Casa Ybel Resort

Sanibel Island, Florida


Mosci Brings Manhattan to Sanibel – One Night Only!

mosci_bwWith his flair for the pop standards, New York singer and musician, Robert Mosci, will be in town to heat up the house at The Thistle Lodge on Wednesday, November 3rd from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

 

Mosci was the resident musician at New York’s Top of the Tower located on the east side in the Beekman Towers Hotel and is now the featured performer at the NYC’s famed Water Club. He is noted not only his vocals but for his command of the piano as well.

 

Listen to his smooth and mellow voice and his interpretations of some old favorites. Mosci’s voice has been described in much the same way that music aficionado’s described Sinatra’s voice. In fact, his latest CD entitled, Frankly Speaking is a tribute to Sinatra and has been receiving notable radio recognition.

 

For reservations call 239-472-9200 or visit www.thistlelodge.com
Thistle Lodge 2255 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957


Oil Less than 1% chance on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

Recent projections by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmthe sentiments of a leading local expert that there is a minimal likelihood of oil from the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill impacting The Beaches of Sanibel and Captiva on southwest Florida’s Gulf coast. 

In a technical report released July 2, NOAA reports that the probability of oil impacting the destination is less than 1 percent and that the probability of oiling for much of the west coast of Florida is 20 percent or less. It further states that any oil reaching the area would have spent considerable time degrading and dispersing and would be in the form of scattered tar balls and not a large surface slick of oil.

The report echoes statements from Kristie Anders, education director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, who earlier stated that the chances of oil impacting The Beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are slim. She said the loop current in the Gulf follows the edge of the West Florida Continental Shelf, which runs parallel to the state’s coast and extends to about 150 miles off the destination’s shores. When the strong current hits the shelf, it curves southward along its edge.

“The continental shelf serves as our guardian angel,” explains Anders. “Barring a major storm, it’s the greatest reason to be optimistic that we will experience minimal impact from the spill, since it will steer the loop current away from our area and well offshore of Southwest Florida.”

Anders further explains that the Gulf Stream, a warm Atlantic Ocean current and one of the strongest known ocean currents, originates in the gulf as the Loop Current that is steered by the continental shelf. The shelf is the extended perimeter of each continent that was part of the continent during glacial periods when sea levels were lower, but the shelf is undersea in relatively shallow waters during interglacial periods such as the current timeframe.

To date, NOAA reports that no significant amount of oil has entered the Loop Current.


Miss Florida USA Visits Sanibel for The Cure – Proclaims “No Oil On the Beaches”

Miss Florida USA Visits Sanibel for The Cure and Proclaims No Oil On the Beaches

The reigning Miss Florida USA 2010, Megan Clementi, 26, visited Sanibel Island to climb the lighthouse, determined to complete her Climb For The Cure awareness campaign benefiting Susan G. Komen. Clementi developed this initiative as a way to promote Breast Cancer Awareness as well as bring awareness to the restoration needs of Florida’s lighthouses. She put the plan into action on January 10th, 2010 completing 12 of 30 planned lighthouse climbs thus far. On June 29, she added the Sanibel Island Lighthouse and the Boca Grande / Gasparilla Island Lighthouse located, both in the Beaches of Fort Myers – Sanibel, to her list of accomplishments.

“The most amazing part about the Susan G. Komen Foundation is that 75% of the proceeds goes back to the area in which it was raised,” said Clementi, which prompted an unplanned $500 donation to the cause from Marty and Brenda Harrity on behalf of Doc Ford’s. Clementi met the Harritys’ as she and lighthouse photographer John Kennedy and family stopped in to Doc Ford’s for lunch prior to heading to Boca Grande. Overwhelmed by the generosity, Clementi announced, “75% of this $500 donation will go back to the State of Florida to assist those who have been stricken with Breast Cancer and the other 25% will go to research so that the women of the future and, actually the men as well, will not have to suffer.”

(from left) Froilan Ramirez, Miss Florida, Damon Pyle and Amy Speckman

Froilan Ramirez, Amy Speckman and Damon Pyle, all of Casa Ybel Resort‘s management team, happened to be lunching at Doc Ford’s. They suggested that Clementi film a statement for release about our clean beaches. As cameras rolled she began, “I had the honor of climbing the Sanibel Lighthouse this morning and I think the common misconception is many people think that the unfortunate oil spill happening in the Gulf right now has affected the entire West coast of Florida and it’s simply not true. I saw the beaches today and the oil has not come to the West Coast, it’s not on Sanibel Island, so if anyone out there wants to tour this beautiful place, please do because there is not an issue with the oil and it’s still just as beautiful as it’s ever been,” said Megan. The Casa Ybel Team thanked Clementi for supporting efforts to inform the world that The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are clean and open for business.

“Miss Florida’s timing couldn’t be better. We are grateful she came to Sanibel to climb our lighthouse today in support of The Cure and to clarify that there is NO oil on our beaches,” said Ramirez, General Manager at Casa Ybel Resort.


VCB Commercial shot at Casa Ybel Resort

The Lee County Visitors Convention Bureau did a national TV Campaign at Casa Ybel Resort’s pristine Gulf beaches and was aired on the Nightly News with Diane Sawyer. We were so excited to be a part of this effort to show that are beaches are still as beautiful as ever. You can visit the VCB website to view this commercial, or just visit our website to book your next vacation with us we have great offers on our Specials page and our “Clean Beaches Guarantee”.

Casa Ybel Resort
“Bring your love…”
Sanibel Island, Florida
1-800-276-4753
www.CasaYbelResort.com


Casa Ybel Featured in Gulf Coast Times Magazine

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