A Buzzy Getaway For The Fashion Set

Last summer, Bloomingdale’s—which is celebrating it’s 150th anniversary next month—held a virtual fashion show in a serene paradise filled with palm trees and a stunning ocean view.

It was a runway show called their Spring Fashion Escape, from banana palm prints, to knit dresses. Ever since the department store hosted this waterfront runway show, showcasing boho dresses and woven bags, and cottagecore classics, this resort has become the fashion world’s go-to place for the fashion set.

As Bloomingdale’s fashion director Arielle Siboni said during the runway show: “It’s paradise,” and according to Kevin Harter, the vice president of fashion at Bloomingdales, they chose Isla Bella for its dreamy location.

“We really wanted to find the perfect atmosphere to showcase this resort collection,” he said.

“We were seeking a unique setting that would truly resonate with our resort wear clientele, and Isla Bella Beach Resort’s relaxing, picturesque environment proved to be the ideal backdrop for this beautiful, bright collection.”

He explains: “From the innovative runway, we were able to create on the property to the luxurious, authentically Floridian ambiance that embodies the resort, Isla Bella Beach allowed us to bring the vibrance and energy of the collection to life on camera,” said Harter.

“The experience felt new, fun and full of discovery, yet also luxurious and authentic to our brands and loyal clientele.”

And indeed, the fashion crowd has followed.

Ever since, it has become a discreet hotspot for celebrities to take quiet breaks from work, and is a popular shooting location for stylish reality TV shows, too.

It’s a favorite among reality TV stars, too. An episode of Jersey Shore Family Vacation was shot here, with Mike and Lauren Sorrentino and Deena Cortese.

The resort has also been a shooting location for season 13 of the Lifetime reality show Married At First Sightcapturing the essence of paradise on the couple’s honeymoons. And The Real Housewives of Miami took a trip to Isla Bella in May to celebrate Alexia Echevarria’s birthday, and film for Season 5, where they lounged in the stylish pools, and dined at the Polynesian-inspired restaurant, Mahina.

Fashion designer and TV personality Whitney Port, best known for being featured on MTV’s The Hills, and it’s spin-off show The Cityhas also stayed here with her family, too.

All of this is a lot of shooting for such a new property. As for the backstory, Isla Bella Beach Resort opened in Marathon, Florida, in the Middle Keys last summer, and has quickly become a favorite with the fashion crowd.

It makes sense why—this ultra luxe beachfront hotel and spa is set by crystal blue waters, and has 24 waterfront acres on the Cerulean Sea. In addition to the private, mile-long coastline, the property offers a spa, five oceanfront pools, and four distinct dining spots. The area boasts some of America’s best fishing and guests can enjoy an array of water sports including fishing charters, jet ski tours, and kayak, snorkeling and scuba diving trips.

It isn’t just reality stars, but Grammy Award-winning musicians have performed here, too. In fact, there was a five-night Cabaret pop-up event featuring hype-worthy artists directly from New York City’s top nightclubs.

Meanwhile, Isla Bella held a mini country music festival for the Fourth of July this year, as part of a a four-day concert series called ‘Country in the Keys.’ Renowned songwriters and country stars performed at Isla Bella, and had fan meet and greet sessions before an exciting fireworks show, like Nashville talents Priscilla Block, Ben Burgess and Leah Sykes, as well as Aaron Raitiere, who is from Kentucky. They also featured Devin Dawson, Jason Durrett and Kat & Alex, among others. The weekend was hosted by Sirius XM host’s Storme Warren, who hosts the country radio show, The Highway.

It’s just a two hour drive from Miami, so it’s accessible, too. “This is a private, luxury gated resort where high-profile guests can explore over 25 acres of white sandy beaches overlooking turquoise waters,” said Isla Bella Beach Resort’s Managing Director Justin Nels.

Celebrities can even get their own private security, he notes, for added privacy. High=prifle guests head over to the spa for organic body butter wraps, relax by the adults-only pool, and take diving trips out to Sombrero Reef.

Isla Bella’s partnership with Bloomingdales is just the beginning. “We’re always searching for like-minded fashion brands to host, as we provide an incredible backdrop to showcase new product launches,” said Nels. “We can host fashion shows with a built-in runway under a canopy of lush greenery.”