Imagine a place that makes you feel energized and at peace at the same time. On a lazy Wednesday afternoon, you simply close your eyes and allow your surroundings to amplify your senses. A destination so magical that a gentle breeze brushing across sun-tanned skin restores you. The soothing sound of the turquoise ocean water breaking on a pristine shoreline brings you peace, and the way the warm Florida sun dances on your skin. This destination is no dream! Nestled amongst a glittering coastline in the Florida Keys, the Amara Cay Resort is a dream destination and the perfect place to visit as travel restrictions lift. 

We’ve all been in the same boat over the past year and to say it’s been difficult would be a severe understatement. Now that travel has resumed and more hotels and restaurants are increasing their capacity, we can finally plan a vacation – and I know we all need one! Amara Cay Resort is located in the Florida Keys, halfway between Key West and Miami. An ideal destination for all, Islamorada is most famous for its clear and calm waters, towering palm trees lining pristine beaches and awe-inspiring sunsets. 

From the moment I walked into the vibrant lobby at Amara Cay Resort, I was welcomed with the natural beauty of Islamorada while standing amongst a whimsical air plant wall display featuring a variety of lush, tropical greenery mounted onto natural planks from floor to ceiling. Guests are offered the opportunity to swing into their stay adrift one of six suspended wicker rattan chairs roped from the ceiling in the lobby. The scene was perfect for drifting into vacation-mode, especially as the cocoons transported me to that dreamy seaside serenity that I was so terribly missing. 

The coastal luxury of the Amara Cay Resort offers an oceanfront experience while effortlessly blending recreation and relaxation with 110 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. Guests enjoy a private and pristine beach shaded by towering palm trees and hammocks, an exquisite and serene zero-entry pool and so much more. The resort’s signature restaurant, Reel Catch presents fresh catch and dishes like Caribbean Lobster Tacos, Grouper Cheeks, Tuna Poke and Homemade Smoked Fish Dip to Stone Crab and Whole Yellowtail Snapper.

What’s a good vacation without a day relaxing pool side with a cocktail in hand and not a care in the world? The Amara Cay Resort’s pool is nothing short of seaside luxury that feels like your very own private oasis. Perfect for those looking for a low-key and less crowded experience. The best part is the Tiki Bar located at the pool. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the Tiki Bar is a breezy poolside spot for classic American cuisine and tropical cocktails. Guests enjoy fresh fish tacos, grilled jumbo shrimp and Key lime pie against a backdrop of blue skies and swaying palm trees. If a more lively atmosphere is your cup of tea, you’re in luck. A simple wrist band from The Amara Cay Resort grants you access to sister properties that include; Pelican Cove, Postcard Inn and La Siesta. Take the complimentary shuttle provided at the resort and hop over to the Postcard Inn. Indulge in their lively poolside tunes, flawless ocean views from the pool and a convenient swim up bar!

As the sun begins to set after a day out by the pool or the ocean, heading out for a good meal and live music is within reach.  Aside from a great swim up bar, The Postcard Inn is also home to a cozy and authentic Italian restaurant, Ciao Hound. Start your meal with crisp bottle (or glass) of wine and an antipasto board including three meats and three cheeses. Treat yourself to a savory pan-seared Lobster Ravioli with butter tossed tomatoes, asparagus, fresh lobster chunks and a mouth-watering brandy-paprika cream sauce. If a night out on the town with live music and a golden sunset backdrop is on your agenda, head out to Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar for some outdoor live music, ice cold drinks and a sunset view you’ll remember forever.

Although Islamorada is famous for being the sport fishing capital of the world, there’s so much more for us non-fishers that keep us coming back to this extraordinary place year after year. There’s always something more to discover. Whether you arrive by plane, train, automobile, or even boat, the Amara Cay Resort in the unparalleled Islamorada awaits you for a relaxing, luxurious and comfortable stay. Coming out of one of the most challenging years we as a society and world have been through, you owe it to yourself to escape to a tropical oasis to rejuvenate your spirit! Book your stay today at www.amaracayresort.com. See you on the beach!