Isla Bella or Tranquility Bay

Question

My wife and I are heading down from Miami for our anniversary weekend in August. Which is the nicer resort, particularity the rooms? It would be a couple of days to relax poolside away from the kids :P. What would be a nice restaurant for an anniversary dinner? Butterfly Cafe? Or should we drive down to Key West for dinner? Thank!

Answer

For a romantic anniversary weekend in the Florida Keys, both Isla Bella Resort (in Marathon) and Tranquility Bay Resort (in Marathon) are excellent options, but they cater slightly differently depending on the experience you want.

Isla Bella Resort:

Newer property with modern, upscale rooms and villas.
Large pool area and beautiful beachfront, quieter spots are available for adults.
Great amenities including a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options onsite.
Rooms tend to be more contemporary with open layouts, ideal for a couple wanting privacy and comfort.

Tranquility Bay Resort:

Offers more of a villa-style experience with multiple-bedroom cottages.
Charming tropical landscaping and a calm, boutique feel.
Generally very peaceful, often less busy than Isla Bella, which can be ideal if you want to avoid families and kids.
Rooms and villas are spacious, but some may feel slightly dated compared to Isla Bella’s newest offerings.

For poolside relaxation away from children, both resorts have adult-friendly areas, but Isla Bella’s modern design and expansive pool areas might feel more luxurious. Tranquility Bay provides a quieter, intimate setting if you prefer cottage-style accommodations.

For an anniversary dinner:

Butterfly Cafe (Marathon): – Intimate, fine dining with a focus on seafood and fresh local ingredients. Great for a quiet romantic evening without leaving Marathon.
Key West options: – If you enjoy driving (~1.5-2 hours from Marathon), Key West has many renowned romantic restaurants such as Latitudes on Sunset Key, Louie’s Backyard, or Nine One Five. Dining in Key West provides a more festive atmosphere and waterfront views.

In summary, if your priority is a modern, luxurious room with easy pool access, Isla Bella may be preferable. If you want a secluded, peaceful villa experience, Tranquility Bay could be the better choice. For dining, staying local at Butterfly Cafe is convenient and romantic, but a drive to Key West opens up a wider array of upscale, anniversary-worthy restaurants.