Casa Ybel Resort, Thistle Lodge reopen post-storm
The historic Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel recently reopened to guests — along with its beachfront Thistle Lodge restaurant — for the first time since Hurricane Ian forced its closure in September 2022.
The Gulf-front property reopened after three years of recovery, restoration and renovation. The resort now features refreshed guest suites and updated amenities designed to enhance the guest experience.
“We cannot tell you how excited we are to finally say we’re back open,” General Manager JR Ramirez said. “Our team has poured their hearts into restoring and renovating this property, and the results are stunning. This island is home, and being able to once again welcome our guests, friends, and family means everything to us.”
He noted that Casa Ybel has been a landmark destination on Sanibel for generations, welcoming families, couples and weddings. Its reopening restores one of the island’s most recognized resorts and represents a significant step in the continued recovery of the Sanibel community.
The reopening of the Thistle Lodge also marks a major milestone in the island’s recovery.
The award-winning restaurant has long been known for its refined blend of Floridian and European cuisine, elegant beachfront setting and curated list of fine wines. Once hosting luminaries such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, it was carefully restored with fresh interiors and renewed attention to detail, honoring its legacy while welcoming guests back to a refreshed and inviting atmosphere.
“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.”
The Thistle Lodge offers lunch and dinner service; reservations are recommended.
In tandem with the restaurant, Casa Ybel’s outdoor bar has also reopened. Known for its relaxed, beachfront vibe and tropical cocktails, Coconuts provides guests with a casual place to unwind and enjoy the island’s natural beauty just steps from the Gulf.
The all-suite resort features Gulf views, private beach access and family-friendly amenities.
The Thistle Lodge offers a fine dining experience that pairs the charm of historic Florida with world-class culinary craftsmanship. Guests enjoy elegant coastal views, seasonal menus inspired by local ingredients and exceptional service in one of Sanibel’s most storied settings.
The Casa Ybel Resort, Thistle Lodge and Coconuts are at 2255 W. Gulf Drive, Sanibel.