16 Best Resorts on the Beach in the Florida Keys

byCassandra Angelie
Many of the best beaches in the Florida Keys are man-made and usually attached to a resort. The good news about this feature is that, unlike natural beaches, which cannot be private, the manmade ones here have no restrictions, so when you lay out, you'll only be competing with other resort guests for that sun lounger in the sand.

And while the Florida Keys aren't known for their miles of white-sand beaches like other parts of Florida, such as around Miami or Fort Lauderdale, they are known for their warm turquoise water, technicolor sunsets, and laid-back island vibe. They're also known for their beach resorts, which come in all shapes and sizes.

There are swanky private island resorts and more down-to-earth family hotels in places like Key Largo, Islamorada, Big Pine Key, and Marathon. And, of course, there's the always Key West, located at the end of the 126-mile string of islands and atolls.

For the scoop on the best place to stay on the isles, which form the barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, see our list of the best beach resorts in the Florida Keys.

1. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key

Photo Source: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa


Best for couples, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa has reopened after a forced renovation following Hurricane Irma's destruction to Little Torch Key. The new look of this chic 4-star resort stays true to the resort's original island luxe flavor and adds some modern upgrades as well.

This plush all-inclusive property is located on a private island that can only be reached by boat or seaplane. A favorite with celebrities, the luxury boutique resort features just 30 bungalow suites with thatched roofs and posh individualized decor, like copper outdoor tubs and heirloom rugs in some, and outdoor showers and crystal chandeliers in another.

If you are looking for a digital detox vacation, this is the hotel for you. Cell phones are not allowed in public areas, and there are no TVs in the rooms (although there is Wi-Fi).

Amenities also include a lush spa, a fine-dining restaurant (or you can choose to dine in your room), and a lovely swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants. There are also cushioned sun loungers and umbrellas set up for guests on the beach.

Address: 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, Florida

2. Pier House Resort & Spa, Key West

Photo Source: Pier House Resort & Spa


Situated right in the heart of Key West, 4-star Pier House Resort & Spa is just a minute stroll from Mallory Square, home to Key West's famous daily sunset celebration.

The rooms and suites here feature island casual decor with warm colors and accent pillows and rugs. Local art hangs on the walls, and the bathrooms are oversized. The hotel faces west, so the rooms with oceanfront balconies are where to be at sunset.

Grab a bite at one of the on-site restaurants, like the waterfront One Duval, or indulge in a treatment at the full-service spa, one of the area's best. There is also a private beach with a floating dock you can swim to. If you'd rather not get sandy, the resort swimming pool is nice.

Perched at the top of Duval Street, Pier House Resort is also ideally positioned for visitors wanting to explore the many other attractions in Key West. Key points of interest such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum are all just a short walk away.

Address: 1 Duval Street, Key West, Florida

3. Isla Bella Beach Resort, Marathon

Photo Source: Isla Bella Beach Resort


Located in Marathon, Isla Bella Beach Resort is a new addition to the Florida Keys all-inclusive resort scene. This 4-star modern luxe property sits on 24 oceanfront acres with its own white-sand beach. And thanks to a clever design, all the rooms and suites have some sort of ocean view from their furnished balconies.

On-site amenities here include five swimming pools and a private marina, where fishing charters or snorkeling adventures can be arranged. Bikes and kayaks are also available for guests to try out.

For meals, there is an Italian restaurant, Il Postino, on-site. You can even dine on the terrace facing the sea. Live music happens on some nights. The resort also just so happens to be situated at the east end of the famous Seven Mile Bridge, a popular tourist route on the Overseas Highway that connects Miami to Key West.

Address: 1 Knights Key Blvd Mm 47, Marathon, Florida

4. Southernmost Beach Resort, Key West

Photo Source: Southernmost Beach Resort


Set overlooking Key West's Atlantic Coast, the luxurious 4-star Southernmost Beach Resort is just a short walk from the quieter south end of Duval Street. The busier north end of Duval Street, which is packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, is only a 30-minute walk away. It's also just a few minutes' walk to the sign designating you've reached the southernmost point of the U.S.

The resort features signature Key West colonial architecture, as well as modern coastal design throughout its spacious and comfortable rooms and suites. Amenities here include three outdoor swimming pools, a private beach and pier area, lawn games like bocce ball and croquet, and a restaurant. There is also a gym and spa services on-site.

Address: 1319 Duval Street, Key West, Florida

5. Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Key Largo

Photo Source: Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection


Located in Key Largo just an hour's drive from Miami, 4-star Playa Largo Resort & Spa has hammocks and sun loungers strewn along its sandy shore, and kayaks and paddleboards are available for guests to use.

The luxury resort, which caters to couples and families alike, is set on 14 acres and features spacious rooms with balconies and beachy accents like lighthouse-shaped lanterns. The rooms are also high-tech, with iPads and Smart TVs so you can stream your favorite shows.

Amenities include a restaurant, kids' club, swimming pool, spa, and gym. There is also a private marina on-site, and the sunset sailing charters are recommended.

Address: 97450 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, Florida

6. Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada

Photo Source: Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Accommodation: Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Over the years, Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada has hosted everyone from celebrities to U.S. presidents. This 4-star luxury resort sits on beautifully manicured, lush green grounds and is home to a white, sandy beach; nine-hole golf course; a fishing pier; and a full-service spa among other swank amenities.

The 214 rooms and suites are spacious and feature tropical decor and furnished balconies. The best rooms here have jetted tubs outside on the balcony. There are also suites. Families should ask about the ones with full kitchens.

There are also three restaurants, a kids' club, three swimming pools, and four tennis courts among the other on-site perks. For those wanting to venture away from the resort, some top attractions in Islamorada, such as the Theater of the Sea, are located close by.

Address: 81801 Overseas Highway Mile Marker 82, Islamorada, Florida

7. Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort, Marathon

Photo Source: Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort


Set on a 1,000-foot-long stretch of private beach, Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort on Marathon spreads across 12 acres right on the water.

This charming 4-star resort is made up of a number of luxe Victorian-style villas done up with tropical decor and divided into two- and three-bedroom suites. It is a great resort for families or anyone looking to save some money by cooking for themselves, as each condo-style unit comes with a full kitchen. If you just need a room, there are a few basic rooms without ocean views.

Amenities here include three swimming pools, one of them reserved just for adults, as well as a host of water sports rentals available on the beach. There's even a private marina where boat tours can be booked, as well as an on-site restaurant that's earned a solid reputation among locals and visitors alike.

Address: 2600 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Florida

8. Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton

Photo Source: Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton


Located on Key Largo, which is the key closest to Miami, Baker's Cay Resort is a good value, mid-range 4-star property set on a small beach. The rooms are spacious and work for families, with pullout sofas for the kids in a separate sitting area. It isn't quite a suite, but it works.

Amenities include two swimming pools, one of which is a free-form affair with a waterfall surrounded by tropical foliage and sun loungers. There are also lighted tennis courts on the grounds and a restaurant serving Mediterranean fare. The resort is also pet-friendly.

Address: 97000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida

9. Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada

Photo Source: Amara Cay Resort

Accommodation: Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay Resort in Islamorada is a good quality 3-star resort on a gorgeous stretch of private beach with thatched huts and sun loungers plus hammocks. There are 110 rooms and suites with modern decor and furnished balconies facing the sea.

Activities here include all sorts of water-based activities, from scuba diving to kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. You can even arrange PADI certification through their on-site dive shop. The pet-friendly property also has a swimming pool, hot tub, gym, and Italian restaurant known for its porterhouse steak.

Address: 80001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida

10. Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa

Photo Source: Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa


Right on the water in Key West, the Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa is a fun place to stay. This 4-star hotel offers some great extras, like access to a private Gulf of Mexico beach and electric scooter and bike rentals.

Water sports, from parasailing to jet skiing, can be arranged at the resort's marina and there is also an outdoor pool with a waterfall and a floating dock area off the small beach.

The 118 rooms are spacious and comfortable and come with private balconies. The bathrooms have rainfall showers. There are also two restaurants on the grounds, and for those wanting to experience other culinary options, the many restaurants of Duval Street are an easy walk away.

Address: 601 Front Street, Key West, Florida

11. The Galleon Resort and Marina, Key West

Photo Source: The Galleon Resort and Marina


In the heart of Old Town Key West, Galleon Resort and Marina is a contemporary 4-star resort with its own marina from which you can rent Jet Skis or charter fishing boats or sunset yachts.

There are a mix of rooms, suites, and penthouses on offer. The suites have full kitchens and Jacuzzis. Penthouses come in up to three-bedroom configurations.

Amenities at the Galleon include a private beach with chairs and umbrellas, as well as a swimming pool facing the ocean. There is a gym and sauna plus an observation deck with panoramic views that is a romantic spot. The restaurant by the marina offers three meals a day, and there is often live music by the pool.

Address: 617 Front Street, Key West, Florida

12. Casa Marina Key West

Photo Source: Casa Marina Key West

Accommodation: Casa Marina Key West

Located on beautifully manicured grounds right on a long stretch of private, white sandy beach in Key West, the Casa Marina Key West is a 4-star Hilton property and caters to couples and families alike. The location is also convenient to Duval Street, which is just a mile away.

The historic property dates back a century to the 1920s, and while the rooms can feel a bit dated, they are part of the old-school charm. They are comfy, however, with in-room espresso machines and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including suites with private balconies and direct ocean views.

As mentioned, the grounds here are impressive, with long reflecting pools running along walkways backed by lush vegetation. There are also two swimming pools with luxe cabanas, sun loungers, umbrellas on the beach, and a few restaurants. There is a full-service spa, as well as a fitness center. Everything from water sports to bike rentals can be arranged.

Address: 1500 Reynolds Street, Key West, Florida

13. Sunset Key Cottages, Key West

Photo Source: Sunset Key Cottages

Accommodation: Sunset Key Cottages

On a 27-acre private island just minutes off Key West's western edge, Sunset Key Cottages is a top 4-star resort. The island is accessed via a 24-hour ferry service, making it easy to pop back and forth.

It has one- to four-bedroom cottages, making it a good choice for families, couples, or friends traveling together. The four-bedroom cottages are very spacious and have fully stocked kitchens and private plunge pools. You also get amazing sunset views from a private patio or balcony facing the Gulf of Mexico.

Even the one-bedroom cottages are spacious at 700 square feet. Designed for couples, they come with a king bed, full kitchens, and either ocean or garden views.

There are two restaurants on-site. One is open for lunch daily and serves light fare by the pool. The other, Latitudes, is open for all three meals and is considered one of Key West's top restaurants (it is open to non-guests). The menu focuses on fresh and flavorful fare with lots of Benedict choices at breakfast and American fine dining at dinner.

Other amenities include a pretty stretch of beach, a swimming pool surrounded by sun-loungers and umbrellas, a hot tub, a fitness center with classes including yoga, and tennis courts. Activities from diving and snorkeling to fishing trips can be arranged. There is also a spa with a full range of treatments.

Address: 245 Front St., Key West, Florida

14. Islander Resort, Islamorada

Photo Source: Islander Resort

Accommodation: Islander Resort

A well-loved favorite, guests often return year after year to the sprawling 3-star Islander Resort in Islamorada. Set on 24 acres adjacent to a private stretch of beach known for its stunning sunsets, the resort features contemporary rooms and suites decorated with ocean accents in the form of colorful wall art. Best of all, the rooms all come with full-sized fridges and microwaves.

There are also larger suites and townhome rentals with full kitchens should you need more space. Amenities include two ocean-facing, saltwater swimming pools; a splash pad for kids; cabanas; and basketball and volleyball courts. The beach here has a protected and shallow walk-in swim area. Water sports can also be arranged.

Breakfast is included in your rate. There are also two restaurants on the well-maintained resort grounds.

Address: 82100 Overseas Highway Mile Marker 82.1 Oceanside, Islamorada, Florida

15. Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort, Colony Beach

Photo Source: Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort


On Key Colony Beach, the Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort is a family-friendly choice that provides good value in the mid-range price bracket. It is a boutique resort with just 46 rooms and suites, which come with kitchenettes or full kitchens. These are spacious and clean if a little dated. For larger families, check out the three-bedroom villas fronting the sea.

There is a private man-made beach along with two fishing piers. There are also two heated swimming pools with sun loungers and a small gym. Yoga classes on the beach can be arranged for a fee.

Note, there is no restaurant affiliated with the resort, but there is a restaurant next door that serves food and ocean views.

Address: 351 East Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, Florida

16. Seafarer Resort and Beach, Key Largo

Photo Source: Seafarer Resort and Beach


The Seafarer Resort and Beach on Key Largo is set on a private beach with hammocks, beach huts, and sun loungers. It has a vintage, motel-style vibe with funky tropical-patterned comforters, tile floors, and sea-foam-green walls among the motifs in the rooms.

It is definitely kitschy, but makes for a fun Instagram photo. It's also more affordable than other area resorts and lets you experience this area on a budget if you don't care much about amenities — you'll have to drive to find a restaurant, and there is no gym or swimming pool. But there is a beach! And a basic breakfast is free.

Address: 97684 Overseas Hwy MM 97.8 Bayside, Key Largo, Florida

Tags

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post
Share to other apps
Copy Post link

Contact Form