The 10 Best Resorts in the Florida Keys

With first-rate service and luxury, you'll want to check into these Florida Keys resorts.

July 12, 2021

By: Mariette Williams

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Photo By: David Hernandez

Photo By: The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

Photo By: Bungalows Key Largo

Photo By: Playa Largo Resort and Spa

Photo By: The Reach Key West

Photo By: Casa Marina

Photo By: Isla Bella Beach Resort

Photo By: Hawk’s Cay Resort

Photo By: Little Palm Island Resort and Spa

Photo By: Ocean Key Resort and Spa

Photo By: Kimpton

Why You Need to See the Keys

Tourists head to Florida because it's a warm-weather destination — a perfect getaway to unwind and relax. The Florida Keys have several luxury resort hotels, with high-end amenities — some include a 5-star restaurant, golf course, spa and fitness club with an ocean view. So, unplug and stay at one of these luxury resorts for a sweet slipaway alone or with someone special.

From: Meridith Baer Home

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

Having just undergone a $3 million dollar renovation, The Marker Key West is ready to welcome guests to its spacious resort in Old Town, Key West. There are three pools to choose from, including one that’s adults-only. Only three blocks from the action of Duval Street, The Marker is great for guests who want a taste of the festive entertainment in downtown Key West along with the option to retreat to a quiet property and spend the day lounging by the pool. The resort’s chic upgrades are apparent in the rooms. The guest rooms have a clean, white decor with fresh pops of color, and the one and two-bedroom suites have polished hardwood floors and large, private verandahs. Guests can enjoy fresh fish tacos at Starboard, the waterfront restaurant or order handcrafted cocktails from Starboard Bar, the poolside bar.

Bungalows Key Largo

Looking for a lavish, adults-only getaway? Located at the top of the Florida Keys, Bungalows Key Largo offers an intimate, everything included holiday. The resort is the only all-inclusive, ages 21 and up resort in Florida, and it comes with a lot of perks. Unwind in one of the property’s 135 private bungalows that come with a private verandah with waterfront or garden views. Guest will also feel at ease in the living spaces that are decorated in calming shades of brown, taupe and gray. The immaculate grounds of the 12-acre resort wind around a Zen Garden Spa, the Sunset Pool and the Fitness Tiki Hut, a unique outdoor workout area. While vacationing at the Bungalows includes all meals, alcohol and a selection of water sports and fitness activities, guests can add on premium experiences like the “Bungalows Bubble Service”, which includes a blissful bath experience in an oversized, outdoor tub. Great for honeymoons, babymoons or a romantic getaway, Bungalows has three unique restaurants on-site including Bogie & Bacall, the multicourse restaurant with customized wine pairings, offered to guests staying four nights or longer.

Playa Largo Resort and Spa

Playa Largo Resort and Spa is located near mile marker 97 in Key Largo, and the upscale resort is a change of scenery from the otherwise laid-back, casual vibe of Key Largo. Just an hour from Miami, the waterfront resort is great for those who want to spend a few days unplugging in the Keys. If the purpose of your vacation is to lounge around, Playa Largo Resort has lots of places to do it. There are the tripod hammocks, cushioned wicker patio seats by the pool, or the Adirondack chairs by the beachside firepits. Inside, the generous rooms feature oversized beds, dark wood floors and views of the Florida Bay. Meals can be eaten at one of the three onsite restaurants, and guests can also order a frozen cocktail from The Sand Bar, the poolside bar. For added privacy, the resort also offers The Hammocks, two-story bungalows, and Playa Largo Ocean Residences, single-family homes. Both options come with a full kitchen and the option of a private chef.

The Reach Key West

The Reach is named after the nautical term “reaching,” which is a relaxed point of sail. Guests will definitely feel chill at this natural sand beachfront resort, which is also a 15-minute walk from entertainment on Duval Street and historical sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home. The contemporary resort has a blue and white marine theme, with pops of bright orange accents carried throughout the property. While young children will enjoy the pool and playing on the private beach, adults will love the resort’s access to water activities. Try snorkeling, scuba diving, and a newly launched boat ride excursion to Snipes Key, a small group of islands off the coast of Key West. There’s even an ocean floating gazebo for sunset drinks in addition to the food offerings at Four Marlins, the hotel’s restaurant that specializes in fresh, local seafood. As an added perk, guests here have access to all the amenities and dining at The Reach’s sister property, Casa Marina.

Casa Marina

Celebrating over 100 years of history, Casa Marina first opened its doors on New Year’s Eve 1920. Conceived by railroad tycoon and Florida development icon Henry Flagler, the resort is registered with the National Register for Historic Places. The hotel’s exterior resembles classic Florida architecture with its red barreled roof and grand arches. The rooms and suites are decorated in soft neutrals with a self-described “elegant luxury” that Waldorf Astoria properties are known for. The Casa Marina sits on Key West’s largest private beach, and it’s also located in the quieter Key West Historic District, which may be a perfect fit for families and couples looking for a low-key getaway. Lay out by one of the resort’s two pools (one is adults-only) or head over to Key West’s nearby attractions like Harry S. Truman’s Little White House or the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Casa Marina can also arrange a trip to The Dry Tortugas, a National Park made up of seven small islands accessible only by seaplane or ferry.

Isla Bella Beach Resort Marathon

Isla Bella Beach Resort is located in Marathon, the halfway point of the 125 mile stretch of islands that make up the Florida Keys. The oceanfront property has a traditional coastal design, and the rooms are decked out in stark white linens with decorative pillows and drapes in calming shades of blue. All of the rooms have outdoor living spaces for guests to enjoy the breeze from the ocean. Though you may want to spend most of your time reclining by one of the five pools, there’s lots here to keep you active. The resort has jet ski tours, parasailing and diving excursions for adults. For kids, there’s a daily treasure hunt, shark tooth excavation and a bracelet-making class. Additional programming at the resort includes paint and sip events, trivia nights and sandcastle building contests, making this an ideal choice for a group or inter-generational family vacation. Enjoy three (or more) meals a day at the upscale Italian restaurant Il Postino or dine at the more casual Marketplace Cafe or Beach Bar.

Hawks Cay Resort Duck Key

As the largest and most expansive property in the Keys, Hawks Cay Resort is great for families, couples and large groups. The casual resort boasts five swimming pools, a saltwater lagoon and tons of activities like an onsite Dolphin encounter experience.Guests can choose from two to three-bedroom townhomes and villas that come equipped with full kitchens and an in-unit washer and dryer, and sleeping options include bunk beds for young travelers. Kids will love the education-based programs offered and adults can slip away to the Calm Waters Spa that offers everything from a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage to a “Too Much Sun!!” treatment for those who may need a little RX after a day spent in the sun. The dining options are plenty — there are six different restaurants with indoor, outdoor and grab-and-go options.

Little Palm Island Resort and Spa

Experience a luxurious island vacation without leaving the country. The only private island resort in the United States, Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is an upscale, adults-only resort near Little Torch Key. Far from the hectic pace of the rest of the world, visitors to the award-winning resort are travelers looking to splurge for the ultimate private getaway. Guests can only arrive by seaplane or boat, and there are only 60 guests on the island at any given time. The resort’s decor is inspired by the Caribbean - dark wood furnishing, soothing green walls and white, breezy textiles complement the property’s natural setting. The accommodations include completely private thatched-roof bungalows that face a private beach and suites with spacious four-poster canopy beds. Meals can be enjoyed at The Dining Room, a Zagat recognized indoor/outdoor restaurant or guests can enjoy in-room dining. The concierge can arrange activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling and fishing.

Ocean Key Resort and Spa

Ocean Key Resort and Spa is an oceanfront property ideally situated in the heart of Key West between the Key West Harbor and Mallory Square, home to Key West’s lively sunset entertainment. The suites in the bright and airy resort are outfitted with hand-painted furnishings and local art, and each room has a private balcony with views of either the Gulf of Mexico or historic Duval Street. Ocean Key Resort and Spa is a good home base for exploring Key West and its proximity to the island’s famed bars and restaurants make it ideal for couples and singles. The resort’s intimate oceanfront pool is decked out in turquoise shaded cabanas, and there are three waterfront eateries for dining.

Kimpton Key West

Uniquely situated across six blocks in Old Town near Duval Street, Kimpton Key West is actually a collection of five charming boutique properties. The properties were previously known as the Historic Inns of Key West, but have recently been thoughtfully updated to include modern amenities. Each property has been beautifully renovated while retaining the distinctive conch-architectural Key West style. Kimpton Key West includes a diverse mix of cottages, villas, bungalows and estate-like guest homes, and each property comes with a unique story. No two rooms are the same across five properties, and those looking for a more sophisticated vacation will enjoy the history and unique elements of each location. The five properties include Winslow’s Bungalows, Fitch Lodge, Lighthouse Hotel, Ella’s Cottages and the fifth and final property, Ridley House, which was completed in March 2021. Depending on the property, guests will have access to a shared or private pool, and Winslow’s Bungalows and Lighthouse Hotel both have a poolside bar on site.