I have been both a sponsored as well as a paying guest at this resort. All opinions are strictly my own.
Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Key West Resort
Whether someone wants a complete weekend escape or a three-day respite to achieve whole-body rejuvenation, the Margaritaville Resort in the Florida Key offers everything you’ll need for the perfect getaway. If you’ve been following me for a while you know there are two places that I’m always drawn back to.
- Key West
- Margaritaville – ANY Margaritaville
So, it’s no surprise that when I really need a escape I’d combine them and head across the 7-mile bridge to the southernmost point in the US.
Location
The Florida Keys consist of a series of islands off the coast of Florida. You simple head SOUTH as far as you can go until you hit one of the most fun places on the East Coast, and my fave hotel the Margaritaville Resort is situated at the tip of the island of Key West. As a getaway destination point, there not many resorts this far away from the daily hustle of the upper continental United States.
Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Key West Resort
Rooms
Since the resort rests on the coast overlooking the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, the view is ever present, and your rejuvenation begins the minute you walk through the front doors. However, it is from the covered patios of the ocean-view rooms and suites where you’ll have that feeling of…OMG, I finally know what it all means.
Floor plans include traditional rooms as well as one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, and the decor consists of soft off-whites and ocean-shaded pastels. Every room available offers a rare mix of quiet privacy and vast, peaceful views.
Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Key West Resort
Did you know that blue is a color that invokes a peaceful sense of calm? I thought about this as I gazed out from my balcony, YES the entire view is blue (no wonder it’s so easy to find my ahhhhh when I’m here).
Activities
In Key West, sightseeing might be better described not as a something to do but as something that “is.”
For instance, while window shopping at nearby Little Switzerland or Sunset Trading and Gifts, the calming view of the ocean is right there.
Similarly, if a couple wants to squeeze in some exercise at the on-site fitness studio, the palm trees and gardens are right there.
When it comes to shopping, all the stores, restaurants and bars along the Duval Street are just calling you in . Lined with jewelry shops, cafes, art galleries, coffee shops, and lounges with frozen drinks and umbrellas, Duval offers visitors a variety of calming, ocean-side shopping experiences and crazy partying that falls into the streets from the open front bars.
Dining
Of course, relaxing can be hungry work. Fortunately, dining options abound.
Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Key West Resort
For light meals, Castaways offers light lunch fare with a side of outdoor, tropical-garden views. Customers can enjoy seafood salad, turkey clubs, or grouper sandwiches, but more traditional burgers and chicken fingers are also available. Hand-crafted cocktails are the specialty, and the Cuban Punch and the Blue Sky Lemonade are two drinks not to be missed.
For a more romantic evening meal, The Sunset Deck provides casual seaside dinners with views of the bay and the ever-present sails of sea-bound vacationers. Open every evening, this casual restaurant specializes in light seafood such as shrimp, lobster, wine by the glass, and fresh Tiki cocktails. However, steaks and burgers also populate the menu. Perhaps the best aspect of The Sunset Deck is being able to relax along the water, drink in hand, the oranges and crimsons shimmering in a darkening sky as the sun takes a dip in the ocean.
I love grabbing breakfast at Bistro 245, and since I travel with Clem (my dog), the outdoor atmosphere is perfect for a well-behaved pooch.
But NOTHING in the world beats dinner on Sunset Key at Latitudes. The only way to get there is by boat (and to board you must have a reservation) to the private island with beautiful cottages owned by some of the rich and famous. Yes, you CAN book a stay in one of the luxury cottages if you want a little more privacy.
Photo courtesy of: Ebyabe
Nightlife
The getaway would not be complete without being able to relax at Smathers Beach where vacationers can enjoy ready-to-rent beach chairs and homemade sunsets.
For the truly adventurous, the guides at Ghost Tour Adventures provide a relaxing, guided stroll down the island’s “haunted” historic district.
Each night is a celebration at Mallory Square where the feature performer is the glorious sunset as it goes down in a blaze of glory at the southernmost spot in the US. You’ll find fire eaters, musicians, food kiosks ad artists selling their creations.
Finally, the capstone for any weekend getaway is the performing arts theater at Key West Theater. Although vacationers have options of top-tier concerts, music, theater performances, and comedy specials, the best shows are rumored to be the locally produced Key West events.
Want to waste away in Margaritaville this winter?
- Visit MargaritavilleKeyWestResort.com to book your vacation TODAY! Hopefully, I’ll see you there.
