Anna Maria Island has always been a place of beauty, charm, and community spirit. But after being hit by multiple hurricanes in quick succession, it’s now a testament to resilience and recovery. Among the businesses hardest hit were Body & Sol Spa and Wellness and its sister location, Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-Tiki.

Like so many on the island, owner Amanda Escobio Ryan prepared as best she could ahead of Hurricane Helene. Putting up hurricane shutters and hoping for the best.

The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

When Helene passed, the devastation became all too real. Amanda and her team couldn’t access the island by car, so kind charter captains ferried them back and forth by boat. They found standing water inside their Bridge Street location and began the grueling task of pulling up flooring, cutting drywall, and salvaging what they could. The slippery muck that covered Bridge Street made every step a challenge, but Amanda and her team pressed on.

“Things felt manageable, even in the chaos,” she recalls. “I told a reporter, ‘We’re strong, we’re salty, and we’re not going anywhere.’” That clip aired nationally and became a rallying cry for the island, but little did Amanda know, things were about to take a serious turn.

Hurricane Milton Delivers Another Blow

Just weeks later, Hurricane Milton swept through, delivering even more devastation. Their iconic Tiki hut, where they gave beach massages for the past 15 years, was blown into the middle of Gulf Drive.

At Body & Sol’s north-end location — a beloved 3,000-square-foot space above Ginny & JaneE’s Cafe — the temporary roof installed after Helene didn’t hold. Milton’s winds tore off a large section, and the walls soon followed. Nearly everything inside was destroyed, and despite the building owner’s commitment to rebuild, the future of the historic building is unclear.

“This space was such a big part of who we are,” Amanda says. “Each of our locations worked together to create one functional business. Losing this space has been a heartbreaking blow.”

Pivoting and Moving Forward

Despite the immense challenges, Amanda and her team have found ways to adapt. Their Bridge Street location is undergoing a “forced-to-be-fabulous” remodel to restore the Bou-Tiki and two indoor spa treatment rooms. Once reopened, it will include new services like a nail nook, facials, and more Gulf-inspired gifts.

They’ve also set up a temporary massage location at Your CBD Store | SUNMED (6676 Cortez Road West in the Anna Maria Oyster Bar/Sage Biscuit Plaza). Here, they’re offering a limited-time massage deal to help locals and visitors alike find a bit of relief during these stressful times.

Chair massages are also available on Sunday mornings outside Sage Biscuit Cafe, making it easy for locals to stop by and take advantage of some quick relaxation.

And while the Tiki hut was destroyed, the Silver Surf Resort is scheduled to reopen on December 1st. When it does, Sea-Renity Beach Spa will also have a temporary beach massage solution until they’re able to rebuild the hut.

Creative Ways to Support Body & Sol

As a small business supporting 21 employees, Body & Sol and Sea-Renity are doing everything possible to keep going. Here are a few ways you can help out:

(1 ) Purchase a Bou-Tiki Box

Bou-Tiki Boxes are curated gift packages filled with beachy items like loofah soaps, bracelets, and even spa certificates. There are three options:

• Sea & Sol Survive Box $39 – Includes a luxe bar of their locally-made Loofa Soap, along with a “customized survivor sea turtle,” beachy bracelet, and fun stickers. 
  
• Sea & Sol Support Box $129 – Includes all of the above. PLUS their signature Anna Maria Island trio of body lotion, body mist, and body butter, a special stainless steel adjustable AMI anklet, and a pair of cool dangle earrings. 
  
• Sea & Sol Strengthen Box $399 – Includes all of the above. PLUS 3 Gift Spa Certificates that you can redeem when their Bridge St. location reopens. Choice of Deluxe 60-minute Massage or Organic Facial (reg. $130-135 each). 

(2) Get a Massage

Who knew supporting a great cause could be so relaxing?! Head over to their temporary location at Your CBD Store | SUNMED for a 50-minute “Sunny CBD Massage” (any pressure light to deep). It includes complimentary pain-relieving Sunmed CBD cream on a target area. 

Massages are available by appointment on the hour from 9-6 daily.  $65 cash only. Same-day appointments are welcome and housecalls are available. 

They have a large team of licensed massage therapists and other professionals looking for work, so all appointments are welcome. Call or text 941-650-5441 to schedule.

(3) Make a Donation

After their efforts to pivot failed to keep up with the mounting expenses, they were forced to set up a GoFundMe account. “We really prefer to work instead of simply asking for a handout,” Amanda says. “But every little bit helps.

If you’ve been touched by any of their services in some way – through massage therapy, your wedding hair and makeup, or a thoughtful or inspiring gift, you might consider making a donation.

A Community Worth Fighting For

Body & Sol’s story is one of resilience, but it also highlights the broader challenges Anna Maria Island faces as it recovers.

Supporting local businesses like Amanda’s isn’t just about keeping doors open — it’s about preserving the heart of the community.

“We’re still here,” Amanda says. “The sunsets are just as beautiful as ever, and we can’t wait to SEA you again soon.”

Whether you book a massage, buy a Bou-Tiki Box, or simply spread the word, your support helps this incredible business — and the island — come back stronger than ever. ♥