Top 5 Things You May Not Know About Belle Isle

A Bull Island without Bulls? 

Before it became Belle Isle, this tiny patch of land in Biscayne Bay went by a far less glamorous name: Bull Island. 

And no, there weren't any actual bulls involved. 

This little mangrove-covered landmass was the only naturally occurring island in what's now the Venetian chain long before developers showed up with sand and vision boards. 

Then, in the early 1900s, as Miami Beach was still finding its identity, Bull Island received a makeover when its size was expanded using dredged sand from the nearby Collins Canal project. 

And just like that, it transformed from humble hammock to bayfront real estate with a brand-new name — Belle Isle, meaning "beautiful island" in French (a name that sells better, to be honest). 

Unlike its entirely artificial neighbors, Belle Isle still has roots in the original landscape, making it bull-free but bursting with charm, history, and waterfront realness. 

Indeed, in Miami, not every transformation comes with Botox.

The Wooden Wonder That Started It All     

In 1913, before Belle Isle became real estate gold, it was a pitstop on the world's longest wooden bridge — the OG Collins Bridge. 

Built by farmer-turned-developer John S. Collins, the 2.5-mile stretch connected Miami to Miami Beach (but they didn't know it yet), with Belle Isle smack in the middle. 

Picture a rickety toll bridge made entirely of wood, stretching across an open bay, charging Model Ts a whopping 25 cents a car. 

Belle Isle didn't just enjoy the ride — it literally helped pave the way to the bridge that would eventually evolve into today's Venetian Causeway, minus the creaks.

When J.C. Penney Had a Presidential Plus-One

In the roaring 1920s, Belle Isle was already attracting VIPs, including J.C. Penney, who built a lavish winter estate called White Haven at 8 Island Avenue. 

But the big headline came in 1929 when President-elect Herbert Hoover decided to crash on Belle Isle, pre-inauguration. 

For a few weeks, Belle Isle became the chillest temporary White House on record, where Hoover even conducted official business from a cottage next door, casually governing with bay breezes and boat views. 

Imagine today's Secret Service trying to lock that down. 

Not bad for an island that started as a swampy hammock.

From Canasta Queens to Spa Scene Kings

Belle Isle's only hotel, The Standard Spa, has lived many lives — including one as the legendary Lido Spa in the 1950s. 

Dubbed the "Borscht Belt on the Beach," Lido Spa had salt-free menus, aqua aerobics, and enough canasta to power a small city. 

Back then, it was the winter escape for high-heeled, well-moisturized women who came for bridge games, kosher meals, and gossip. 

Fast-forward to 2006, hotelier André Balazs revived the space into today's hip Standard Spa and its hammocks, cold plunges, and design-savvy poolside scene. 

And yes, the original neon Lido Spa sign still glows — the vibe may have changed, but its location has always been a vibe.

Orchids in the Trees          

Thanks to a partnership with Fairchild Tropical Garden's Million Orchid Project, dozens of rare native orchids now bloom around Belle Isle Park, all hand-planted into the island's palm trees in 2023 by volunteers and botanists who climbed up and got to work, turning everyday walks into mini botanical tours. 

So now, while your dog's sniffing every blade of grass, your eyes can catch vibrant orchids blooming overhead. 

It's part nature preserve, part Instagram moment, and best of all, no one needs a reservation to indulge in the view — or the moment!