The Top 4 Hotels in the Mid-Upper Florida Keys
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The Florida Keys are made up of numerous islands with Key West being the most popular but there are other great islands to stay on such as Key Largo, Islamorada, & Marathon where the water is just as beautiful and still offers tons of activities. If you’re wondering where to stay in the Florida Keys that’s not in Key West then I’ve got you covered! I’m showing you the four best Florida Keys hotels that will make your vacation feel like a dream.
1.) Bungalows in Key Largo
Welcome to Bungalows Key Largo! I’ve had my eye on this hotel since it opened in 2019 where it received tons of press and for good reason. This hotel is one of the best adults-only, all-inclusive resorts in Florida and sits on the shoreline in the middle of a huge botanical garden making you feel like you’ve stepped into a completely different world after checking in. Bungalows go above and beyond in every way and seem to have thought of every small detail to ensure your stay is magical.
When you arrive for check-in, you’ll receive welcome drinks and have a seat with a staff member to go over every detail of your all-inclusive package & will set up any on-site reservations at the fine dining restaurant or spa for you. All watersports and yoga classes are included in your stay & you have optional add-ons such as a sunset cruise, scuba diving or snorkeling excursions, or a ride on their very own catamaran that departs daily. Once checked in, you’ll be off to your own private bungalow (hence the name)! This is another thing that makes this hotel so special. With private, individual bungalows, you don’t have to worry about having a loud neighbor in the next room over, you’ll have complete privacy. There are multiple on-site dining options that are included with your stay, all with décor to die for. The Hemingway Bar is my personal favorite with its’ vibrant, fun atmosphere (pictured below). One incredible amenity is the Key Largo Spa; services here do cost extra of course but it’s completely worth it. Right after the locker room, there’s a side-by-side Himalayan salt room and an eucalyptus steam room. Stepping out of the salt room, you’ll see a lounge area where you can relax while gazing out into their black bamboo zen garden. Within the zen garden, you’ll follow the path to your individual treatment room. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Bungalows specializes in privacy and seclusion!
2.) Isla Bella Resort in Marathon
Next up is Isla Bella Resort located in Marathon. This property is huge and secluded as well, sitting on 24 acres with over a mile on the water. Their rooms are impeccably decorated and all have ocean views so you can’t go wrong by staying here. The entire property gives off a very luxurious, unique vibe that made me feel like I was stepping into an upscale beach club or hotel somewhere in the Mediterranean. The buildings are a crisp white and make a great contrast against the lush, tropical grounds. There’s a private dock off their beach which is the perfect place to catch some sun in a chair with a great book or you can opt for a hammock under the palm trees. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak on-site or even sign up for boat tours at the activities counter in the Isla Bella Marketplace which also serves as an eating hall and amazing gift shop. If you pop in, be sure to pick up my favorite little cookies from Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies! The main on-site restaurant is Il Postino and just walking by and getting a whiff of their food is enough to make you go inside. The interior of the restaurant is gorgeous and they have an outdoor patio overlooking the water. This restaurant is surprisingly open to the public but be sure to make a reservation if you’re not a guest.
3.) Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada
The third amazing hotel on my list is the ever so elegant Cheeca Lodge & Spa located in Islamorada. This resort has been around since 1946, known then as the Olney Inn who hosted guests to the likes of presidents & movie stars. Today, Cheeca Lodge has grown over the years but still maintains its’ status of “the” place to stay in the Florida Keys. Along with Bunglaows Key Largo, this property is basically hidden off the main road in the Keys and you’ll probably pass it if you’re not careful. Once you get inside though, the Cheeca Lodge surrounds you with glitz and glamour yet coastal at the same time. The décor is so different from the other hotels I visited. They really play into the darker wood tones and incorporate different beachy textures like rattan, coral, and iridescent shells. The bar pictured below is located just across from the check-in desk in the lobby and there is a small boutique that’s worth a visit right outside of the main building as you head to the lobby. Past the lobby, you’ll find two pools to your right, a long pier, and a cute little tiki hut area where you can relax in the sun. The hotel offers many activities such as paddle boarding, beach volleyball, beach bikes, and kayaking. They even have multiple tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course!
4.) Amara Cay Resort in Islamorada
Lastly, we have Amara Cay Resort which is also located in Islamorada which is the perfect location if you want to explore a bit on your vacation. The Marine Mammal Center and the History of Diving Museum is just a short drive off property. Their ground floor recently had a face lift and it is truly beautiful! Past the check-in desk you can find a lounge area with the most perfect swinging chairs (pictured above) & there’s also a bar area where you can get breakfast in the mornings. On the way outside to the beach and pool, you’ll find games like Scrabble built into the wall which gives off a playful vibe. The outside offers a pier, lounge chairs on the beach, and of course a beautiful pool with kayaks and paddle boards also available to rent. The rooms at this hotel have a clean, coastal feel and most have either balconies or lanais with some having floor-to-ceiling windows with water views! Amara Cay Resort is simple, modern, and perfect all at once and it definitely prides itself as a resort that encourages you to get out and see all that the Florida Keys has to offer instead of just staying on the property which is something I truly love and appreciate about this hotel!
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!
