Valhalla Island Resort under development by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris

MARATHON, Fla. – Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris recently presented his plans for the oceanfront Valhalla Island Resort. .

When complete, Morris says Valhalla Island would be the largest resort property in the Florida Keys, spanning more than 175 acres and including a mile of beachfront property.

Much of Morris’ inspiration to develop the resort came from the legendary Long Key Fishing Camp. Founded in 1908 by Henry Flagler, the Long Key Fishing Camp was vital in establishing the Florida Keys’ position of prominence on the sportfishing landscape.

Located minutes away from the deep blue waters of the Gulf Stream and adjacent to the flats fisheries of Florida Bay, the Valhalla Island Resort sits near some of the best sailfish, swordfish, tarpon, bonefish, permit, and snook fishing in the world.

Located just 25 miles southwest of World Wide Sportsman—Bass Pro Shops’ saltwater store– in Islamorada, the resort is the latest offering of Morris’ and Bass Pro Shops’ series of investments to amplify sportfishing, conservation, and nature-based tourism within the Keys and the entire state.

To bring the vision to life, Morris and his daughter Megan have partnered with architecture firms Hart Howerton and Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects. Using ecologically sensitive design techniques and working with the natural ecology of the Florida Keys, plans for the 110-unit nature resort call for an intimate setting that preserves 50 percent of green space throughout. Valhalla Island Resort will be vehicle-free, and all surfaces will be permeable surfaces.

Resort accommodations include a collection of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom cottages, in addition to a master lodge and general store, all within tropical landscaping and a beach shaded by hundreds of palm trees. Other amenities include restaurants, a spa, swimming pools, a fishing marina, and spaces designed for people to gather and connect with nature.
The development, previously approved by the city of Marathon, is designed to be carbon neutral with a minimal footprint and low impact to preserve the natural integrity of the land while leveraging the latest sustainable strategies, a news release states.

The news release states that conservation-based practices inform all aspects of the resort’s design and operation to enhance the natural ecosystem. Sustainable design techniques will be utilized, including onsite renewable energy via solar and geothermal power, rainwater harvesting and storage, and orienting buildings to enhance natural ventilation.

Construction of the Valhalla Island Resort is scheduled to be completed within the next two years, with regular updates expected from Morris and his team.