We knew we needed a getaway, but we were reluctant to hop on an MIA plane or spend a fortune on gas to get out of state. We thought the best solution was somewhere nearby, less than about 100 miles away. But are we going north? Naw, been there done that… Maybe go west? Nothing special comes to mind… South? Shit yeah!

We had heard of Duck Key, my travel companion and I. Ok, well, not really understood as many as we have laughed about it, walking past the welcome sign over the years – with a required “quack” – but never surrendering. So now, with bags packed and compass in hand, let’s go! Destination: Hawk’s Cay Resort, the obvious choice – 90 miles to mile marker 61.

Taking off from Route 1 on Duck Key, we slow down for a smooth cruise down Hawk’s Cay Boulevard where the magnificent AAA Four-Diamond Hotel emerges before us. We suddenly realize that this is exactly what we were looking for – a secluded and intimate island on which to spend three glorious days watching the sunrise and sunset.

It turns out the resort is the perfect vacation spot for couples, but also families and groups interested in the quintessential Florida Keys experience, with virtually every water-related activity imaginable, including simple act of lounging by the pool.

AH, MAKING DECISIONS

Checking in was a breeze. Boasting 427 villas and hotel rooms, the only problem was deciding whether to upgrade our original Hawk’s Cay guest room reservation, a king with 376 square feet of stylish interior space, a private furnished balcony, and a view of the grounds of the complex.

That’s because the totally amazing two-bedroom Penthouse Suites appealed to us: the Stargazer Suite with modern decor and an in-suite telescope; or the Coastal Suite with a comforting casual coastal design. Each 1,400 square foot suite offers spacious living space, two large bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a private rooftop terrace spanning an impressive 3,200 square feet.

We went with the Stargazer suite. Why not live your best life!

There’s also a collection of 250 Hawks Cay two- and three-bedroom villas that are perfect for groups and families. They come with full kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and oversized terraces with water views.

LEARN TO KNOW YOU

As we settled in, we had a chance to reflect on all the amenities this 60-acre true resort destination has to offer. The resort has six restaurants, a saltwater lagoon, five pools, a full-service spa, plus on-site water sports, fishing charters, and a Dolphin Connection facility.

First stop, dinner! Not quite knowing what we wanted, among the variety of places to eat, we would surely skip. Turns out most of them did just that. Here’s what we had to consider:

• Sixty-One Prime, the resort’s newest restaurant, a Florida Keys-style restaurant.
• Angler & Ale, casual Keys-style restaurant overlooking Hawks Cay Marina.
• Coral Grill, with quick snacks and drinks.
• Oasis Cay, an adults-only restaurant with island-inspired dishes and stunning ocean views.
• Hawks Cay Marketplace for pre-made take-out items.
• Tiki Grill, serving the saltwater lagoon and main pool areas, offers cocktails, sandwiches, and salads.

WATER SPORTS WIN THE DAY

Our original idea, just to sit by the pool, was quickly dashed once we explored the resort grounds – and the turquoise waters in front of us. From the full-service marina, Hawks Cay Resort offers guests access to some of the best snorkeling in the world, the best sandbars, and eco-adventures on the ocean and bay sides.

We gave in and did a real tour de force which included stand up paddleboarding and a sunset cruise. The second day was a kayak rental and a tour of the island. On the third day, we fought the urge to indulge in a snorkeling excursion to instead enjoy a well-deserved day of rest by the pool.

Unfortunately, we didn’t allow time for the on-site Dolphin Connection, the only resort-based program of its kind where guests can interact and swim with dolphins in their natural environment.

The list goes on and we’ll surely be back to tackle some tennis and pickleball, a spa day at the 7,000 square foot Calm Waters Spa, and maybe even book a fishing excursion at Hawks Cay Marina.

HERO SALVATION PROGRAM

We can even make it a point to come back during the 14 days of the resorte Heroes Salute annual program, August 1-December 25, Hawks Cay’s way of saying “thank you for your service and sacrifice.” During this time, all men and women (past and present) of the military, fire and rescue, police, sworn officers and medical personnel can take advantage of special discounted rates starting at just $169 a night (in Week). The program also includes value-added water sports offerings, a weekly outdoor hero honoring ceremony and slide show, and more. Get details on how to submit a hero photo for the slideshow by visiting https://www.hawkscay.com/about-hawks-cay-resort/heroes-salute.

FOR KIDS

Now, for those on a family vacation, you can still do all of the above – but be aware that there’s a whole other world of activities here created just for kids. Named the #1 family hotel by USA Today 10Best, Next time we can also take the kids, after discovering Hawk’s Cay, offers a breathtaking range of adventures and activities for the youngest in Coral Cay. In addition to entertainment that adds fun around the clock with special events, the attraction is the center of adventure and activities for the youngest with a football field, basketball courts, practice greens , etc. The centerpiece of the area is the resort’s iconic Pirate Ship Pool, which features slides, tunnels, and water cannons. Very cool !

CONTACT HAWKS CAY

Hawks Cay Resort is located at 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, FL 33050. For more information visit www.hawkscay.com or call 877-484-9342.

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