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Astrid Taran, Forbes Staff

Forbes Vetted

The best resorts in the Florida Keys highlight the unique discoveries of this tropical stretch along the American shoreline. Extending 150 miles southwest from mainland Miami, the archipelago is home to 800 keys, some larger than others, each of which has its own personality.

For a luxurious experience, we recommend Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, while families will appreciate the endless activities found at Hawks Cay Resort. Couples will enjoy the romantic all-inclusive resort Bungalows Key Largo, while fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the area’s longest pier at Cheeca Lodge & Spa. Below, the best resorts in the Florida Keys for 2025.

Best High-End Resort In The Florida Keys: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Who Will Love It: Well-heeled travelers seeking privacy and high-end amenities
All-Star Amenities: Private island; beach; spa; on-site restaurant
What Not To Miss: A multi-course dinner timed to the sunset at the island’s award-winning restaurant
Location: Little Torch Key

Located on a private four-acre island off the coast of Little Torch Key (guests can arrive by boat or seaplane), Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is the Florida Keys’ most opulent escape. Fifteen thatched roof bungalows house 30 luxurious vaulted-ceiling suites, each with a private furnished deck or stretch of sand with a fire pit. The Dining Room, the property’s on-site restaurant, serves up a menu of carefully sourced ingredients highlighting local seafood, while the lagoon-style pool is ideal for days languishing in the sun. A small spa offers indulgent treatments, from four-hand massages to seaweed wraps to luxurious Biologique Recherche facials, plus an aromatherapy rose petal bath for two in a wooden Japanese soaking tub. Just take note that there are no televisions or phones in the rooms—guests here are encouraged to unwind and unplug.

Best Value Resort In The Florida Keys: The Perry Hotel & Marina

The Perry Hotel & Marina

Who Will Love It: Budget-conscious travelers
All-Star Amenities: 220-slip Stock Island Marina Village for fishing and boating charters; swimming pool; fitness center; on-site restaurant
What Not To Miss: A cocktail by the fire pit; dinner at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar
Location: Stock Island, Key West

Guests at The Perry Hotel & Marina in Stock Island can indulge at one of the most modern and stylish resorts in the Key West area at a fraction of the cost of other resorts in the Keys (rooms can often be found for under $200 a night during off-peak months). The off-the-beaten path location on Stock Island helps keep the price low. Just a 15-minute drive to Old Town Key West, the often overlooked area is home to artist studios, boatyards, shrimp boats and a working waterfront. Outfitted in raw concrete, exposed steel and natural wood in clean lines, the property’s aesthetic is as a nod to that industrial heritage, while rooms offer oversized balconies, relaxing rainfall showers and local art. Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar, the on-site restaurant, is a destination unto itself: The blackened mahi with blue crab succotash and sweet corn is not to be missed.

Best Resort For Families In The Florida Keys: Hawks Cay Resort

Hawks Cay Resort

Who Will Love It: Families of all ages
All-Star Amenities: Five swimming pools; kids camp and activities center; saltwater lagoon; tennis courts; marina; spa; five bars and restaurants
What Not To Miss: Swimming with dolphins at the on-site Dolphin Connection center
Location: Duck Key

If you’re traveling with a family, Hawks Cay Resort is one of the best options with activities for all ages. Tucked away on a private enclave in Duck Key in the Lower Keys, the property is home to five swimming pools, a saltwater lagoon, tennis courts, a full-service spa and marina prime for water excursions. Young ones will enjoy a kids camp packed with daily programming and an environmental education component, a pirate ship splash pad pool and the resort’s Dolphin Connection center, where guests can interact and swim with dolphins. Foodies will enjoy the property’s five bars and restaurants, anchored by the upscale Sixty-One Prime for fresh chops and seafood. After a long day of activities, grown-ups can take refuge in the Pilar Bar by the adults-only Oasis Cay swimming pool.

Best Hotel For Couples In The Florida Keys: Bungalows Key Largo

Bungalows Key Largo

Who Will Love It: Couples in search of an all-inclusive romantic retreat
All-Star Amenities: Two swimming pools; private beach; multiple restaurants; tiki bar; spa with eucalyptus steam rooms; open-air fitness center; daily yoga classes
What Not To Miss: A soak in the tub on your private veranda
Location: Key Largo

Holding the unique distinction as the only all-inclusive resort in the Florida Keys, Bungalows Key Largo opened in 2019 as an adults-only property that caters to couples. Its home to 135 romantic bungalows outfitted with private verandas, outdoor showers and soaking tubs, and the all-inclusive rate includes dining, alcoholic beverages and select wines across three restaurants and a sunset tiki bar with live entertainment. Spanning 11 acres on the shallow Florida Bay, the resort is plenty relaxing with a sunset infinity pool, a secluded Zen pool tucked away amidst tropical foliage and a sandy beach for lounging. With a modern beach house aesthetic, awash in natural woods, organic textures and neutral tones, Bungalows Key Largo has a stylish, barefoot luxury appeal, making it an ideal escape for those looking for an elevated all-inclusive stay within the U.S.

Best Beachfront Resort In The Florida Keys: Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort

Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort

Who Will Love It: Those seeking prime beach access in the central Keys; families with older children
All-Star Amenities: Private beach; three pools; putting green; fitness center; volleyball and tennis courts
What Not To Miss: A sunset cocktail at TJ’s Tiki Bar
Location: Marathon

While the rocky conditions of the Florida Keys mean that the area’s beaches are not ideal for swimming, guests who want prime access to sun and sand will find it at Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort, perched on one of the keys’ rare beachfronts. The resort offers 103 guest rooms each located inside houses, giving the true feeling of a residential beach escape. Guests here can enjoy a long stretch of private beach ideal for lounging in the sun with a refreshing beverage. The property’s on-site TJ’s Tiki Bar brings a taste of the Caribbean stateside, while its dinner venue, Butterfly Café offers a split menu of land and sea favorites, as well as a kid-friendly “Little Caterpillars” menu. Young ones may also enjoy a stroll to the nearby Turtle Hospital, a non-profit rehabilitation center for sea turtles.

Best Spa & Wellness Resort In The Florida Keys: Ocean Key Resort & Spa

Ocean Key Resort & Spa

Who Will Love It: Those who love a fully decked out resort in a prime location with luxurious spa offerings
All-Star Amenities: SpaTerre; harborfront pool with lounge chairs and cabanas; upscale restaurant; tiki-style bar with live music and prime sunset views
What Not To Miss: An aromatherapy ritual bath in a Japanese soaking tub at SpaTerre
Location: Key West

Perched at the foot of Duval Street overlooking the Key West Harbor, Ocean Key Resort & Spa is an ideal spot for wellness and rejuvenation. Its on-site spa, SpaTerre, offers the most extensive menu in the Keys, the highlight of which is a treatment journey that can be customized to include a hydrating facial, Himalayan salt stone massage and aromatherapy ritual bath in a Japanese soaking tub. Afterwards, guests can relax at the property’s harbor-front pool and lively Sunset Pier bar, which juts into the water with pastel bar stools for prime sunset viewing. Another must-have is a meal at Hot Tin Roof, the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, which serves an elevated take on the island’s classic “Floribbean” fare—think seared black grouper in coconut curry and crispy whole yellowtail snapper.

Best Hotel For Design Lovers In The Florida Keys: Isla Bella Beach Resort

Isla Bella Beach Resort

Who Will Love It: Design lovers; photographers
All-Star Amenities: Five swimming pools; private beach; multiple restaurants; spa; putting green
What Not To Miss: A moment of Zen lounging on an Adirondack chair on a secluded sunset observation deck
Location: Marathon

Situated just north of the picturesque Seven Mile Bridge, Isla Bella Beach Resort is a peaceful oasis with 24 lush waterfront acres, five swimming pools and multiple restaurants along a natural cove that provides sweeping oceanfront views. Design lovers will appreciate each room’s Bermudian influence, evident in the white tiled roofs, stucco walls and playful prints with pops of cerulean, connecting guests to the nearby sea. The mangrove-fringed shoreline opens up to a private beach with comfortable lounge chairs, while a pier and observation deck are designed specifically to take in the sunset and sunrise views that the resort’s position uniquely offers. The property’s main on-site restaurant, Mahina, serves Polynesian-inspired fare in an indoor-outdoor dining room that has gorgeous tropical panoramas.

Best Hotel In The Florida Keys For A Fishing Trip: Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Who Will Love It: Anglers; well-heeled travelers seeking old-school glamour
All-Star Amenities: Nine-hole golf course; tennis courts; three swimming pools; private beach; fishing pier; fishing charters; three restaurants; two tiki bars; spa
What Not To Miss: A sunset dip in your private balcony soaking tub overlooking the ocean
Location: Islamorada

Spanning 27 stunning oceanfront acres in Islamorada, Cheeca Lodge & Spa has been a favorite getaway of American presidents and Hollywood royalty since 1946. While it maintains its old Florida fishing lodge charm, today the resort is a luxurious and modern vacation destination with 243 spacious guest rooms and suites, as well as 11 villa-style casitas. The property is home to the longest fishing pier in the Keys—former president George H.W. Bush held the Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament here from 1994 to 2003—with fishing poles and licenses included in the resort fee. After a day of angling, guests can enjoy the property’s three restaurants, including Atlantic’s Edge for fresh seafood, as well as a Naples-inspired Italian restaurant and sushi den and two tiki bars.

Best Historic Resort In The Florida Keys: Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection By Hilton

Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection By Hilton

Who Will Love It: Beach lovers in search of a historic setting for their next vacation
All-Star Amenities: Two oceanfront pools; private beach and piers; spa and fitness center; lobby bar; restaurant
What Not To Miss: A tipple at the lobby bar lounge, inspired by Ernest Hemingway
Location: Key West

Conceived by oil tycoon Henry Flagler, who built the Overseas Railroad connecting Key West to mainland Florida, Casa Marina Key West has been a local mainstay since opening its doors in 1920. After joining Hilton’s Curio Collection in 2022, this grand dame resort on the National Register of Historic Places completed a $79 million renovation with refreshed guest rooms and a new lobby bar lounge inspired by local legend Ernest Hemingway. Inside, the high-ceilinged lobby is decked out with exposed Cypress wood beams, ionic columns and hardwood floors. Outside, the Mediterranean Revival architecture includes stucco arcades and Spanish tile roofing. The historic opulence also extends to two oceanfront pools and a private beach, contributing to its status as an idyllic beachside retreat.

Best Hotel For Privacy In The Florida Keys: The Moorings Village

The Moorings Village

Who Will Love It: Those who want to see and not be seen
All-Star Amenities: Private beach; lap-swimming pool; fitness center; hammocks swaying beneath coconut palms
What Not To Miss: Savoring the feeling of being in paradise with barely another soul in sight, over a bottle of chilled Champagne delivered to your cottage door
Location: Islamorada

With its tropical hardwood trees, spindly coconut palms and verdant orchids, this Islamorada escape inspires an immediate sense of ease. Eight intimate one- to three-bedroom cottages are tucked away within its sprawling oceanfront grounds, allowing guests to feel as if they landed on their own private island. There are plenty of pursuits available for active travelers, including kayaking across the tranquil Atlantic Ocean or swimming laps in the property’s 82-foot pool. And while there’s no restaurant onsite, each cottage is equipped with a full kitchen, and sunset and sunrise baskets with provisions can be arranged.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe.

  • The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an eight-year industry veteran who’s traveled to over 40 countries and has visited the Florida Keys multiple times.
  • This story was edited by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has written and reported on lifestyle content for more than 25 years.

How We Chose The Best Resorts In The Florida Keys

We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research.

  • For this story, Taran combined first-person experience at resorts she’s stayed at with hours of research combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more.
  • We included a mix of resorts that cater to couples as well as groups of adult friends and families. We also included luxury picks, like Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, as well as budget-friendly picks, like The Perry Hotel & Marina.
  • For this guide, we focused on resorts across multiple keys, including Islamorada, Marathon, Key West, Key Largo and Duck Key.

About Astrid Taran, Your Florida Keys Guide

My name is Astrid Taran and I’m the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel coverage. I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also authored multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more. I have visited the Florida Keys numerous times and stayed at multiple properties on this list.