"Why book? Though a no-frills mantra reigns supreme in Florida’s laid-back Middle Keys, the Islands of Islamorada resort presents a welcomed, luxe alternative within the island chain. Comprising 22, triple-story, stand-alone villas and 8 ocean suites, this secluded, gleaming white enclave is idyllic for stylish, multi-generational vacations. Clever design allows for prolific outdoor space among each villa while light seaside chic interiors complement endless views of ocean blues and surrounding coconut forests. Two swimming pools, a private beach, marina, state-of-the-art fitness center, and pickleball courts further enhance this self-contained campus of leisure and luxury. Set the scene Off the Old Highway at Mile marker 82.7 lies the gated resort community of Islands of Islamorada. The first thing that strikes after driving past the entrance fountain is the resort’s gleaming white appearance–evidenced across all 22 free-standing villas, the Ocean House, and the common areas. Next is the beautiful landscaping as mature coconut palms abound and bougainvillea drape villa walls. Through the foliage emerges the sight of the Atlantic Ocean and the community’s private swath for accessing it. The backstory After years of construction on a barren lot, the resort debuted quietly in March 2020 but had to shut down a week later due to the pandemic. The Keys reopened a few months later, and the Islands of Islamorada quickly became a secret hideaway for those in the know, promoted solely by word of mouth. Four years later, we’re finally letting you in on our little secret. The rooms Twenty-two, nearly identical, all-white villas constitute the majority of the resort’s inventory. Each measures a whopping 4,067 square feet over three stories of indoor-outdoor space, starting with a two-car garage and covered patio and terrace at ground level. On the other two stories, find three king bedrooms with en-suite baths, a bunk room or twin room with bath, a full kitchen, laundry room, two waterfront balconies, and a powder room. (Eleven of the units have stairs connecting the three floors while the other half has both stairs and an elevator.) Understated units offer just the right combinations of light wood and white furnishings (with pops of color via soft goods), creating a residential sense of place without overpowering the surrounding natural splendor. They’re simple but tastefully done, exuding a timeless beach house aesthetic. The villas are typically occupied by a single multi-generational family, families traveling together, or couples traveling as a group. (Note: Several villas are also dog-friendly so your pup doesn’t have to miss out on the Keys’ fun!) For individuals, couples traveling solo, or smaller families, the Islands of Islamorada also offers eight individual Ocean Suites in its Ocean House. Each suite is 656 square feet with a king bed and queen pull-out sofa and adorned in a similar, minimalist beach house design to the villas. Food and drink There is no full-service restaurant at the resort but a smaller facility that provides lunch and breakfast, Thursday to Monday from 8am to 3pm. Food is ordered via an Ipad and delivered to your unit or your pool or beach chair. Recent highlights from the lunch menu included Key West shrimp cocktail and the smoked fish dip. A bar serving wine, beer, and sake is open in the afternoon around one of the two swimming pools. Most guests choose to have their villas pre-stocked with groceries and booze, a service offered by the Islands of Islamorada with 48 hours notice. (If you don’t pre-stock, don’t fret: A Publix grocery store is just down the road.) A full kitchen means cooking dinner is always an option, but it’s hard to resist great local restaurants like Chef Michael’s. Less than a mile away, Michael’s is arguably the best restaurant in the entire Florida Keys, as Chef uses local and seasonal seafood as a blank canvas for gastronomic ingenuity. The spa There’s no spa on-site, but the concierge can arrange in room treatments. There is a state-of-the-art fitness center, however, with plenty of cardio and weight training machines plus free weights. The neighborhood/area Halfway between Miami and Key West, Islamorada is best known for its fishing and boating culture. The proclaimed “Sportfishing Capital of the World'' has attracted anglers for decades as well as families looking to enjoy the region’s placid waters at its surfeit of unpretentious resorts. But as Islamorada has grown in popularity, so has its price tag–even at no-frills places. Now, with the arrival of the Islands of Islamorada, the region finally has a property worthy of its price point. The service Service is excellent but non-intrusive. Staff respect your privacy but are always available through the villa/unit iPad or by phone. If you’re roaming the grounds, they’ll check on you to make you have everything you need. For families The villas were built with families in mind, so it’s no surprise that they’re a perfect fit for upscale, family-friendly travel. The grounds, too, offer everything a family could need for days of fun-in-the-sun. Besides the two swimming pools, there are non-motorized watersports on-site, including Hobie Cats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards plus a marina for embarking on snorkeling and fishing excursions. Back on firm ground, discover countless nooks for relaxing and hanging out, including two waterfront fire pits plus multiple waterfront swings. Eco effort A partnership with Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) allows guests to participate in conservation-minded discovery programs and even learn more about the Keys’ underwater world through free online resources. Accessibility One ocean suite and Villa #11 are wheelchair accessible. In addition, the path connecting the units to the common areas is also accessible. Anything left to mention? Those traveling with their own small watercraft do not need to pay for a slip at the on-site marina. However, due to its size and shallow location, boats must be under 32 feet long with a draft less than 2 feet." - Paul Rubio
