Casa Ybel Resort Reopens on Sanibel Island After Three Years of Hurricane Ian Recovery

Casa Ybel Resort reopened on Sanibel Island after Hurricane Ian shuttered operations in September 2022. 

"We cannot tell you how excited we are to finally say we're back open," General Manager JR Ramirez said, according to Sanibel Captiva. "Our team has poured their hearts into restoring and renovating this property, and the results are stunning."

Ramirez talked about how this location has drawn crowds for decades.

"This island is home, and being able to once again welcome our guests, friends, and family means everything to us," Ramirez said.

Thistle Lodge mixes Florida cooking with European touches. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford both ate here. Workers fixed up the space but kept what made it special in the first place.

"We're thrilled to reopen Thistle Lodge and once again share this piece of Sanibel history with our guests," Ramirez said. "This restaurant has been part of the island's story for generations, and we're proud to see it return with the same warmth, quality, and character people have always loved."

Lunch starts midday, and dinner runs through the evening. Book ahead if you can.

Coconuts bar opened right alongside Thistle Lodge. It sits outdoors where sand meets grass, mixing tropical drinks for anyone who wants to kick back near the water.

Views stretch across the Gulf from most rooms. The beach sits steps away, private for those staying here. Families find plenty to do. 

Casa Ybel Resort, Thistle Lodge, and Coconuts are located at 2255 W. Gulf Drive in Sanibel.