The Florida Keys & Key West continue to unveil upscale resorts, with six properties and nearly 460 units soon to be added to the 125-mile-long island chain’s accommodation portfolio. This continues a phase of ongoing creation of new accommodation options over the last two years.
Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Key Largo
The 14-acre property has opened as the first new-build resort in the Upper Keys in 21 years. The full-service resort is Autograph Collection Hotels’ 100th addition and offers 144 rooms and suites, 10 secluded bungalows and a standalone three-bedroom luxury beach house with private plunge pool. Guests can enjoy an expansive waterfront pool, a beachfront Tiki Bar, three gourmet restaurants, a full-service spa, fitness offerings and a wide range of water sports programmes from the white-sand beach. www.playalargoresort.com
Largo, a private sanctuary, Key Largo
Nestled amid indigenous mahogany, palm and buttonwood trees and orchids, this property features a 5,000-square-foot lodge with three units and six bungalows that can accommodate up to 15 single guests or 30 in doubles. The eco-friendly property is situated within a walled and gated estate offering guests complete privacy. Up to 100 guests can gather on a private pier and paddleboard or kayak in a 15-foot-deep lagoon. www.largoresort.com
Little Basin Villas, Islamorada
Following a summer 2016 opening in Islamorada’s Arts District, the Little Basin Villas complex has nine three-bedroom waterfront holiday rentals for weddings, families and groups. Amenities include gourmet kitchens, free Wi-Fi, pool, Tiki hut and grill and dock and beach access. www.littlebasinvillas.com
Oceans Edge Key West Hotel & Marina, Stock Island
On Stock Island just northeast of Key West, the 20-acre resort – billed as ‘Key West’s largest luxury resort’ – is due to open in December with 175 spacious suites and rooms and six pools. Three-storey buildings in traditional boardwalk resort style feature white clapboards, wooden porches and walkways along the water’s edge. A third-floor web-linked camera will showcase scenery and boating activity. Amenities also include an on-site marina, watersports and bar and restaurant. www.oceansedgekeywest.com
Hotel Key West, Stock Island
The new boutique hotel at Stock Island Marina is due to open in early 2017, with 100 waterview rooms and suites and over-sized private terraces. First-floor rooms are to have private outdoor showers, with luxury suites offering soaking tubs and large balconies. Architecture is reminiscent of a classic wharf building. Rooms will offer large flat-screen TVs, luxurious bedding and artisanal bath and body essentials. www.thehotelkeywest.com
H2O Suites Hotel, Key West
The new 22-room boutique property – at the site of the former Spindrift Tropical Hideaway motel – is set to open in December with luxury one-bedroom suites, a rooftop deck and pool, and 11 plunge pools. www.h2osuites.com
For further information on the Florida Keys & Key West, visit: www.fla-keys.co.uk
Image credit: H20 Suites