In the Florida Keys, people come looking for rest, connection, and time to slow down. In Islamorada, Ciao Bella has become a place where many locals and visitors find exactly that. What began as a salon built by two sisters over 20 years ago has grown into a trusted wellness destination known for beauty services, restorative therapies, yoga, sound healing, and community care.
The story behind Ciao Bella is personal. It is rooted in resilience, family, healing, and the belief that wellness should support the whole person. Today, the business continues to evolve while holding onto the same intention that inspired it from the beginning, helping people feel cared for, restored, and connected to themselves.
That philosophy has shaped Ciao Bella into one of the most recognized wellness spaces in the Upper Keys.
The Story Behind Ciao Bella
Two Sisters Starting Over in the Florida Keys
Ciao Bella was founded by sisters Gilda Rroshi and Bella Morina after they moved to the Florida Keys from Albania. They arrived with determination, a strong work ethic, and a vision to create something meaningful within the community.
The sisters built the business step by step. They focused on creating a welcoming environment where people could feel comfortable the moment they walked through the door.
Over time, clients became friends, and the salon became part of everyday life in Islamorada.
A Business Built on Trust and Purpose
Opening a business is never simple, especially during difficult economic periods. When the opportunity came to purchase the building, traditional financing was not available. The sisters moved forward anyway.
They believed in what they were creating. That confidence became part of the foundation of Ciao Bella.
Their goal was never just to offer beauty services. They wanted to create a place where people could feel supported emotionally and physically.
That mission still guides the business today.
The Meaning Behind “Love Yourself”
A Simple Message That Became a Philosophy
Inside Ciao Bella, a handwritten message reads:
“Love yourself.”
The note was written by Bella Morina years ago. Today, it remains one of the most meaningful parts of the space.
For the team at Ciao Bella, those words are more than decoration. They represent the intention behind every service, every wellness session, and every interaction with guests.
Self care is often misunderstood as something temporary or superficial. At Ciao Bella, it is approached differently. The focus is on helping people reconnect with themselves through care, restoration, and wellness practices that support long term well-being.
Wellness Starts from Within
Beauty and wellness are connected. Stress, fatigue, poor sleep, and emotional burnout often affect how people feel physically.
Ciao Bella’s approach recognizes that connection.
The space was designed to support:
- Relaxation
- Emotional balance
- Physical recovery
- Skin health
- Stress relief
- Energy restoration
This perspective helped Ciao Bella grow from a salon into a broader wellness destination in Islamorada.
How Ciao Bella Expanded Beyond Traditional Beauty Services
More Than a Salon
Hair, nails, skincare, and beauty services remain an important part of Ciao Bella. Over time, the business expanded to include therapies and wellness experiences that support the body in deeper ways.
Today, visitors can experience:
- Therapeutic massage
- Clinical facials
- Sound healing sessions
- Red light therapy
- Salt therapy
- Compression therapy
- Yoga classes
- Infrared wellness experiences
- Recovery focused treatments
Each service was added with intention.
Introducing Wellness and Recovery Experiences
Many of the newer wellness services came from personal experiences within the Ciao Bella family. Healing practices that supported recovery, emotional wellness, and stress management became part of the studio’s offerings.
This created a more complete wellness environment for guests seeking more than traditional spa treatments.
Wellness Experiences That Support Mind and Body
Sound Healing and Gong Immersions
One of the most unique experiences at Ciao Bella is sound healing.
During gong immersions and frequency sessions, vibrational sound waves help create a calming environment that supports relaxation and mental clarity.
Many guests use these sessions to:
- Reduce stress
- Support emotional release
- Improve focus
- Encourage deeper relaxation
Ciao Bella now hosts gong immersion experiences regularly in Islamorada, creating opportunities for the community to experience restorative sound therapy together.
Infrared and Red Light Therapy
Ciao Bella also introduced infrared wellness experiences designed to support recovery, circulation, detoxification, and energy.
The studio uses advanced infrared panels and red light therapy systems that support:
- Muscle recovery
- Skin rejuvenation
- Relaxation
- Circulation
- Cellular repair support
These therapies are integrated into wellness classes and recovery experiences.
Yoga and Stretch Classes
Movement remains an important part of wellness at Ciao Bella.
Guests can participate in:
- Deep stretch classes
- Mat Pilates
- Yoga sessions
- Guided wellness practices
These experiences help support mobility, flexibility, posture, and stress management.
A Wellness Space Rooted in Community
Recognition Across the Upper Keys
The work done at Ciao Bella has not gone unnoticed within the community.
In recent years, the business has received recognition in the Best of the Upper Keys awards, including:
- Best Salon
- Best Health and Wellness
- Best Overall Business
These awards are especially meaningful because they reflect support from local residents and community members.
Why Community Matters
Ciao Bella has built long term relationships with guests over many years. Some clients have been visiting since the business first opened.
That connection comes from consistency, care, and trust.
People return because they feel welcomed and understood.
The atmosphere at Ciao Bella is intentionally warm and personal. Guests are encouraged to slow down, breathe, and take time for themselves.
Honoring Bella Morina’s Legacy
Carrying Forward a Vision of Care
Bella Morina played an important role in shaping the energy and spirit of Ciao Bella. She had a natural ability to make people feel seen and valued.
Her influence remains deeply present throughout the space.
After Bella’s passing in 2023, the business continued to grow while honoring the vision the sisters created together.
Her message of self love and compassion continues to guide the wellness philosophy of Ciao Bella.
Continuing the Journey
Today, the next generation of the family is also involved in continuing that legacy.
The goal remains the same:
Create a space where people feel supported, restored, and connected to themselves.
That mission continues through every service and wellness offering.
Why Visitors Choose Ciao Bella in Islamorada
A Different Kind of Wellness Experience
Many wellness spaces focus only on appearance or temporary relaxation. Ciao Bella takes a more thoughtful approach.
Guests often choose Ciao Bella because they want:
- A calm environment
- Personalized care
- Wellness focused services
- Stress relief
- Recovery support
- Beauty services combined with deeper restoration
The experience is designed to help people leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more balanced.
Supporting Wellness in Everyday Life
Wellness is not something reserved for special occasions. Small moments of restoration matter throughout the year.
Ciao Bella encourages people to create routines that support:
- Better sleep
- Stress management
- Skin health
- Emotional balance
- Physical recovery
This practical approach makes wellness feel accessible rather than overwhelming.
The Future of Wellness at Ciao Bella
Continuing to Grow with Intention
As wellness continues to evolve, Ciao Bella remains focused on offering experiences that genuinely support people’s well-being.
The studio continues exploring therapies and practices that align with its mission of helping guests feel their best physically and emotionally.
At the center of that growth is the same simple message that started it all:
Love yourself.
FAQs
What services does Ciao Bella offer in Islamorada
Ciao Bella offers hair services, nail care, facials, massage therapy, yoga classes, sound healing, infrared wellness experiences, red light therapy, salt therapy, and recovery focused treatments.
What makes Ciao Bella different from other wellness spaces
Ciao Bella combines beauty services with restorative wellness experiences in a calm and welcoming environment focused on whole body care and relaxation.
Does Ciao Bella offer sound healing sessions
Yes. Ciao Bella hosts sound healing experiences and gong immersion sessions designed to support relaxation and emotional wellness.
What are the benefits of infrared and red light therapy
These therapies may support circulation, muscle recovery, relaxation, skin rejuvenation, and overall wellness.
Why is Ciao Bella well known in the Upper Keys
Ciao Bella has earned recognition for its commitment to wellness, beauty, and community care. The business has received several Best of the Upper Keys awards voted on by local residents.
Conclusion
Ciao Bella’s story is about more than beauty or wellness trends. It is about creating a space where people feel supported, valued, and restored.
What began as a dream between two sisters became a trusted part of the Islamorada community. Through years of dedication, care, and growth, Ciao Bella evolved into a wellness destination that continues to serve both locals and visitors in meaningful ways.
From therapeutic services and sound healing to yoga and restorative wellness experiences, every part of Ciao Bella reflects the belief that caring for yourself matters.
That message continues to guide the space today, just as it did from the beginning:
Love yourself.
