Once a year, you should go somewhere you’ve never been. With the beginning of a new decade ahead, there are new opportunities to dedicate yourself to self-care and spending time in places that enhance your well-being. If you’ve never traveled to the Florida Keys, treat yourself and discover one of the most unique parts of the country. The largest of the Florida Keys and known for some of the best beaches in the Southeastern US, Key Largo is viewed as the more laid-back version of its more popular cousin, Key West. Seemingly a world away, but slightly more than an hour drive from the Miami airport…Key Largo is made for the East Coast traveler that wants a quick, beachy getaway without using a passport. 

Many travel to the Keys for sports fishing, water activities, and party boating…yet, the lack of high-end accommodations in the area can leave those looking for a luxury getaway at a loss. 

Tucked quietly in a grove of large palms near the John Pennekamp State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, is the Florida Keys first all-inclusive resort, Bungalows Key Largo. 

Set up like a tiny beach hamlet, Bungalows Key Largo was built specifically to be featured on your Instagram feed. This beautifully landscaped, adults-only resort perfectly pairs the South Florida lifestyle with touches of Asian-inspired, minimalist decor. Keeping in line with the decor, the Zen Garden Spa features outdoor treatment rooms surrounded by a winding forest of towering black bamboo. The Himalayan Salt Room is suited for those that believe in the healing powers and health benefits of warm salt caves to help ease joints, loosen muscles, and drain stuffy sinuses that are often found in city dwellers. The Eucalyptus Steam Room is also a must-do at the spa. The benefits of eucalyptus, an essential oil, include the soothing of the respiratory system and combats inflammation…something that can be a problem for many during the winter months. In-room treatments, which are rarely offered at many resorts, are available at Bungalows. Soothe your well-traveled muscles with an aromatherapy massage in room, followed by a warm bath infused with relaxing oils and a take-home scrub. 

Garden bungalows sit quietly on sandy “streets”, while tree frogs sing in canopy of palms above. The waterfront bungalows face the beautiful turquoise waters surrounding the key, as well as the pool and beach area. Each bungalow has a pretty outdoor shower and large outdoor soaking tub, perfect for enjoying a late cocktail while washing away a day in the sun. Aqua-colored Huffy Cruiser bikes are included with each bungalow and are dotted around the property to help guests zip around quickly and in style. The bungalows are each equipped with floral-scented Bvlgari toiletries, keeping the property on-brand with their luxury layout.

While Bungalows Key Largo is all-inclusive, you’ll want to explore the island’s food and excursions at your leisure. To start off the New Year, foodie travelers can enjoy Key Largo and the flavors of the Florida Keys in the 2020 edition of Uncorked: The Key Largo and Islamorada Food & Wine Festival. From Jan 9-19, visitors and locals can mingle during this 11-day culinary extravaganza held at various venues around Key Largo and Islamorada.

The Sunset Tiki Bar located a few steps from the water is perfectly named and you’d be advised to have your seat at the bar in time to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean-like sunsets over Key Largo. With a variety of botanicals and spirits, the mixologists at the Tiki Bar and upstairs at the Art Deco-styled Hemingway’s showcase both the casual, yet upscale decor of the property. 

While you’ll notice many guests at Bungalows Key Largo are from the Florida area, this is a sweet place to anchor a vacation to the Florida Keys from any part of the country. Leaving the snowy, brisk mornings of winter to land in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, only to spend the late afternoon cocktailing on a Floating Tiki Boat with friends is reason enough to visit Bungalows Key Largo this winter.

While the waterside bungalows are show-stoppers, travelers looking for clean lines and a peaceful space will enjoy the Garden Bungalows.

The sunset views from Bungalows Key Largo are postcard perfect and you'll want this image in your Instagram feed to start off the New Year.

Reserve a Floating Tiki Bar with friends to enjoy the waterways surrounding Key Largo and enjoy cocktails from the Tiki Bar at Bungalows Key Largo.

Positioned side-by-side, the Himalyan Salt Room and the Eucaplytus Steam Room, are a the perfect way to eliminate jet lag while visiting the property's spa.

Travelers will want to spend every evening at Bungalows Key Largo sipping on a specialty cocktail from the Sunset Tiki Bar.