The Florida Keys are a vacation destination like no other. A tropical archipelago at the southernmost tip of the continental United States, the Keys offer the only remaining coral barrier reef in the nation, world-class diving, snorkeling and fishing, and some outstanding championship golf courses. The many resorts in the Florida Keys provide luxurious hotel accommodation in a beautiful setting. Golfers should look for stay-and-play packages, preferred partnerships with golf courses and concierge services.
Casa Marina Resort
Key West's Casa Marina Resort is an historical property and the largest resort in the Keys. Built in 1920, the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is currently owned and operated by the elite Waldorf Astoria collection. A private 1,000-foot stretch of white sand beach and Mediterranean-style décor give the Casa Marina Resort the feel of a tropical paradise. The resort's guest rooms and suites with one or two bedrooms offer views of the ocean or inland Key West. Standard amenities include a Nespresso coffee machine and flat-screen television, and some rooms have balconies. The resort offers two oceanfront pools with poolside cabanas. Guests have access to a fitness center and a massage studio. The closest golf course to the resort is the Key West Golf Course, designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones.
Casa Marina Resort
1500 Reynolds St.
Key West, Florida 33040
(888) 303-5717
casamarinaresort.com
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
This resort is located on its own private island, providing a secluded tropical retreat and the utmost in luxurious hospitality. The resort has been recognized by Conde Nast Traveler with a place on its prestigious Gold List for 2009 and as the "Number One Resort in the United States" by their Readers' Choice Awards. Travel + Leisure magazine named it among the "500 World's Best Hotels" and "World's Best Awards" multiple times. Little Palm Island is located 28 miles from Key West Airport and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. The private island location is remote enough to offer a sense of escape from civilization--a sense heightened by the absence of televisions and alarm clocks--yet close enough for a day-trip to play golf on Key West.
The resort offers 30 one-bedroom thatched bungalows and two Island Grande Suites. The air conditioned oceanfront bungalows include a canopied king-size bed, separate living room, indoor/outdoor shower and a balcony. The Island Grand Suites have a front porch with a private hot tub and his- and hers- bathrooms. Motor yacht transfers to and from the island, mini bar items and water sport amenities are included with the price of a bungalow, and an optional gourmet meal plan can be added. Guests enjoy a freshwater lagoon-style pool, zen garden, great room library and hammocks strung from the island's Jamaican palms. There is a dive shop on-site, an oceanfront dining room and Indonesian-inspired full service SpaTerre.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
28500 Overseas Highway
Little Torch Key, Florida 33042
(800) 343-8567
littlepalmisland.com
Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club
This resort is located on one of the longest private beaches in Key Largo and is adjacent to the border of the Everglades. Resort guests enjoy preferred tee times at the local Keys Gate Golf Club and Homestead Golf Club. Guest rooms and suites feature premium bedding, marble bathrooms and private balconies with ocean or canopy views. Grande Suites feature a private Jacuzzi. The resort offers two heated outdoor swimming pools with waterfalls, and massages are also available to help you recuperate after a long day on the links. There are five on-site restaurants from which to choose. The resort offers excursions including fishing, diving and snorkeling trips and eco-tours of the Everglades.
Key Largo Grande Resort
97000 S. Overseas Highway
Key Largo, Florida 33037
(888) 871-3437
keylargoresort.com
About The Author
Joanne Lewis is a freelance writer who has written for newspapers since 2005. She is currently the editor of a weekly community newspaper in Los Angeles, Calif. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
