If you’re heading out to the fabulous Florida Keys, consider making Key West your destination.
In full disclosure, I was invited out to Key West by the teams at Pier House Resort & Spa and the tourism board of The Florida Keys and Key West (@TheFloridaKeys). I had an INCREDIBLE time and felt like royalty, and I want to share with you my recommendations from my adventure too!
Where to Stay
Pier House Resort & Spa
I had the opportunity to be welcomed to Key West by Pier House Resort & Spa (@pierhousekw) and boy, did they not disappoint!
Not only is it luxurious and beautiful, but the location is killer. The luxury property is located right on Duval street (the most ‘happenin’ street in Key West, it seriously feels like a tropical, tiny version of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street), but it has its own private beach, is right by the marina and a short walk to Mallory square, where everyone gathers for Sunset Celebrations, not to mention the hotel looked like an oasis itself.
First, we were greeted in our room with a bottle of champagne and a fresh cheese and fruit assortment 😍🤤 We were then given a tour of the grounds, and I was completely entranced. Everything was so lush AND super well kept. My gal pal and I were given a tour of the gorgeous property, which ended with cocktails by the ocean.
What to do:
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Even if you’re not familiar with Hemingway’s work (which, either way, he’s a legend of a man) this house is worth the visit. Not to mention holding the title of the largest residential pool in all of Key West (which was once actually Ernest’ regulatory sized boxing ring before he pissed off his second wife, only costing him $20k during the great depression which is over $300k with inflation in today’s equivalent…)
It also is home to 50+ polydactyl cats! 😻 They even have their own Instagram account lol (@hemingwayhomecats) (If you didn’t know, polydactyl means having six toes on some paws…) They’re here because all of the kitties are descendants of Ernest’ polydactyl cat Snow White, and some even having six toes on ALL four paws. It was like an easter egg hunt for me finding these cute little creatures all over the property lol. (Maybe I’m just a little crazy cat lady, but I’m not one bit ashamed.) They are hardly excited or disturbed by guests wandering around the property, so don’t expect much interaction from them but most will let you pet them if you’re gentle in your approach. ☺️
Treat Yourself to Wind & Wine Sunset Sail with Danger Charters
We had no idea what we were in for. This sunset sail boasts being one of the top-rated sunset cruises in Key West (which, there seems to be no shortage of), and we had a blast. We head out to sea and begin sampling all sorts of wines and delicious hors d’ oeuvres, but the party really kicked off when that golden hour hit. How can you not be thrilled with such natural beauty from mother nature? 😍 The crew was excited to be there too. All in all everyone was just enjoying life and thrilled to be there. (@Danger_Charters)
Get a Massage at La Concha’s Top Spa
Beside being a fabulous hotel, La Concha (@laconchakw) features the highest point in Key West with their Top Spa. I was fortunate enough to have received a swedish massage there and oh my god, I have no complaints. I felt like royalty, and the massage was one of the best I’ve ever had. After a rough night out, this is the perfect thing to do for your recovery and relaxation!
Head to Mallory Square for Sunset
Each evening at sunset, you can catch performers such as jugglers and acrobats, street vendors selling handcrafted necklaces and plants featuring urchins and seashells, and live music. (Be sure to bring some extra cash!)
Where to Eat/Drink:
First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery, Pier House’s Beach Bar, One Duval Restaurant & Bar, Half Shell Raw Bar
All of these restaurants are amazing, each for their own thing! Steak with Chimichurri followed by fried PB&J’s and Key Lime pie at First Flight… (@firstflight_kw) Calamari and fried lobster sliders at Pier House’s Beach Bar… (@pierhousekw) Beet salad, filet mignon, and a chocolate flourless cake at the beautiful beachside One Duval…(@pierhousekw) and a Lobster & Steak surf and turf and a sampler platter at Half Shell Raw Bar with locally caught seafood. Just doesn’t get any better ❤️ (@halfshellrawbar)
Get Drinks and Caviar at the Tipsy Rooster Liquor Store & Bar
They just refinished the floor in this beautiful place, and needless to say I am a fan. The ambiance is just beautiful, and they have great happy hour deals on drinks and caviar! 😍 (@tipsyrooster)
In Conclusion..
I had an absolutely fabulous time in Key West, I’ve already gone back once and plan to again for New Years lol. It’s such a fun loving and beautiful tropical-paradise, it’s practically impossible to not have a great time there and leave feeling like you were just on top of the world! 🤗
