Drive Time: 3-5 Hours
Summer in the Florida Keys is pure paradise—sun-soaked days, warm ocean breezes, and endless adventures from Key Largo to Key West. Whether you’re diving North America’s only living coral barrier reef, hand-feeding tarpon at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, or watching the nightly Mallory Square Sunset Celebration in Key West, the Keys deliver a laid-back luxury you won’t find anywhere else. Island time starts now.
With three Michelin Keys to its name, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a crown jewel of the Keys. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this adults-only private island feels like your own castaway fantasy—if your fantasy includes thatched-roof bungalows in the architectural style of the British West Indies, outdoor copper soaking tubs, and private beaches. The resort’s commitment to tranquility is evident, with no televisions or telephones
in guest rooms, ensuring an undisturbed retreat. Its on-site restaurant, The Dining Room, offers ever-changing chef-curated bites, from the Instagram-worthy seafood tower and Bordelaise-smothered rack of lamb to high-end add-ons like shaved black burgundy truffle and A5 Wagyu. Indulge in a serene treatment at SpaTerre, book a private dining experience on the beach, or plan a scuba trip to Looe Key Reef. Plus, don’t miss the resort’s many impressive signature amenities, like the Beluga Caviar Deluxe Experience.
Just a bit north in Key Largo, Bungalows Key Largo is an all-inclusive resort catering exclusively to guests 21 and over. Set within a lush botanical garden and along 1,000 feet of sparkling ocean shoreline, this intimate resort boasts 135 private bungalows, some of which are situated right on the waterfront, featuring
organic textures and private verandas with soaking tubs. Guests can enjoy unlimited dining at five restaurants, including the upscale Bogie & Bacall’s, offering a sophisticated menu in a setting inspired by classic Hollywood romance. For relaxation and wellness, the Zen Garden Spa provides a sanctuary with a Himalayan salt room, eucalyptus steam room, and five private outdoor treatment cabanas. Adventure enthusiasts can explore the surrounding waters with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, or unwind with daily yoga sessions and various fitness classes.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Marquesa Hotel sits in the heart of Key West, near lively Duval Street and just one mile from the Atlantic. The recipient of two Michelin Keys, this boutique hotel encompasses a collection of meticulously restored Victorian homes across two blocks of Old Town and features elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each reflecting the island’s storied past while providing contemporary amenities. Guests can kick back in one of three lushly landscaped pools or relax on private balconies surrounded by tropical gardens. The hotel’s centerpiece, Café Marquesa, is renowned for its award-winning, thoughtfully curated menu that showcases coastal Southern flavors.
Top Eats
Latitudes on Sunset Key
Just a short ferry ride from Key West, this oceanfront gem at the Sunset Key Cottages specializes in elevated island fare—think pan-seared yellowtail snapper and Caribbean lobster risotto—served under swaying palms. Make sure to book a reservation for both the restaurant and the ferry!
Chef Michael’s in Islamorada
A noteworthy dining experience, Chef Michael’s blends upscale seafood and New American cuisine in a relaxed island setting. Renowned for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the menu features daily catches like lionfish, hogfish, and grouper prepared in creative styles such as Pontchartrain (with crawfish) and Ambassador (with crabmeat and Key lime butter). Finish off your meal with a can’t-miss slice of Key lime pie. When in Rome, right?
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