What it is

A 60-acre coastal wonderland with 177 airy rooms, private villas, five pristine pools, a spa with a boat ramp, six lively bars and restaurants, a marina, and bottomless exploits.

What it isn't

Indoorsy. Sure, you could spend your whole vacay in your room, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Activities here include everything from reef snorkeling via catamaran to a bottlenose dolphin connection program on their very own Tiki Beach.

What we think

In a state where Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando and Key West get a lot of the fanfare, Duck Key feels like our own little secret. Tell no one. Within this lush retreat on the ocean, guest rooms are vacations in themselves…beginning with the 376 square foot Hawks Cay King Guest Room, with its LED-lit, spa-like bathroom and furnished balcony. Families love the bunk beds in the 480 square foot Family Guest Room, but our favorite stay is inarguably the Lanai Family Guest Room; it has two plush queen beds and a shaded private lanai that opens out to the resort’s main pool for no-holds-barred access. Don’t forget the sunscreen. While you’re here, don’t miss the sunset cruises on their powered catamaran; they include champagne toasts and are as magnificent as the pink skies above.

You're here because

You’re bringing the fam, and they roll out the red carpet for kiddos with a pirate ship-shaped pool, kids club (ages 5-12), putt-putt and so much more.

The Moment

Under the thatched roof of the open-air Tiki Beach, it’s hard to tell what you’re loving more: the salty breeze in your hair or these conch fritters dipped in key lime aioli. “Waiter, another Lime in the Coconut cocktail, please!”

Restaurants & Bars

Sixty One Prime - Indulge in prime steak and fresh seafood with a Keys flair accompanied by a fabulous selection of wines.

Angler and Ale - Sit back and relax dockside as you savor some of the Key's favorite dishes or bring your own catch

Hawks Cay Marketplace - Fresh pizza, homemade sandwiches and grab and go snacks

Pilar Bar - An adult-only bar serving tasty bites and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Tiki Grill - A Florida Keys tiki bar serving fresh poolside fare including sandwiches, salads, cold drinks and tropical cocktails.

Coral Grill - A family-friendly hangout serving delicious casual fare and a variety of beverages

Location

An hour and 25 minute drive from Key West International Airport, and just three miles from the Dolphin Research Center…a nonprofit sanctuary where dolphins and sea lions flourish in saltwater lagoons.