Casa Morada

"Is this the Keys or the Caribbean? The lines are blurred at this evocative hotel that conjures barefoot island living to a tee. 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." - Nancy DePalma

"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

"Casa Morada's dressed-down modern coastal style reflects a love of the ocean, island plant life, and luxurious comforts. The 16-suite boutique hotel—once a 1950s roadside motel—underwent an extensive renovation in the early 2000s that transformed it into one of the Key’s sexiest spots. The Raymond Jungles–designed gardens are lush, the outdoors showers and jacuzzis are impossibly romantic, and the resort’s private island features a freshwater pool. If you can rouse yourself for anything other than relaxing by the water, try your hand at a game of bocce, snorkle around the only living coral reef in North America, go on a sunset sail, or charter a boat tour with local resident Captain Bill to visit the Mangrove Islands or Three Sisters Bird Rookery. Pro Tip: Morning yoga classes are offered every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9, but guests can book a private session anytime."

"Is this the Keys or the Caribbean? The lines are blurred at this evocative hotel that conjures barefoot island living to a tee. 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." - Jennifer M. Wood, Terry Ward

"Designed to impart the owners’ love of nature and wildlife to visitors, Casa Morada, on Islamorada, is perfect for those who appreciate lush tropical flora. Guests who arrive expecting only palm trees are in for a surprise. This all-suite boutique hotel celebrates its place in the tropics through landscape design by Raymond Jungles, whose signature style lends a, well, jungle ambience reminiscent of famously green Caribbean islands like St. Lucia and Dominica. An added bonus: Many of the guest rooms feature outdoor showers and Jacuzzis, so staying outside is almost always an option." - Devorah Lev-Tov