is the focal point of a Sanibel holiday, and Casa Ybel has lounge chairs, umbrellas and cabanas available for rent by the day or week. Attendants will make sure that the chairs and umbrellas are set up for you each morning. Guests also enjoy a large pool, and families with young children make good use of the wading pool. And if all this exercise builds up your appetite, you can order at Coconuts, the poolside restaurant and bar.

Casa Ybel pool, Coconuts poolside restaurant and bar,
14 miles of white sand beach and the azure waters of
The Gulf of Mexico

Sanibel is all set up for cycling, with cycle paths well-separated from the roadways. The resort has bicycles for rent by the day or the week. Tennis enthusiasts will enjoy the resort’s six courts, and instruction is available for adults, teens and younger children. If you’d like to try tennis, racquets and balls are available to rent. Yoga and Pilates classes are offered on the resort’s grounds, and private one-hour sessions are available.

Golfers will be glad to know that Sanibel Island has several golf courses that are a short drive from the resort.

Casa Ybel is almost at the island’s mid-point on the Gulf side, making it easy to the different actions such as the Ding Darling Nature Preserve, owner-operated restaurants, the island’s theatre and a nearby upscale grocery store.

A romantic couple’s getaway

We can heartily recommend Casa Ybel Resort for a special couples’ holiday, or a memorable family holiday for children, teens and adults. It’s a large property with a many activities and an outstanding beachfront location – something for everyone.

For more information, please visit: www.casaybelresort.com  or call toll-free: 1-800-276-4753 Air Canada offers weekly direct flights from Montreal and year-round service via Toronto. Bon Voyage!