What it is

A 200-room retreat set on crystal clear turquoise waters, with a private beach, two waterfall-stocked pools and a jaw-dropper of a spa.

What it isn't

Only for humans. Their Cay-9 program rolls out the proverbial red carpet for dogs, with welcome gifts, dog menus and “Yappy Hour” on the sand. That’s what we call pawfection.

What we think

It’s very possible to get the “I own a private island” vibes without any of the tax headaches, especially at a place like Baker’s Cay. The resort hugs its own pristine private beach and offers watersports galore, from the expected (kayaking, paddleboarding, and even diving) to the truly extraordinary (jet skiing, a seaplane, parasailing, and yacht charters, to name a few). Rooms look like they were designed for a MoMA curator who has flown south to dry out for winter—think sleek finishes and furniture that let the view of Florida (either the gorgeous gulf or the jungly grounds) be the star of the show. (We love that all rooms have floor to ceiling windows, locally roasted coffee and bespoke to the resort bath amenities made with Florida honey and citrus). Book a 700-square-foot Deluxe Baker’s Cay Suite for a full kitchen and private terrace that will have you wanting to stay forever.

You're here because

The resort has a thatch-roofed, open air tiki bar that sits overlooking the glass-clear water. Is it even #vacay without a tiki bar? No.

The Moment

Perched in a swinging lounge chair at Dry Rocks listening to musicians trill into the open air, you’ve never felt more like a kid again. Except for the Baker’s Cay Patron Reposado in your hand, that is.

Restaurants & Bars

Calusa - Indoor/outdoor Creole-Caribbean restaurant

Dry Rocks - Upscale beach restaurant with love music

The Pool Bar - Bar serving frozen drinks and light fare

Tiki Bar - Bar serving an array of adult beverages

Location

Set overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, within a 6 mile drive of 70-square-mile John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park...where you can explore mangrove swamps and a submerged ancient Spanish shipwreck 100 feet offshore.