The Island by Hotel RL
1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548The Island Beachside Resort by Hotel RL – Think of us as your friend with the beach house. For generations The Island Beachside Resort on the Gulf of Mexico has been, and is, your vacation destination. Whether you’re vacationing with your kids or marrying your sweetheart beside a beach sunset, book your trip now, let us take care of everything while you make memories.
The Island Resort in Fort Walton Beach
Beach Front Resort near Destin in Fort Walton Beach since 1966
Think of us as your friend with the beach house at our Resort in Fort Walton Beach. For generations Our family friendly resort on the Gulf of Mexico has been, and is, your Destin, Fl beach vacation destination. Whether you’re vacationing with your kids or marrying your sweetheart beside a beach sunset, book your trip now, let us take care of everything while you make memories at our Fort Walton Beach resort.
Guestrooms – You’re at home here
Spacious beachfront suites, or comfortable poolside rooms, our beachfront hotel offers space for every traveler. Packed with familiar amenities including pillow-top beds in every room, beautiful views, and easy access to all our amenities. Book your room at The Island and discover your full service paradise at our hotel near Destin.
Experience our Amenities
Experience the Grotto! Swim through the cascading waterfall or walk right in the Grotto bar. Yes, there is a bar inside that rock! Forget your sunscreen? No worries, we have your essentials at The Market in the lobby. Big appetite from spending all day at the beach? Our restaurants and bars will satisfy your hunger. Need something else, just ask the friendly, full-service staff at our Fort Walton resort and they’ll connect you to everything you need.
A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is the perfect beach destination for your coastal wedding. A beachfront wedding ceremony and elegant indoor or outdoor reception sites set the stage for a truly unique and unforgettable wedding.
Discoveries at your doorstep
You never need to drive. That’s right, experience shopping and the best area activities just a short walk from your room. Enjoy our weekly activities, Misty Mermaid visits and live entertainment offered right on property or take the family to a marine show at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. For the thrill seekers, Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone is across the street. Be sure to like us on Facebook to keep up with our event calendar.
Our Story
Since 1966, the Ramada was an iconic symbol on the Panhandle of Florida, where friends and family enjoyed time together. The hotel was equally famous for its laid-back brand of hospitality and expansive footprint on Okaloosa Island, as well as for the innovations it pioneered over the decades to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Developed by Fred E. Tolbert, Jr., a longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Florida, the Ramada surprised and delighted generations of travelers with its creatively themed dining outlets, robust offerings of amenities and the famous Grotto Pool complete with a swim-up bar. Over the years, the resort has borne witness to celebrations of all kinds including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and honeymoons, which made the Ramada a destination where good times and priceless memories are created daily.
At the beginning of 2018, a comprehensive remodel of the property began which included a completely reimagined entrance and lobby, upgraded and expanded beach bar, a spectacular renovation of the Oasis Room and a newly constructed Cabana. The mighty Grotto Pool was refinished, with added features and sparkle. A new signature restaurant, The Fish House , combines delicious dishes of comfort food with the freshest selections from both the land and the sea. The Island Market introduced a wonderful retail option for guests with easy to pack snacks, assorted beverages, beach essentials and a carefully chosen collection of souvenirs. Ten model rooms were designed, each with a sleek, modern look that still preserves a beach vibe, in preparation for a full-scale guest room renovation which will commence in the Fall of 2018.
Perhaps the most significant change involved the name and brand. Along with all the property enhancements, it became apparent the hotel should upgrade its identity and marque. Bidding goodbye to Ramada, The Island Beachside Resort made its debut in May.
One place. Many stories. Endless fun.
Inspired by its location, The Island represents a place where once you arrive, you never have to leave. No other resort in the area offers the sheer variety of amenities that make a beach vacation as seamless, which allows for authentic, effortless moment-to-moment fun.
You’re not just staying here. You’re at home here.
We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to create one-of-a-kind signature moments and memories to last a lifetime. All served up on 600 feet of pristine sugar white sand with spectacular views of that famous crystal clear emerald green water. Waiting for you to share your vacation story.