"Baker’s Cay Resort has been a hit with Traveler readers from the jump. It spans 15 tropical acres that were once a pineapple plantation tucked away off the busy Overseas Highway. The resort has 200 rooms but manages to maintain a boutique and intimate feel with winding nature trails throughout leading to quiet beaches. Rooms—including lavish suites with views of Florida Bay—have handcrafted wood furnishings, custom tile work in the bathrooms, and hardwood floors. On-site dining includes waterfront taqueria Dry Rocks, and Caribbean-Creole cuisine with bay views at the more upscale (but still Florida Keys casual) Calusa restaurant. Other amenities include a kids’ camp, two swimming pools with a waterfall grotto, and hammocks everywhere. The resort is super pet-friendly, too: dogs can swim in the water, walk on the beach, escape the sun in dedicated dog tikis, and even enjoy “yappy hour” specials. —Nancy DePalma"
