"This review is intended to bring awareness to the type of business practices I personally experienced at Island Vibes Stuart under its current ownership. Please note that this is not the same as the other Island Vibes locations, which are owned by different individuals. I’ve been attending their weekly game night regularly and have always considered myself a great patron. I typically spend at least $30 per visit, tip well, and never overstay my welcome. Over the past few months, however, I’ve noticed the owners becoming increasingly focused on how much guests spend during game night and more specifically, when that money is spent. I fully understand that a business needs to generate revenue. The issue arises when customers are told exactly when they must spend their money, which can make the experience feel transactional rather than welcoming. The prize for winning game night is a $50 bar tab. On a recent evening, I won this tab, but Island Vibes Stuart refused to honor it. They claimed I broke “the rules.” Earlier in the night, I had spoken to the kava tender and explained that I fast after 11 PM and therefore can’t drink kava past that time. I shared that their timing rules were taking away from my enjoyment because I had to wait until the second game to make additional purchases, which would be outside my fasting window. I explained that this would make it impossible for me to participate in the second game and asked if an exception could be made, since the expectation is to spend $10 per game (two games total), and I typically spend $30 or more anyway. The kava tender told me this would be fine. Based on that conversation, I spent $31 before 11 PM and then stopped, as usual, to respect my fasting schedule. Fast forward to around 1 AM, and I won the game! But when I went to claim my prize, the earlier conversation with the kava tender was disregarded. The owner refused to honor the $50 tab despite my spending exceeding the stated minimum. The situation became tense, but I remained calm and explained my perspective clearly. Unfortunately, the owner chose not to accommodate the situation, and I decided to leave, letting her know I would share my experience publicly via online reviews . Later that night, I received a message warning me that this owner has a reputation for threatening lawsuits over negative reviews. I found this ironic, as I’m simply recounting my personal experience which is not defamation. Within 24 hours, I heard that a very different version of events was circulating within the community. Thankfully, the people in my life know me well and were able to see through the gossip. I’m sharing this story to inform others who might be considering visiting this establishment. For me, this experience was not about the money, it was about integrity and how customers are treated. It’s disappointing to see behavior like this, which, in my opinion, goes against the spirit of the kava community. I hope my experience helps others make an informed decision when choosing where to spend their time. Thank you for reading, and I wish you a beautiful day."

"When I moved to Florida from California, I had no idea what a kava bar even was. I had heard the term tossed around a few times, but I had never stepped foot in one and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. One evening, looking for a place to unwind and maybe meet a few locals, I stumbled upon Island Vibes Kava Bar in Stuart. Little did I know, I had just discovered my new favorite place. From the second I walked in, I was welcomed like family. The vibe is laid-back, tropical, and genuinely inviting think island getaway meets hometown hangout. The atmosphere is warm, the lighting cozy, and the music always sets the perfect tone for relaxing or connecting with new faces. What really blew me away, though, were the people. The very first person to serve me was Ari, one of the bartenders and let me just say, they are AMAZING. Super friendly, knowledgeable, and made me feel totally comfortable even though I was a total newbie to kava and botanical drinks. Ari took the time to explain the menu, made great recommendations, and created a genuinely welcoming experience that made me want to come back the next day (which I did!). Then there's Sam, the owner and wow, this girl truly knows how to run a business. You can feel how much she cares, not just about the bar, but about the community she’s built around it. Island Vibes isn’t just a place to grab a shell and go it’s a space where friendships are made, stories are shared, and people look out for each other. Sam is constantly around, chatting with customers, supporting her team, and making sure everyone’s having a great time. That kind of leadership shows in every corner of the place. Since becoming a regular, I’ve met some truly amazing people here the kind of people you don’t just chat with for five minutes and forget. Lifelong friends, mentors, chosen family. I never imagined that a kava bar would be the place to find that, but Island Vibes is so much more than just a bar. It's a second home. Whether you're curious about kava, new in town, or just looking for a good vibe and great conversation, do yourself a favor and check this place out. Island Vibes Kava Bar is everything the name promises and more."

"By far one of my favorite kava bars, everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Especially love Sammy and Ari! If you ever get a chance to check it out it’s definitely worth it especially trying their blue lotus!"

"Great spot to hang out and chill. Not a big kava guy but the staff are all cool and make it easy to go in there and relax when I’ve got/need some down time. Lots of different vibes and games going on there on a daily basis and it keeps things upbeat and exciting."

"We have been to our share of kava shops and this is one of the best. The owner is super friendly and helpful, the prices are great, the ambiance is amazing, and they have pool, board games, and ping pong! The owner's dog Frodo is a sweetheart as well. Definitely come here."