Historic Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island was featured in the travel section of Gulf Coast Times Magazine, May 2010 edition.
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Historic Casa Ybel Resort Among The Best Stays Worldwide
With an incredible history dating back to 1889, Casa Ybel Resort is truly a treasure.

When Reverend George Barnes and his family visited Sanibel with its sandy, shell-sprinkled beaches and phenomenal sunsets, it was fate calling. Barnes moved from Kentucky and purchased 160 acres of gorgeous gulf-front Sanibel property on which he built a home and a 300-seat worship house.

The Reverend also added a quaint cottage known as “The Sisters” for his daughters, which eventually evolved into a popular 30-room inn and the island’s first resort.

In 1915, “The Sisters” cottage became the Casa Ybel Hotel derived from Ponce de Leon’s name of the island. And today, Casa Ybel is an award-winning destination resort recognized as one of the “500 Greatest Hotels in the World,” by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Rooms:
Nestled on 23-acres of exclusive beachfront property and lush tropical landscaping, Casa Ybel is an all-suite accommodations facility. The 114 one and two-bedroom suites offer sensational views of the Gulf of Mexico, fantastic sunsets, and premiere style and service.

Each suite is spacious, newly renovated, and contains screened in lanai’s overlooking the white sandy beaches. A full kitchen and a spacious living room with a sleeper sofa make extended stays almost a must. Maid services are available and the 14-miles of natural, sandy beaches are steps from the suites door.

Amenities:
The property has limitless options and features to enjoy. Everything from hammocks and croquet to swimming pools and tennis courts are available for guests to relax and take pleasure in.

The resort is a family-fun destination spot as well with exciting amenities like the Casa Kid’s Club, a specially-themed activity club offering indoor and outdoor games, craft projects, and much more.

But the two jewels of Casa Ybel are the Thistle Lodge Restaurant and in-room spa services by Sbarra’s Day Spa.

Around since the late 1800’s, Thistle Lodge is an award-winning epicurean experience of European, Asian and American cuisine. The old-island fine dining establishment serves the tastiest Florida seafood, the most delectable Midwest beef and the freshest herbs, fruits and vegetables with your choice of indoor or outdoor dining overlooking the Gulf.

Sbarra’s Day Spa will bring any guests’ Casa Ybel experience to another level. With in-room spa services like a seaside dream with shells and oils massage or a sea shell facial cleansing, pampering yourself never sounded better.

Insider Tip:
Guests can enjoy the Island’s Wildlife Refuge, the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum, pull up a chair at the many great dining and entertainment establishments or enjoy some shopping at the Periwinkle Place Shopping Center.

The word is guests should rent bicycles to explore the Island’s more than 17-miles of bike trails. Or patrons can spend a couple of hours shelling along the shoreline since Sanibel Island is considered to be amongst the top three shelling beaches in the world.

Cost:
Rooms vary in prices according to time of the year and room choice. During the low season (May 3 – December 16), rooms go for $289 – $389 a night, plus tax. For February and March, the price for accommodations is anywhere between $549 – $649 a night, plus tax. (Prices are subject to change & special deals are frequent; therefore, please call for more information.)

Casa Ybel Resort is located at 2255 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel Island, FL.
For more information or to make a reservation, please call (800) 276-4753 or visit www.CasaYbelResort.com