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Florida Keys

Where to Stay

1. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

3 Michelin Keys· Forbes Five-Star· Relais & Châteaux

North America's sole private island resort lies a short yacht transfer from Little Torch Key—aboard a vessel named for President Truman, who once favored this four-acre sanctuary. Thirty suites occupy thatched bungalows styled in British West Indies tradition, deliberately stripped of televisions and telephones. Key deer wander the grounds freely. At SpaTerre, the madrugada massage unfolds in warm shallows, while dinners materialize on the sand under request. Adults only.

2. The Marquesa Hotel

2 Michelin Keys

Four historic buildings—anchored by an 1884 conch house—compose this 27-room boutique retreat one block from Duval Street's commotion. Wrought-iron beds, antique furnishings, and rotating ceiling fans cultivate an old-school colonial atmosphere throughout. Café Marquesa ranks among Key West's most refined dining rooms. Adults-only and resolutely intimate, the property suits travelers seeking Old Town's literary heritage without the tourist-trap chaos.

3. Lighthouse Hotel - Key West Historic Inns

Small Luxury Hotels

Spread across 19th-century wooden buildings next to the Key West Lighthouse and steps from the Hemingway Home, this 45-room inn carries a legacy of LGBTQ+ inclusivity since the mid-1800s. Gardens wrap around a venerable banyan tree, framing a pool where Isabel's Bar serves mojitos mixed to Hemingway's own taste—named for a woman from his life who once resided here. The Hemingway Suite features a wrap-around balcony and deep soaking tub.

4. Winslow's Bungalows - Key West Historic Inns

Small Luxury Hotels

A Kimpton property scattered across several Victorian-era houses in Key West's Old Town, Winslow's Bungalows includes the former residence of historian Colonel Walter Maloney. Three pools anchor the grounds, with the Bungalow Bar serving guests poolside. The Treehouse Suite offers a balcony suspended among the canopy, while the King Suite frames views of the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea. Pet-friendly and family-suitable.

5. Amara Cay (Florida Keys)

Amara Cay captures the barefoot spirit of the Florida Keys with its nature-focused approach and semi-tropical grounds along the Overseas Highway. The resort balances laid-back coastal living with understated refinement—families gather at the firepit for S'Mores while seasonal programming keeps younger guests engaged. A solid choice for travelers seeking relaxed waterfront days without sacrificing comfort or style.

6. Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Key West)

Built during the Gilded Age, Casa Marina remains one of Key West's architectural landmarks, its 1920s grandeur carefully preserved under the Waldorf Astoria banner. The property occupies a quieter stretch of the island, offering a refined retreat from the downtown bustle. Families find practical comforts here—children's menus, babysitting, cots—while design-minded guests appreciate the period character that newer resorts simply cannot replicate.

7. Cheeca Lodge and Spa (Florida Keys)

Sprawling across 27 waterfront acres in Islamorada, Cheeca Lodge and Spa has drawn presidents and film stars to its private beach since the postwar era. The generous suites accommodate families with ease, while a dedicated kids' camp keeps younger guests occupied as parents slip away to the pier for bonefishing charters. A Florida Keys institution where laid-back luxury meets genuine outdoor adventure.

8. Hawks Cay Resort (Florida)

Hawks Cay Resort occupies its own island on Duck Key, where a resident dolphin program lets guests swim alongside Atlantic bottlenose dolphins before heading out to explore the living coral reefs. The natural saltwater lagoon anchors a tropical compound scored highly for its rooms and dining, while Camp Hawk keeps younger travelers occupied with a pirate ship splash zone, mini-golf, and character entertainment—a genuine family-oriented Keys retreat.

9. Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa (Florida)

Harbour-front rooms at this Key West property frame the island's legendary sunsets, though the prime vantage point remains the pool deck or the fire pit beside the dock, where sand meets toes at twilight. Families find practical appeal in the spacious accommodations and on-site watersports, while the spa offers quieter retreat. A solid base for sunset-chasers who want amenities without pretense.

10. La Concha Hotel & Spa (Key West)

Rising six storeys in pink stucco—the tallest structure on the island—La Concha has anchored Duval Street since the 1920s. The sprawling lobby opens onto a lively mojito bar, while the rooftop pool offers rare elevation over Key West's low-slung skyline. Spacious rooms and family-friendly facilities make this historic landmark practical for multi-generational groups exploring the Keys.

What to Do

1. St. Regis Spa Longboat Key

Forbes Five-Star

Spanning 20,000 square feet along Longboat Key's gulf shore, this spa greets arrivals at a Celebration Bar with champagne or wellness shots before guiding them toward oceanfront vitality pools where six hydrotherapy pods face an infinity edge dissolving into open water. The thermal circuit pairs eucalyptus steam with Finnish sauna, while Caroline's Collection rituals layer sound therapy and bespoke scent work into high-performance facials and massages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit the Florida Keys?

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December through May offers the most reliable weather with low humidity and minimal rainfall. This dry season coincides with stone crab season (October to May) and excellent fishing conditions. Summer brings warmer waters ideal for snorkeling but also afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June through November.

Which key should I choose for my stay?

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Key Largo suits diving enthusiasts with access to North America's only living coral reef. Islamorada attracts serious anglers and offers upscale resorts. Marathon works well for families seeking a quieter pace. Key West delivers walkable streets, historic sites, and the most vibrant nightlife and dining scene in the archipelago.

How do I get around the Florida Keys without a car?

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Within Key West, bicycles and scooters are the preferred transport — the old town measures just two miles by four miles. Between keys, the Lower Keys Shuttle connects Key West to Marathon. However, exploring multiple keys typically requires a vehicle, as the islands stretch across such distance that rideshares become impractical outside Key West proper.