Casa Morada

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? Is this the Keys or the Caribbean? The lines are blurred at this evocative island hotel that conjures barefoot island living to a tee. Minimalist, eco touches supplant any notion of Keys kitsch at this intimate property with just 16 suite-style rooms spread between two guest houses.  What’s the backstory? The mid-century hotel originally opened in the 1950s under a different name and ownership, and was later reimagined by a trio of owners who worked under Ian Schrager of Studio 54 and Edition fame. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? This is a perfect place to hole up after a day enjoying the water all around you with terrazzo floors, dark wood furnishings, and a minimalist cooling aesthetic. Rooms are more like suites—all very spacious. Several have outdoor shower tubs and jacuzzis, so request one if that’s up your alley. Suites themselves overlook the water or the serene garden. The overall feel is of a bright but cooling oasis away from the intense sun. Sliding doors that pull all the way back bring the views sweeping in when you want. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? It’s free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Continental breakfast with fruits, cereals, juice, and coffee is included for guests, while a hot breakfast is available for a fee. There’s no on-site restaurant, but the hotel does offer a light lunch served poolside, with sandwiches and wraps on the menu, as well as room service from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. And don’t skip evening cocktails, served daily. For a night out, there are many great restaurants nearby, including Chef Michael’s for Islamorada’s freshest local seafood (order the whole lion fish). And the service? The service is unobtrusive but attentive. The staff are there for you as much as you need them to be, but are also comfortably discreet. Whether you want to arrange an offshore fishing charter for mahi or scuba dive one of the best shipwrecks in the Keys, just say they word and they’ll arrange it. What type of travelers will you find here? City folk fleeing Miami, Europeans, artists, and musicians doing the island thing to reset their brains before heading back to town. Couples, too. Only kids 16 and older are welcome, so this is not a family place for the most part. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in? It totally fits in with Islamorada’s under-the-radar and coolest-spot-in-the-Keys vibe. You’d drive past it on the Overseas Highway and never know it was there. A good alternative to mass resorts on Islamorada for a far more intimate and exclusive-feeling stay. Is there anything you'd change? More on-site dining options would be nice to stay and enjoy dinner with those gorgeous water views. Any other hotel features worth noting? Nightly rates include snorkeling gear, bikes for exploring Islamorada’s bike paths, and stand-up paddleboards, and there’s free yoga three days a week. You can also access the resort’s tiny but pretty private island via a footbridge from the “mainland” where the suites are located. There’s a freshwater pool on the island as well as a hidden cabana and a pavilion where you can scope for passing manatees and dolphins and watch the sunset. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Yes, for an intimate stay far from the Key West crowds." - Terry Ward