The Florida Keys stretch 135 miles from Biscayne National Park south of Miami to Key West. This enchanting chain of islands has a Caribbean vibe with pristine white sandy beaches, swaying palms, and clear turquoise water for some of the best snorkeling in the continental U.S. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a tropical escape, and couples will find plenty of idyllic resorts that provide the perfect base, including these.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa - Little Torch Key
A private island resort, Little Palm Island can only be reached by boat or seaplane. If you want to disconnect from the chaos of modern life and feel like royalty while enjoying a wide range of 5-star luxuries, this is it. At this top-rated luxury resort in Florida, there are no phones or TVs in the rooms, but in the adults-only oasis, you can look forward to a pampering couples’ massage, sunset sailing cruises, and dining on lobster under tiki torches. The elegant, stand-alone bungalow suites feature thatched roofs, island-inspired furnishings, outdoor showers, and furnished private decks with ocean views.
Cheeca Lodge - Islamorada
One of the largest resorts in the Florida Keys, the Cheeca Lodge dates back to 1946 as one of Islamorada’s original luxury properties, attracting plenty of high-profile guests over the years. It sits on 27 acres of lush grounds with a large private beach, a watersports facility, a 9-hole golf course, and a walking trail. There are three swimming pools, including one that’s adults-only, a lavish spa, and multiple oceanfront eateries, while rooms are island-inspired with amenities like flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and balconies. Some include bathrooms with large soaking tubs and rainfall showerheads.
Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort - Marathon
Offering a peaceful setting with a 1,000-foot stretch of private beach, Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort is aptly named. It’s made up of luxurious, Victorian-style homes with multi-story two- and three-bedroom suites that include full-size kitchens and magnificent ocean views. All have French doors on both levels leading to large porches for enjoying that vista and the fresh, salty sea air. There are many on-site amenities too, including an adults-only pool and two family pools, a private marina where guests can embark on sightseeing tours, an oceanfront tiki bar, and a cafe open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Water sports rentals are available too.
Pier House Resort & Spa - Key West
One of the best beach hotels in Key West, Pier House Resort & Spa boasts a prime location, extending over the water just a minute’s walk from Mallory Square. It’s renowned for its sunsets, shopping, and dining while providing a wide range of amenities. It includes a heated outdoor pool and a private beach, along with a full-service spa, a fitness center, and multiple bars and restaurants. The spacious rooms and suites all feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, docking stations, minifridges, and coffeemakers. Some of the suites are spread over two floors and come with private balconies overlooking the water.
Bungalows Key Largo - Key Largo
One of the few all-inclusive resorts in Florida, Bungalows Key Largo offers the ultimate tropical beach vacation. The upscale, boutique waterfront resort has private standalone bungalows spread across the property’s 12 acres. Rooms feature private verandas and outdoor soaking tubs, while luxe on-site amenities include multiple pools, a spa, 1,000 feet of shoreline, and complimentary bikes. You’ll also be treated to 24-hour guest services, welcome drinks, in-town transportation, all meals including small bites, premium alcoholic beverages, as well as water toys, group yoga classes, and sunset happy hours.
Southernmost on the Beach - Key West
Southernmost on the Beach boasts a beachfront location close to the attractions on Duval Street but far enough to avoid the hustle and bustle. The elegant rooms come with Nespresso coffeemakers, minifridges, and flat-screen TVs, many of which have private balconies, some with magnificent ocean views. Spa services, including couples’ massage, are available and the property includes a fitness center, a private sunbathing pier, a long pool, two poolside bars for drinks and light bites, and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa - Key West
Located adjacent to historic Mallory Square right on Duval Street, Ocean Key Resort & Spa is one of the most desirable properties in Key West, renowned for its ocean views and exceptional service. it has a large dock that’s romantically lit after dark for memorable oceanfront dining, a world-class spa, a waterfront pool, hot tub, and cabanas, along with a pool bar serving delicious food and drinks. Sunset sailing trips can be arranged, and couples seeking the utmost in romance can stay in a Deluxe Oceanfront Room with awe-inspiring views, a spa tub, and a king-size bed.
Parrot Key Hotel - Key West
Surrounded by lush tropical flora along Florida Bay, Parrot Key Hotel has a lovely waterfront area with lounge chairs and offers a complimentary shuttle to Smathers Beach. Watersports like jet-skiing and paddleboarding are available and there are four inviting pools along with a tiki bar/restaurant. Spa treatments can be enjoyed when you want to take relaxation up a notch while rooms are nature-inspired and come with patios or balconies, water views, minifridges and flat-screen TVs.
Hawks Cay Resort - Duck Key
Hawks Cay is a sprawling waterfront resort that feels more like a small village. It has its own marina with many guests arriving by boat, and there are a wealth of activities available, from miniature golf to a water sports center for embarking on cruises and fishing charters. There are multiple restaurants catering to a variety of tastes and budgets, a saltwater lagoon and beach area with loungers and complimentary kayaks, along with five outdoor pools, including one that’s adults-only. All rooms and suites come with furnished balconies – if you book a Water View Lanai Room, you’ll get a large furnished patio and direct access to the adults-only pool.
Reefhouse Resort & Marina - Key Largo
Just a short drive from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, one of the best spots in the continental U.S. for snorkeling and diving, the Reefhouse Resort & Marina sits on 17 waterfront acres and has its own basin and dive shop, making it ideal for those who want to explore the underwater world. There’s a small private beach, a spa with a comprehensive menu of pampering treatments, and multiple dining and drinking options with views of the Gulf of Mexico. There are a variety of room options, but for a romantic stay, you’ll want to book an ocean-view room where you can watch the glorious sunsets together.
Kona Kai Resort, Gallery and Botanic Gardens - Key Largo
An adult hideaway in one of the prettiest spots in the Keys, Kona Kai Resort is a secluded beach hotel made up of rooms and suites that resemble private cottages, complete with island decor and plantation shutters. All come with full kitchens, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, minifridges, coffeemakers, and abundant natural light. Some come with direct access to the private beach. The property not only has its own stretch of beautiful sands but a picturesque botanic garden, an art gallery, a pool, and a hot tub.
Chesapeake Beach Resort - Islamorada
Chesapeake Beach Resort is a beachfront property with most rooms lined right along the shore encircling a tropical lagoon. All are spacious and come with iPad docking stations, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators. Some include kitchenettes or full kitchens and balconies with sea views and hot tubs. The atmosphere is especially picturesque and lush, with swaying palms, flowering hibiscus, exotic birds, and fabulous ocean views. There are multiple outdoor heated pools and a hot tub along the waterfront, and a variety of activities are available, including unlimited non-motorized watersports like pedal boating and kayaking.
Lime Tree Bay Resort - Layton, Florida
Enjoy a more affordable seaside escape that offers a wide variety of possibilities for outdoor adventure and relaxation, including complimentary kayaking and swimming in two outdoor pools. After a day of play, enjoy a nap in one of the hammocks or soak in the soothing hot tub. There’s a private beach with tiki huts and BBQ grills for cookouts, while all rooms other than standards come with balconies or patios with sea views, rocking chairs, and hammocks, as well as minifridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. There are also townhouses with private garages and full kitchens for making your own meals.
Havana Cabana Resort - Key West
Havana Cabana Resort is inspired by Cuba’s vibrant art and culture, complete with classic cars out front. It overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and includes a tropical-style pool that’s the largest in Key West, with hammocks, lounge chairs, and cabanas all surrounded by lush greenery. At the poolside tiki bar, you can sip refreshing mojitos and enjoy music at poolside. There’s a fantastic food truck to soothe those hunger pangs too. Burn off those calories in the fitness center, which has large picture windows overlooking the bay for a more enjoyable workout. All rooms have minifridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, but for the most romantic, book one of the Gulf View Rooms to enjoy a dazzling water vista.