Granted, Florida and its many sunny beachfronts rival Caribbean escapes. However, a visit to Key West proves that its region of the Sunshine State is unique. It’s upscale, inclusive (the island’s motto is One Human Family, and they mean it!), historically significant and ready to party.
As important as the location is the venue. Enter Southernmost Beach Resort. Just as the name says, this six-acre property inhabits the southernmost point in the continental United States—with the iconic buoy nearby marking the spot and noting its position a mere 90 miles to Cuba. (Be sure to ask about the Cuban connection to the roosters and chickens roaming around town.) The resort features nearly 300 guest rooms across eight buildings, including four freestanding guest houses, three pools, a spa and, of course, a stunning beachfront. The recently renovated rooms offer sea-, city- and garden-facing views, many with balconies. The spacious quarters, designed with comfort in mind, feature a king or two queen-sized beds, walk-in showers and marble counters. As tempting as it may be to tuck away in these well-equipped spaces, this is not a town to sequester yourself. And at this resort, you don’t have to stray far for entertainment and adventure.
Sit down for breakfast or grab it to go from the café. Then, check out the roster of daily activities like morning beachside yoga or an eco-tour. You can catch live music daily, show your smarts in a game of trivia, or try music bingo or salsa dancing. Once known as Bone Island, the ghost tour tied to historical events on the island is hair-raising fun. A venture up Duval Street, the town’s well-known main artery, is a must. There’s an assemblage of shops, bars, restaurants, and historic landmarks and sites, like Books & Books founded by Jersey’s Judy Blume, who is also a resident. The one-time home of Key West’s most celebrated literary icon, Ernest Hemingway, is open for tours and solo wandering. You can visit the author’s private writing space and see the six-toed felines he loved that remain residents at the 1851 Spanish colonial house.
Back on property, have dinner at the Southernmost Beach Café, where Caribbean-inspired dishes, from octopus to Cuban-style paella, are on offer. Or take things up a notch and reserve a private beachfront experience during sunset where a personal chef will prepare your meal. While you watch with your toes in the sand, lights twinkling around you, the ocean lapping nearby and the sky fading into evening, you’ll look forward to another day and a new adventure.
Key West Must-Do List:
Lazy Dog Adventures: Even novice paddlers will enjoy these low-key, educational tours.
Hemingway Distillery: Come for a tasting of Ernest Hemingway’s rum brand, take a mixology class, or visit the lounge for a cocktail.
Mallory Square: Historic gathering spot for magnificent sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Afterward, have an authentic Cuban dinner at nearby El Meson de Pepe.
Key West Cooking Show: This chef-led demonstration is delicious and instructive.
