You could get Mom a bouquet of flowers and a reservation at her favorite local bistro this Mother’s Day, sure. Or you could surprise her with a relaxing long weekend or extended stay in the Florida Keys, the picturesque domestic locale where your family can enjoy all the warmth and beauty of the Caribbean without your passports. We recently explored two gorgeous resorts there, and they’ve got something for everyone. Here's what you need to know if you're planning a Keys-ian getaway (for Mom, or anyone else):
To get there, it’s a three-hour flight from New York to Key West, and then a drive along the iconic Overseas Highway (the stretch of road that links the Keys together). We stopped at the Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort in Marathon, Florida first—it’s a peaceful retreat, but with no shortage of fun activities to meet everyone’s wish list. With two restaurants, three pools, a putting green and a private 2.5-acre beach, we barely left the resort.
Tranquility Bay’s garden lodging offers flexible arrangements to accommodate up to four guests—including traditional guest rooms and three-bedroom beachfront villas with patios and bedroom balconies—which are great for families. Most rooms and suites are just steps from the swimming beach or the tropical garden pool. Beach houses offer private entrances, two (or more!) bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, private laundry facilities, A/C and complimentary WiFi, among other amenities.
We loved the Butterfly Café, which features both al fresco dining on the patio or a sophisticated, coastal-inspired dining room. The menu featured fresh-caught fish and Caribbean cuisine, but the cute “Little Caterpillars” menu had plenty for kids, too. And TJ’s Tiki Bar offered more family-friendly fare, like chicken tenders and fries, fish sandwiches, and coconut shrimp. (And we couldn’t resist ending the night with some signature key lime pie.) TJ’s is also the best nighttime spot for a cocktail and live music.
For active travelers, there’s tons to do: complimentary yoga, a 24-hour fitness center (complete with Pelotons), beach volleyball, and a private marina to jet off from for a snorkel or scuba trip.
The other hotel we checked out was Isla Bella, located midway between Key West and Key Largo (or a 2.5 hour drive from Miami). This one is a great choice for treating Mom, too: with one mile of waterfront, an invigorating spa, and five oceanfront pools, the resort offers plenty of places to relax and luxuriate.
The ocean is the real draw here, and you can feel that every space at the resort was designed to showcase the stunning waters in the Keys. Lodging options include one-, two- and three-bedroom guest rooms and oceanfront suites. The suites have living rooms, outdoor living space, and kitchenettes, which are great for families with little ones and early bedtimes who need a place to hang out.
Isla Bella is a world unto itself, featuring everything we’d want in an effortless vacation. The Marketplace is a one-stop shop for everything from gourmet picnic fixings, skincare, and decor to games, toys, and gear for your outdoor adventure. The concierge can connect you with bikes and great local fishing, kayaking, diving, and boating trips.
The resort can set you up with guided runs along Seven Mile Bridge, which recently opened a pedestrian stretch for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. Eco-minded travelers will appreciate Isla Bella’s partnership with Conch Republic Marine Army— they offer a 2.5-hour ocean cleanup excursion.
We also loved the activities for families, like a sandcastle competition, crafts, and movie night. The full-service spa offers nail and skin treatments as well as relaxing couples packages and amazing massages.
There are more great restaurants here: Mahina, a Polynesian-inspired restaurant, and the newly-opened Sushi Cabana were more upscale, while Burger Palace and The Beach Bar offer casual fare like burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and fruit bowls. It’s hard to name a best part, but if we had to? Three words: Gelato. Happy. Hour.
For more information or to plan a vacation, visit
fla-keys.com
islabellabeachresort.com
tranquilitybay.com
The Keys feature everything you'd want in an effortless vacation.
