Key West Luxury Hotel: Oceans Edge Key West

As the newest and largest Key West luxury property, Oceans Edge Key West Resort Hotel & Marina is the place to stay in my opinion…

As soon as we pulled up to the main lobby, I knew it would be a memorable and luxe stay. Everything from the design elements to the service at this resort is refined yet comfortable. Our suite was spacious (they have the largest rooms in Key West), dotted with cobalt blue accents and boasted a stunning private balcony overlooking the pools…

But it gets better: EVERY every single room at Oceans Edge has oceanfront views! This, my friends, is a hotel that lives up to its name: you will literally wake up each morning on the ocean’s edge. And for those of you who love poolside lounging as much as I do, Oceans Edge is basically your dream resort since they have SIX pools for you to choose from. Add to this al fresco dining at Yellowfin Bar and Grill, upscale amenities (like the complimentary 1 hr rental of paddleboards, kayaks or bikes) and on-site access to fishing charters or snorkel boats and you’ll basically never want to leave the property.

This is the perfect resort for those looking for a luxe escape away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. That’s because the property is tucked away on Stock Island (a 15 min drive) and hugged by a newly renovated marina. But you need not worry about getting around because the hotel offers a free, hourly shuttle service to and from downtown between 9 am and 9:30 pm. Or, if you’d prefer to rent a car like we did, there’s plenty of parking available onsite. The pool and ocean views, large suites and exceptional service make this property worth trekking to and from — trust me. Especially if you’re travelling with a family or large party.

Key West Restaurants

If there’s one fine dining experience you splurge on when visiting The Florida Keys, it should be Latitudes Restaurant. Perched on Sunset Key, the beachfront restaurant is something out of a dream. Surrounded by swaying palms, we sipped cocktails and enjoyed a leisurely lunch while taking in the dreamy views. Do yourself a favour and indulge in the Key Lime Colada — it’s the best cocktail in Key West in my opinion…

I’d love to head back to Latitudes for a sunset dinner (it’s been rated as one of the 100 most romantic restaurants in America), but since we were travelling with Little L lunch was a great option for us. TIP: Reservations are mandatory since they have a private boat that will take you to and from the restaurant. Oh, and don’t hesitate booking if you’re travelling with family. They’re very family-friendly: you can bring your strollers, they have high chairs and even offer colouring books to kids!

Other spots for great food in Key West: Garbo’s Grill (food truck), Seven Fish, Little Pearl, Hogfish Bar & Grill, Santiago’s Bodega, Pepe’s Café and Cuban Coffee Queen.

Best Key Lime Pie In Key West

You really can’t visit The Florida Keys without tasting a slice or two (or ten in my case) of key lime pie. I went on a mission to find the very best and had a hard time deciding between Old Town Bakery, Kermit’s Key West, Blue Heaven and Key West Key Lime Pie Co. But the perfectly-torched meringue at Blue Heaven won my vote. This, my friends, is truly a heavenly slice:

Key West Attractions

1. Helicopter Ride With Air Adventures – In my opinion, nothing will give you better appreciation of the keys than hopping in a heli ride with Air Adventures. As Key West’s only helicopter tour operator, these guys offer five unique experiences depending on your budget and desired tour length. Since we had Little L with us, we opted for the 10 minute island tour which had us soaring over historical landmarks, beaches and Mallory Square. We even spotted a few manatees from above! If you’re a nature-lover, definitely book the 20 min Eco Tour (their most popular) and get a bird’s eye view of marine life like stingrays, sea turtles and sharks.

2. Wind & Wine Sail With Danger Charters – If you’re travelling with the grandparents or have older kids who can babysit, this is one experience you’ll want to use their services for. Leave the littles at the hotel with loved ones and enjoy this very romantic excursion with your partner for a date night. I promise that you will never forget it. The sunsets are jaw-dropping, the wine flows endlessly (the crew is very knowledgeable about the varietals and vintages served) and the journey itself is the perfect length. Take a camera to capture the breathtaking unobstructed views…

3. Ernest Hemingway House – Built in 1851, the historic property in the heart of Old Town Key West was Hemingway’s private residence for over 10 years. It’s a must-see for all of you book and cat lovers — yes, I said cats. Descendants of Hemingway’s furry friends still roam the property. Keep your eyes peeled for the cats with extra toes! I was chatting with one when Hubster snapped this shot…

4. Conch Tour Train – No visit to Key West is complete without a ride on the Conch Train. Looping through Old Town Key West, the 90-minute journey has been entertaining visitors since 1958 — including legends like Hemingway. The tour begins at the Front Street Depot and ends behind Mallory Square with three stops along the way (one is a 10 minute rest stop which is just enough time for a washroom break/diaper change). You also have the flexibility to disembark on the second stop (Truval Village) to do a bit of sightseeing and can hop back on a later train. TIP: Take the first tour of the day at 9 am to avoid cruise ship crowds. There were just five people on our train! And if you’re travelling with a baby, there’s room for your stroller onboard.

5. Sunset Celebration At Mallory Square – Of course you’ll want to take in the glorious sunsets with the entire family as well. For this, there’s no better place to head than Mallory Square. The sunset celebration is a Key West tradition so it draws a huge crowd of visitors and locals alike. Think: buskers, vendors selling everything from conch fritters to elaborate pineapple drinks and hundreds of people snuggled up to the shoreline watching the sun dip below the horizon. It’s a beautiful thing when so many people come together to celebrate mama nature…

Although we filled our days in Key West with many more activities and dining experiences than listed above, this itinerary highlights the crème de la crème for those planning a luxury vacay. I hope it inspires you to visit the eclectic, charming and lavish destination. I’m counting down the days to our return…

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