Live in the lap of luxury — at least for a weekend — at the end of Key West’s historic Duval Street
A little over three hours south of Miami by car, there’s a tranquility to Key West that few other places have. In the heart of it all, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean at the end of famed Duval Street, you’ll find my favorite enclave to bask in its tropical glory: Ocean Key Resort & Spa. Offering a taste of Old Key West sophistication in a casual destination known for its anything-goes bars, fishing and diving, this boutique Noble House property is perfect for an easy South Florida escape. Minutes after pulling up to valet, I was walking to my room with a homemade rum runner in hand — signaling the start of my weekend in paradise.
SLEEP BY THE SEA
The first thing I noticed about my Ocean View Junior Suite was how spacious it was. Spread across 600 square feet, the open-plan bedroom-living room had a plush king bed with a queen pull-out sofa, two flat screen TVs and a private balcony overlooking Duval Street and the Gulf of Mexico.
Fusing a little bit of South Beach chic with that quintessential Key West kitsch, it was bright and colorful, with floral fabrics, light linens, wooden armoires hand-painted in yellows, teals and greens, bringing the colors of the outside in. There are 100 generous rooms and suites at Ocean Key — from 300 square-foot guest rooms to a 1,200 square-foot penthouse — so wherever you sleep, you won’t be disappointed. Take it all in with a bubble bath in your oversized tub. (Noble House’s coconut-mango bath products will make you feel like you’re living a real Caribbean dream.)
DOCKSIDE DINING
Ocean Key’s signature restaurant, Hot Tin Roof, has become a must-try for anyone visiting the island. Named after one of the most famous plays by one of Key West’s most famous residents, Tennessee Williams, it’s here that diners can feast on chef Scott Maurer’s “conch-fusion” cooking style, which melds local Florida Keys’ ingredients with influences spanning from the island’s abundant seafood to its close proximity to Cuba.
I started my mornings on its covered, waterfront terrace, drinking coffee and eating Corn Flake-Crusted French Toast with whipped cinnamon butter. At lunch, I didn’t want to leave my cabana at the gulf-front LIQUID pool, bar and lounge, so I gladly followed the friendly waitress’ suggestion and ordered a signature Limonada Azul vodka cocktail and Coconut Shrimp right to my chair. Just steps away, Ocean Key’s Sunset Pier recently reopened after 18 months of repairs from Hurricane Irma. This world-famous pier has been praised as the best sunset viewing spot in America, not just Key West, since 1981. Grab a mojito and Conch Hushpuppies on its deck, and you’ll see why.
At night, go back to Hot Tin Roof for a romantic experience. Think sunset views, a torchlit pier and tantalizing dinner plates like fresh-caught Seared Grouper with a chorizo-coconut curry and boniato mash, Plantain-Crusted Swordfish with a tequila-poblano chili pepper sauce and bowls of perfectly charred vegetables that leave you just full enough. The Tableside S’mores and Island Pineapple Rum Cake are musts, and the entire menu is available for room service. I did it once, and sunk into a happy food coma just steps from my bed. If that’s not paradise, I don’t know what is.
Ocean Key Resort & Spa is located at 0 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040. For more information, visit oceankey.com.
This story was originally published January 3, 2020 at 1:43 PM.