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We knew we needed a get-away but were loath to hop a plane out of MIA or spend a fortune on gas to go out of state. We figured the best fix was somewhere close, within 100 miles or so. But do we go north? Naw, been there done that… Perhaps go west? Nothing special comes to mind… South? Hell yeah!
We’d heard about Duck Key, my traveling companion and I. Okay, well, not really heard of it as much as we’ve giggled about it, zipping by the welcome sign over the years — with a requisite “quack” — but never turning in. So now, with bags packed and compass in hand, let’s go! Destination: Hawks Cay Resort, the obvious choice — 90 miles down to Mile Marker 61.
Peeling off Route 1 onto Duck Key, we slowed to a smooth cruise up Hawks Cay Boulevard where the stunning AAA Four-Diamond hotel emerges before us. We suddenly realize this is exactly what we were looking for — a secluded and intimate isle upon which to spend three glorious days watching both the sunrise and sunset.
Turns out the resort is the ideal vacation spot for couples, but also families and groups interested in the quintessential Florida Keys experience, with virtually every water-related activity imaginable — including the simple act of lounging idly poolside.
Decisions decisions
Checking in a was a breeze. Boasting 427 villas and hotel rooms, the only problem was deciding whether to upgrade from our original Hawks Cay Guest Room booking, a King featuring 376 square feet of elegant interior space, a private furnished balcony, and views of resort grounds.
That’s because the totally amazing two-bedroom Penthouse Suites were luring us in: the “Stargazer Suite” with modern décor and in-suite telescope, or the “Coastal Suite” featuring a comforting coastal-casual design. Each 1,400-square-foot suite offers a spacious living area, two large bedrooms, two full baths, and a private rooftop terrace spanning an impressive 3,200 square feet.
We went with the Stargazer Suite. Why not live your best life!
There’s also a collection of 250 two- and three-bedroom Hawks Cay Villas that are perfect for groups and families. They come complete kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, and oversized decks with water views.
Getting to know you
Upon settling in we had a chance to ponder all the amenities this 60-acre true resort destination has to offer. The resort has six restaurants, a saltwater lagoon, five swimming pools, a full-service spa, as well as onsite watersports, fishing charters, and a Dolphin Connection facility.
First stop, dinner! Not knowing quite what we wanted, surely among the variety of dining venues one would jump out. Turns out, most all of them did just that. Here’s what we had to consider:
Sixty-One Prime, the resort’s newest dining outlet, a Florida Keys-style chop house;
Angler & Ale, casual Keys-style dining overlooking Hawks Cay Marina;
Coral Grill, with quick snacks and drinks;
Oasis Cay, an adults-only dining spot with island-inspired dishes and a stunning oceanfront view;
Hawks Cay Marketplace, for premade grab-and-go items, and
Tiki Grill, servicing the saltwater lagoon and main pool areas, with cocktails, sandwiches, and salads.
Watersports win the day
Our original idea, to simply sit poolside, was quickly dashed once we explored the resort grounds — and the aquamarine waters before us. From the full-service marina, Hawks Cay Resort offers guests access to some of the world’s finest snorkeling, best sandbars, and eco-adventures on both the ocean and bay sides.
We gave in and did a real tour de force that included standup paddleboarding and a sunset cruise. Day two was a kayak rental and an island tour. Day three, we fought the urge to indulge in a snorkeling excursion to instead enjoy a well-deserved poolside rest day.
Regrettably, we did not leave time for the onsite Dolphin Connection, the only resort-based program of its kind where guests can interact and swim with dolphins in their natural environment.
The list goes on and so we shall surely return to tackle tennis and pickleball, a spa day at the 7,000-square-foot Calm Waters Spa, and perhaps even book a fishing excursion out of Hawks Cay Marina.
Heroes salute program
We may even make it a point to return during the resort’s 14th annual Heroes Salute program, Aug. 1-Dec. 25, Hawks Cay’s way of saying “thank you for your service and sacrifice.” During this period, all the men and women (past and present) of the military, fire and rescue, police, sworn officers, and medical personnel can take advantage of special discounted room rates starting at only $169 a night (weekdays). The program also includes value-added offers for water sports, a weekly outdoor Heroes’ Tribute ceremony and slideshow, and more.
Get details on how to submit a photo of a hero for the slideshow by visiting www.hawkscay.com/about-hawks-cay-resort/heroes-salute.
For the kids
Now, for those on a family vacation, you can still do all of the above — but realize there is a whole other world of activities here created just for kids. Named the No. 1 Family Resort by USA Today 10Best, Hawks Cay offers a head-spinning array of adventures and activities for younger guests at Coral Cay. In addition to entertainment that adds round- the-clock fun with special events, the attraction is complete with soccer field, basketball courts, putting greens, and more. The centerpiece of the area is the resort’s iconic Pirate Ship Pool that features slides, tunnels, and water cannons. Way too cool!
Contact Hawks Cay
Hawks Cay Resort is located at 61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key, FL 33050. For information, visit www.hawkscay.com or call 877-484-9342.
