The Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is the type of location where all your vacation dreams come true. It’s situated on a private island that can be reached only via seaplane or boat and it’s brimming with natural undisturbed life, such as key deer. Therefore, one can attest with certainty that it is a secluded place that will truly take you away from the madding crowd.
As a consequence, the Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is perfect for couples on their honeymoon, for those who are looking to escape and find a place for their romantic moments or for those who intend to get married here. The tropical landscape makes this resort one that you are not likely to forget anytime soon.
Accommodation type: 5-star hotel
No. of Rooms & Suites: 30
Pricing: Starts at $1,215
High season: May to September, but the hotel is open for business at all times
Nearest airport: Key West International Airport
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners, birthdays, celebrations, visits, staycations. Not suitable for families with children, as no children under 16 are allowed into the resort.
Awards:
- Conde Nast Travelers 10 Best Private Island Resorts in 2016
- “Gold List” The World’s Best Hotels for 17 years and running
- Zagat’s “Extraordinary to Perfection” The Dining Room at Little Palm Island between 2010 and 2012
- The Award of Excellence between 2010 and 2015 from the Wine Spectator
- Preferred Supplier by Signature Travel Network
- Best Beach Resorts: #11 in 2016 by Andrew Harper and many, many more
Accommodation
The Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is a wonderful resort and spa located on a tropical island. Therefore, you can only get there via boat, ferry or seaplane. That, evidently, means no cars. Upon arrival all the guests are greeted with complimentary cocktails, to get them right in the island mood.
When it comes to the room themselves, they are not rooms at all, but standalone villas, all private. Their design is a mix of opulence and the Old Florida Style. Every single villa has one secluded veranda which includes an outdoor hot tub big enough for two people. They also have private fire pits, outdoor showers, hammocks, and individual boat docks. The décor is very Tommy Bahama style including a champagne chiller, gourmet snacks, and fresh fruit.
All the rooms open to ocean vistas and they have stunning four-poster beds with white and gold linen. The bathrooms are the epitome of opulence and luxury as well, with amazing antiquated bathtubs underneath imposing crystal chandeliers. Every room provides Wi-Fi, but guests are very much encouraged to unplug while they stay at the Little Palm Island Resort and Spa. In fact, cell phones are frowned upon as well.
Apart from all of this, you might also run into some celebrities during your stay at this resort. Seeing as it is such a secluded place located on an island where they cannot be photographed or disturbed, it’s easy to understand why stars prefer Little Palm Island. Back in the 40s and 50s, Harry Truman and Franklin Roosevelt vacationed here. Then there are your more regular Donald Trump and Michael Jordan.
Facilities
- Outdoor hot tubs
- Private fire pits
- Individual boat docks
- Hammocks
- Outdoor showers
- Free Wi-Fi
- The rooms are not equipped with a TV, as the resort encourages you to unplug and get away from it all.
As far as eating at the Little Palm Island Resort and Spa goes, you are in for a treat. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace with live music, and a romantic atmosphere warmed up by candle lit dinners. The food itself is a combination of Caribbean and French cuisines. Therefore, you will always be served dishes such as shrimp, yellowtail ceviche, coconut lobster bisque, or mahimahi with cilantro polenta.
The food may be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it. Apart from that, seeing as there are no other restaurants or shops on the island, you are bound to it.
Complimentary Activities
- Spa treatments, the likes of Madrugada Water Massages, inside the hotel’s own SpaTerre.
- Picnics around the island with a complimentary lunch packed by the chef himself
- A pool right in the middle of the island, surround by lush tropical vegetation. It also has bubbling fountains, a Tiki Bar, and lounge chairs. This is where you are most likely to see wild key deer, as they gather at the water’s edge. They are an endangered species and no larger than a big dog.
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boarding
- Fishing for your own dinner
- The Little Palm Island Boutique
Travel Options
As noted above, guests cannot travel to the Little Palm Island Resort by car. However, the nearest airport to the island itself is Key West International Airport. The resort is one hour away from it and the city of Miami.
Apart from that, guests can also drive to Little Torch Key which lies near Big Pine Key. From there, one of the hotel’s yachts will take you to the island. If you are in Florida, then seaplanes can pick you up anywhere and fly you to the resort.
Main Attractions Around the Little Palm Island Resort and Spa
As far as attractions around the Little Palm Island Resort and Spa go, you can do some fishing or kayaking in the area with help from the hotel itself. You can also go to Duval Street if you want a little taste of nightlife and entertainment.
However, the location is poor in attractions, seeing as it was designed for guests to go on a remote and secluded island and stay there. The Little Palm Island is all about getting away from the world, not going there and then looking for other attractions.
Little Palm Island’s Main Attraction
The main attraction as far as Little Palm Island Resort is considered is its restaurant. All the reviewers rave about it and state that everyone should go there at least once in a lifetime. And everyone can, seeing as the restaurant serves all, not just the guests. However, if you are not staying at the hotel, you need to make a reservation to eat at the restaurant.
Apart from that, you should also know that they will require proper attire and that children below 16 years of age are not allowed. Some of their dishes include the following.
- Bohemian Coconut Conch Chowder
- Mini Crab Cakes
- Cold Water Oysters for raw eaters
- Pulled Pork “Cubano”
- Fish Tacos
- Florida Stone Crab Claws, when it’s their season
- Butter Poached Maine Lobster
- Sunset Baked Alaska
- Dark Chocolate Coated Goat Cheese Panna Cotta
Final Words
The Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is the perfect place for those who want to relax, spend some quality time with their partner or simply get away for a few days. Here you can enjoy nature, amazing moments by the pool or gratifying treatments at the spa.