Love in the Florida Keys: Where to stay, play and savor romance
It’s hard to find a more romantic destination than the Florida Keys. With its laid-back lifestyle, stunning sunsets, balmy breezes and generous palette of crystal-clear waters and palm trees, it’s easy to sink into bliss with your beloved.
Even if you fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), the drive from the mainland on the Overseas Highway is part of the experience; you’ll be hypnotized by the endless blue-green waters. From idyllic accommodations to restaurants befitting a celebration, here are some of the best places and ways to experience romance in the Florida Keys.
Romantic places to stay in the Florida Keys
Little Palm Island
Perfect for: A splurge for honeymoons, anniversaries and special occasions
When it comes to the most romantic place to stay in the Florida Keys, nothing compares to Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, an ultra-luxe private island resort around 30 miles north of Key West. Isolation and serenity craft a love story for couples looking to disconnect together, as children are not permitted, there are no TVs or alarm clocks in rooms and cellphones are silenced.
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Arriving guests are swept away from the resort’s shore station on an antique motor yacht to the 4-acre island, while some even arrive by seaplane. The light buzz of arriving seaplanes is often the only noise you’ll hear on the island, outside of the gentle lapping waves, the shuffle of swaying palm trees and wading birds hunting in the shallows. Each of the high-design bungalows is privately tucked along crushed-seashell paths and boasts amenities that will tempt couples to never leave (except maybe to head to the property’s gorgeous spa): four-post canopy beds with gauzy drapes, separate living areas, enclosed outdoor showers, and some even flaunt copper soaking tubs or a private beach.
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Plan ahead and reserve a romantic turndown service, where the staff will envelop your bungalow with flickering candles and sprinkled rose petals along with bubbly and sweet treats. During the day, couples chill in comfy floats in the pool or relax in beach hammocks with a cocktail in hand. One of the best amenities: access to complimentary Boston Whaler boats, which allows guests to zip over to a reef to snorkel or to nearby Picnic Island to sit at tables submerged in the water or play on a swing. At night, flickering tiki torches along the beach invite guests to linger at dinner along the water to catch the fading sunset, as piano music floats from the open-air Monkey Hut Lounge. And like a fairy tale, you’ll hopefully spot one of the Key deer that roam the property.
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Bungalows Key Largo
Perfect for: proposals, honeymoons, elopements, babymoons and couples group trips
Fall in love at Bungalows Key Largo, an all-inclusive resort that stretches along 11 acres and fronts the Gulf of Mexico. When the private gates of the adults-only oasis open, your jaw might drop as you soak in the surroundings draped in lush plantings and towering palm trees. Set up like a fantasy-island neighborhood, 135 individual bungalows line perfectly manicured sandy lanes — including waterfront bungalows that dot the shoreline.
The private bungalows are spacious (900 square feet), and couples love the outdoor veranda fitted with a rain shower and soaking tub. There’s nothing like taking a dreamy bath under the stars, listening to the sounds of nature, and you can also book a romance package for extra amenities such as rose petals and bubbly.
Two complimentary beach cruisers are stationed outside every bungalow; the bikes are the best way to get around, though guests can call for a golf cart pickup. Because there are group trips — and some couples are there to let loose on the free-flowing libations — the main infinity pool that fronts the water can get boisterous. When you’re looking for peace and quiet, we suggest slipping away to the tranquil Zen Pool nestled behind a wall of plants.
Couples can be as active as they desire at Bungalows, from chilling on one of the oversized floats in the water or exploring the waterways on paddle boards, kayaks or even water trikes. The all-inclusive resort boasts five eateries, though the most romantic is Bogie & Bacall’s, a fine dining restaurant that overlooks the water; and Hemingway Bar is a must at sunset. After the sun goes down, live entertainment heats up along the waterfront. But we won’t blame you if you simply want to retreat to your bungalow for a dip in the outdoor soaking tub.
Other hotels worthy of romance or marking special occasions are The Moorings Village in Islamorada, known for its cottages and peaceful surroundings; and Hawk’s Cay located in Duck Key, which offers special activities such as on-site dolphin encounters.
Romantic sunset spots in the Florida Keys
In Key West, skip the crowds at the nightly sunset celebration in Mallory Square and opt for a more intimate cruise on the Wind and Wine Sunset sail ($109 pp) with Danger Charters. Once the sails dramatically catch the wind, you’ll cruise around the calm waters, while tasting global wines and noshing on charcuterie-style appetizers. The crew is fantastic, ensuring glasses are never empty, and the captain does everything he can to capture the best unobstructed views of the sunset. Watching the sun slip into the horizon while curled up with your loved one is a must-do in the Florida Keys.
Another romantic and affordable place for couples to watch the sunset is at Bahia Honda State Park, located about 45 minutes from Key West. Known for its award-winning beach, clear waters teeming with marine life and breathtaking backdrop of the old railroad bridge, you can spend a day there sunbathing on one of the three beach areas (Sandspur Beach often is less crowded) snorkeling and kayaking. Stay until the park closes at sunset to float in the water while watching the sun dip behind the historic bridge.
Romantic restaurants in the Florida Keys
With one of the best private beach vistas in Key West, The Reach Key West hotel creates a romantic backdrop for dinner. Make a reservation at its signature restaurant Four Marlins for a toes-in-the-sand fine dining experience called “The Tide to Table.” Kick off your shoes and snuggle up at a table draped in a white tablecloth in the sand to savor a six-course meal that showcases locally caught seafood such as conch and crab fritters, a lobster ceviche and Key West pink shrimp and grits. Toast to the sunset with a glass of sparkling wine.
Other beloved restaurants meant for celebrating special occasions include Louie’s Backyard in Key West, beloved for its multi-level deck that hovers over the water, and the intimate Mediterranean favorite of locals, Azure restaurant. In Islamorada, Chef Michael’s delivers a high-quality meal that still holds true to the Florida Keys flair, along with Pierre’s restaurant for its breathtaking views at sunset.
Romance is always within easy reach in the Florida Keys.
