"Why book? Debuting a fresh take on tropical chic, the adults-only, private island oasis of Little Palm Island is redefining the exotic castaway fantasy, right on American soil. Set the scene: The experience begins off Mile Marker 28.5 of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, turning on Pirates Road and reaching Little Palm’s sleek welcome hut and dock, known as the Shore Station. Here, a check-in desk doubles as a four-stool tropical bar, where you’ll indulge in your first (of many) rum and coconut “Gumby Slumber” cocktails. Drop the car keys and board the wooden motor yacht affectionately named Truman. In less than three short miles and fifteen minutes, the lush, palm-laced island comes into view, surrounded by mosaics of mangroves and sandbars and dotted with thatched-roof bungalows. Disembark and meet your island host, your go-to person for the duration of your stay. He/she begins by reiterating ground rules for this immersive island escapism: no TVs, no kids (under 18), and no distractions (note that a previous no cell phone policy has been replaced with the request to simply keep them on silent.) Soon, amble pathways of crushed seashells, arriving at your romantic suite, greeted by large wooden blocks that spell out your last name. It’s now time to leave the world behind and fully get on island time. The backstory: Previously known as Little Munson Island, the island was once a secret retreat frequented by the likes of President Harry Truman. In 1988, under new ownership, it was re-conceptualized as a full-service resort, re-christened Little Palm Island, and opened as the first (and, it claims, the only) private island resort in the United States. Since then, Little Palm Island has been attracting those looking to go completely off the grid. Expansions, nips, and tucks happened over the years, but the British Colonial design was needing a facelift when Hurricane Irma decimated the island in September 2017. Little Palm Island needed to start anew to re-emerge as an ultra-luxe private island resort suited for the modern traveler. Less than three years later, in summer 2020, the resort re-debuted as a study in timeless barefoot elegance. The rooms: Strewn across the four-acre island, there are a total of 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites (some freestanding, some split within larger bungalows), many with four-poster beds and outdoor copper bathtubs. Thanks to a smart layout and smarter landscaping, you’ll encounter other people even less than you’d expect (a strict cap at 60 guests helps.) Interiors are a fresh take on classic British West Indies elegance, nodding to the overall aesthetic of Little Palm’s past but re-interpreting it as tropical chic of the present. All suites have water views, outdoor showers, and private furnished decks; most also overlook private slivers of white-sand beach and are kitted out with hammocks, loungers, and fire pits. There’s truly not a bad suite on the isle, but the second-story Island Premier Suites, which showcase the top views and provide a spacious 1,020-square-foot suite to enjoy them, is a standout. Food and drink: The Dining Room is Little Palm’s sole restaurant, but that doesn’t mean you’ll actually eat every meal in the dining room itself. It opens for all mealtimes, but the restaurant’s menus are available for in-room dining, poolside during the day, and on the beach in the morning and evening hours. You may ask why would one ever want to eat indoors when you can eat on the beach? Well, let’s just say that sometimes there’s nothing better than cool A/C on a balmy night, especially when recovering from a sunburn! Executive chef Brendan Mica highlights the best from local waters on seafood-centric lunch and dinner menus. For lunch, the fresh Key West pink shrimp cocktail and dayboat fish tacos are highlights. For dinner, the Asian-inspired, coconut curry yellowtail snapper is a must. Take things up a notch and reserve in advance for Dinner on the Sandbar, a private five-course dinner in the shallows surrounding Little Palm Island. The spa: The SpaTerre complex is definitely a highpoint of Little Palm Island 2.0. It’s underscored by a breezy, two-story atrium and offers Biologique Recherche facials, CBD treatments (using products by Mana Artisan Botanics), and massages, like the dreamy four-hands Ocean Wave treatment. The service: Despite being a private island, this is still the Florida Keys where service is laid-back and casual. Eco effort: Little Palm has a few eco-minded initiatives happening, including reef restoration and seagrass protection programs. The island also uses Vero Water dispensers to avoid single-use plastic water bottles and has done away with straws altogether (though paper ones are available on request.) Anything left to mention? At some point, take a break from luxuriating to discover the Keys’ natural beauty. Complimentary non-motorized watersports are available right off the beach. Grab a kayak and choose your own adventure through the channels that snake through surrounding mangroves. Paddleboard around the island while spotting great blue herons and Key deer. Also consider exploring the Keys’ underwater world with a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion to Looe Key Reef." - Paul Rubio
