My friend and I took a girls trip to Key West this past Fall. This was not the typical late night bar hopping on Duval Street kind of weekend, but more the relaxing spa, toes in the sand getaway. We stayed at Sunset Keys, an exclusive resort less than 10 minutes from Key West.
For me this was a perfect location and their private boat transfer was a welcome surprise. It isn’t every day that you get off an airplane and moments later are out in the open water feeling the spray of salt water hit your skin and the rocking of the waves. For water lovers like myself this is perfection!
When you think of Key West the list usually includes; amazing sunsets, pictures at the southern most point, Duval street, seafood and a slice of key lime pie, or maybe Mile Marker Zero along US-1, the Kapok Tree, and Hemingway’s house with the strolling cats. It probably doesn’t include, however; Sunset Key and that is okay. I like the secludedness it offers, being away from the constant energy surrounding Key West.
The luxury property offers private cottages ranging in two to four bedroom configurations, each including a wrap around veranda accompanied with Adirondack chairs and rockers, as well as a table perfect for sipping your morning coffee and enjoying the treats left in the complimentary breakfast basket.
A few other amenities that can’t be missed…
Every day around 3:00 the “conch cruiser” circles the island and the ringing of the bell calls children and adults alike to enjoy an afternoon frozen bite. This is by far the best ice cream delivery I’ve ever experienced poolside.
For a more adult treat head to the bar at 4:00 where there is a rum sampling, which includes a complimentary cocktail of the day!
Our first evening, my friend and I decide to stay on the island and enjoy the resort’s award winning restaurant, Latitudes. It is hard to beat the picturesque scenery with the specks of gold peaking through the swaying palm trees, flickering from the tiki torches dotted along the beach and the golden sunset reflecting off the water, but the staff and chef met the challenge!
Besides the view, the wine list at Latitudes definitely caught my attention and was very impressive. It included some of my favorites… Groth, Caymus, Freemark Abbey, and Turley, to name a few, but I was sampling the white wines since I wanted to enjoy the grouper, a staple fish in Florida cuisine. We did start the evening however, with Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose my favorite bubbly to toast any occasion!
Speaking of favorites… our charismatic waiter Jean-Pierre and the talented bartender Katrina made our evening. They not only shared solid recommendations from the menu but also where to dine off the island. Too many to visit on our four day stay, but we managed to fit in a few.
Louie's Backyard, Tiger Bar, and Little Pearl are all stand outs, leaving Santiago’s Bodega, Nine One Five, and Blue Heaven tagged in my food journal for my next visit!
While our nights were filled with exploring Key West’s food scene, we spent our days relaxing on the secluded beach under our own palm thatch umbrella looking out at the blue water filled with magnificent boats. Unbeknownst to us, we were there during a boat race, which added some extra excitement to our one gloomy day.
No surprise, we also became quick friends with Kevin, the beach attendant, who brought us our “mid morning smoothies”…. Piña Coladas with a dark rum floater, absolutely delicious and a must on any beach vacation! We also indulged in a few snacks including fish tacos that were filled with Caribbean flavor.
We probably should have packed some sneakers and used their state of the art gym after sampling so many culinary delights, but we tried to escape reality a bit longer and decided to pamper ourselves by enjoying massages on our last morning. As I mentioned this was a relaxing retreat, so it wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the spa! Don’t worry the spin bike and I became fast friends again on my return to DC.
Leaving such a magical place definitely makes you want to book your next return trip. Whether it be a girls getaway, couples retreat, or family vacation this property offers it all.
A different side to Key West, serenity and relaxation balanced with culinary delights!
Stroll over to Sipping & Savoring My Way Through Key West for my top 10 picks!
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