If Robinson Crusoe had been marooned here he probably wouldn't have been so keen to escape... A paradise island, only accessible by boat or seaplane. Come here to escape it all and completely relax. The motto is 'do nothing' so don't expect to be entertained at every turn - do expect privacy, serenity and opportunities to explore the local flora and fauna, on land and at sea.
As if arriving on the 35-foot launch (named 'Truman' after one of the island's most famous fans) wasn't romantic enough, try dinner in the indoor-outdoor plantation style Dining Room: Key deer are there to meet you, and watch from a distance while you tuck into seafood and local fare - so cute! The cuisine is not good or great -- it is EXCELLENT. We were incredibly impressed (and gained a few!) Don't miss the ranch raised free-range beef and shame on you if you skip their pancakes one morning. Amorous couples looking for privacy can request to be served at Harbour Point Beach - a private section of beach just for two...
Romance and calm are the real draws here. No kids under 16 are allowed, and a sense of easy living and nature really infuses the whole place.Staff is casual, kind and top-notch: whether that's a personalized menu commemorating a special event, or simply a smiling understanding of what you want.
The island is all sandy beaches, crushed seashell pathways through tropical vegetation and private bungalows. The design is castaway-chic - thatched roves, white butterfly netting canopies and private verandahs. There are limited technological amenities, to preserve the relaxing and natural vibe, but there is wifi in the Great Room.
Plenty of places to chill out: the Lagoon-style pool, Zen gardens or the Great Room Library are good sitting spaces, but why not take it a step further and lay down in the hammocks swinging from the trees? Bliss. The firepitt after dinner is a chilled out way to end the day, and get to bed early to enjoy the next day.The Balinese treatments at SpaTerre are just the thing for forgetting the world for a while: get a sense of place with a Margarita Key Lime Pedicure, or go the whole way with a four and a half hour sacred journey spa package: hot stone massage, facial, mani and pedi.
If sitting back and relaxing & reading leaves you ancy, then get out into the water. Divers can explore the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary and the sunken wreck of the Adolphus Busch, while more surface-dwelling types can hop into a kayak, RIB or hobie and take to the mangroves.
Skip Key West- it is honky tonk at its best. NO reason to leave the resort...Utterly peaceful, top service, extraordinary cuisine and casual coolness...$800+ a night including meals. 2 hours 30 minutes from Miami International airport. Worth it.
28500 Overseas Highway
Mile Marker 28.5
Little Torch Key, FL 33042
+1 800 343 8567
www.littlepalmisland.com