There is nothing quite like an exceptional getaway that not only makes you feel worlds away from reality while you are there but will leave you reminiscing about it for weeks after you have returned home.
Whether you are looking to book a romantic weekend escape for two or prefer a leisurely weeklong retreat for the entire family (four-legged friends included), Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Located in Duck Key about an hour from Key Largo, 15 minutes away from Marathon, and an hour and a half to Key West, the property is tucked away on 60 acres about halfway down the Keys.
In addition to a full-service marina where guests can book fishing adventures, the resort also boasts an on-site spa, three resort pools, a fitness center, sports courts, expansive guest rooms, suites, and villas, and multiple dining options.
A saltwater lagoon fed from the Atlantic Ocean provides the unique on-site opportunity to snorkel, swim, or paddleboard in a non-traditional swimming area.
Upon arrival, friendly valet attendants greet guests, assist with luggage, show you where to check in, and quickly whisk your car away. Bellmen are also available to drive guests by tram anywhere on property.
We recommend a stay in one of their Island Junior Suites featuring a retractable glass wall that opens to a spacious balcony offering stunning views of the pool and ocean.
The studio-style accommodations boast a king bedroom and separate living area designed for relaxing and soaking in the seaside scenery.
Dining options here are exceptional. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion and seeking an elevated experience or prefer a more casual option, the property has five options to choose from.
The recently opened, Asian-inspired Pilar Bar designed for adults only features an impressive selection of sake, Japanese fare and cocktails, and fresh made-to-order hand rolls and sushi.
Sure, there are classics on the menu, including a traditional tuna or salmon roll, but why not opt for a colorful rainbow roll topped with avocado and assorted sashimi instead?
Other highlights at this popular spot located next to Oasis Cay Pool include a crispy salmon skin roll, chicken lemongrass gyoza, Hamachi crudo, pork belly bao buns, and Singapore noodles.
After a day of relaxing by the pool or beach, be sure to belly up to the bar at the Tiki Grill.
This open-air spot features tasty snacks like conch fritters, Keys smoked fish dip, and lemon chickpea hummus.
For heartier fare, try their Tikidilla, their fun take on a traditional quesadilla made with fish, shrimp, or chicken; a Mahi Ruben, or Tiki turkey club.
If you are looking for an unforgettable dinner, be sure to head over to the resort’s signature eatery, Salt + Ash, where Top Chef and Michelin star winner Jeremy Ford sits at the kitchen’s helm.
The bustling bar and indoor dining room here are always popular with guests looking to enjoy elevated fare. A covered outdoor patio welcomes leashed four-legged friends to dine with their human companions.
We recommend starting off with a sampling of Key West pink shrimp made even better accompanied by charred shishitos and a side of house-made cocktail sauce. Low country ham fritters feature smoked paprika emulsion, marigold, and aged Manchego.
Raw bar specialties include oysters on the half shell with Asian pear mignonette; a wood-oven version with Spanish chorizo, harissa, and house hot sauce; and coconut tuna ceviche with jalapeño, sweet pepper, lime, cilantro, and a coconut milk infusion.
The charred Maitake pizza is so addicting you may not be able to stop eating the entire pie. Topped with citrus braised king trumpets, Maitake, and oyster mushrooms, this standout pizza featured an addicting garlic parsley oil.
For land lovers, there is a nice selection of butcher cuts available that include everything from a 16-ounce Prime Delmonico and 24-ounce Prime porterhouse to a 10-ounce beef tenderloin and steak frites featuring a Prime skirt steak cooked to perfection topped with creamy cognac peppercorn sauce and served with a side of golden herb frites.
With so many dining options and acres upon acres to explore, the beachfront property provides so many excuses to never want to leave, but if you are looking for ideas of things to do, there is an Activities/Concierge desk always willing to help.
When you check in, the front desk will provide a daily calendar of activities to choose from for all activities, including dive-in Bingo, popsicle pool-ooza, fish feeding at the marina dock, and even a “sand-sational” castle competition.
While deciding where to go, take out one of the complimentary bikes for a spin around the property.
On the weekends, you won’t want to miss brunch at Angler & Ale where diners can nosh on everything from fish tacos to a juicy half-pound Angler burger served with a side of crispy fries.
Located on the docks of Hawks Cay Marina, the island-style eatery focuses on fresh seafood for a true “hook-and-cook” experience.
The dockside dining destination’s seafood specialties include conch chowder, Kung pao calamari, Caribbean firecracker shrimp, a whole fried yellow tail snapper, and lobster ravioli.
If you catch a fish on your own and bring it to the restaurant, the chefs will sear or blacken it, or top it with a flavorful citrus beurre blanc or tropical salsa.
Be sure to save some room for their signature desserts like a slice of heavenly Dubai chocolate cake or classic Key lime pie.
The restaurant also features live music every day from 7 to 10 p.m.
A DJ can also be found by the main pool daily from 12 to 4 p.m.
Hawks Cay Resort is located at 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard in Duck Key, Florida.
