If you are planning a little warm weather trip to thaw out from the winter chill, you may be thinking of heading down south to the ever-popular spot of Key West, Florida. Consider making a stop along to one of the best kept secret. The location? Duck Key, Florida, home to the largest resort in the Florida Keys – Hawks Cay Resort.
Centrally located between Miami and Key West and between Key Largo to the north and Marathon to the south, this 60-acre tropical paradise is the perfect oasis for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Whether you are planning a long weekend stay or a week-long vacation, here are fifteen things to do during a stay at Hawks Cay Resort.
#1 Attend a Nightly Bonfire
Nights in the Florida Keys can be a bit breezy and refreshingly chilly, but if you want to warm up without the added layers, pull up a spot at one of the property’s nightly bonfires. Curl up in a big Adirondack chair and grab a mug of hot cocoa. Meet and mingle with other guests and exchange stories of your Florida Keys adventures. You may even leave with some new friendships. After all, isn’t everything better with friends?
#2 Book a Spa Service at Calm Waters Spa
If you need some quality self-care, book a spa service at the Calm Waters Spa. From the body bar to facials to massages and everything in between, the Calm Waters Spa at Hawks Cay has it all. I personally recommend the custom massage, which offers a specialized blend of classic Swedish massage with deep tissue therapeutic techniques. This spa service also incorporates the use of hot stones and your choice of aromatherapy. You basically get everything all rolled up into one service, so no need to choose just one.
#3 Catch Some Sun Rays at the Pool
Working on your winter tan? (Always wear SPF of course). Head to one of the five Florida Keys resort pools on the property. Enjoy the tropical tunes whisking you away as you order up a cocktail or mocktail from the nearby Tiki Bar.
Try another personal favorite of mine, the Lime in the Coconut cocktail. Captain Morgan Coconut Rum merrily mixes with the flavors of Coco Lopez, coconut water, and fresh lime. Yes, it is just as delicious as it sounds and is a super refreshing way to hydrate while enjoying a splash of tropical flavor.
#4 Dine at Angler and Ale
Just a short jaunt or golf cart ride from the main resort lobby, Angler & Ale, is a Florida Keys marina side restaurant. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating. Dealer’s choice. Take in a breath of fresh ocean air while admiring the soft twinkle from the glow of Italian lights strewn across the back porch as the sun sets over the marina. (Yep, it is just as picturesque as it sounds).
Choose from a menu that features plenty of Florida Keys specialties including Caribbean conch fritters, peel-and-eat local pink shrimp, and shrimp toast. The whole fried snapper is a culinary creation that is beautiful to witness and even more delicious to eat.
Save room for dessert. My personal favorites are the Chocolate Mud Pie and the classic Florida Keys dessert, the ever-sweet yet tart, Key Lime Pie. (Someone pass me a spoon, please). Oh and don’t be startled by the additional help staff members receive from robot servers.
#5 Eat Lunch at the Tiki Grill
Don’t want to miss out on the warm sun rays from the Sunshine State? (I don’t blame you). Order lunch poolside from the Tiki Grill. Enjoy fresh salads, sandwiches, and sliders. Need another recommendation? I got you! Order up the classic Caesar salad topped with the catch of the day, blackened. Just be careful of iguanas! They love the smell and taste of fresh lettuce and will be looking for a handout. (Sorry fellas – Not today).
#6 Enjoy Dinner at Sixty-One Prime
Feeling fancy? Enjoy dinner at Sixty-One Prime, the resort’s Florida Keys-style chop house. The menu celebrates the restaurant’s commitment to the “Fresh from Florida” initiative created by the Florida Department of Agriculture with a refined farm-to-table approach, which is evident from the menu selections.
Order a glass of red wine and enjoy a bowl of French onion soup. Order up your favorite cut of steak and enjoy a few sides like miso glazed heirloom carrots, a mushroom medley sauteed in sherry butter, and Yukon gold pommes puree.
For dessert, why choose one when you can choose two? I highly recommend the Colossal Chocolate Cake for all you chocolatiers and connoisseurs out there. If you want to stick to more local flavors, opt for the classic Key Lime Trio featuring a little bit of all things key lime including a key lime doughnut, key lime gelato, and key lime tart. Talk about the trifecta of sweet treats!
#7 Go on a Sunset Cruise
If you want to get out on the water, schedule a sunset cruise. Enjoy a beautiful Florida Keys sunset on the water on a private sunset cruise before heading off to enjoy a night of cocktails and dinner. Be sure to bring a light jacket as it may be breezy. Blankets work too!
#8 Grab a Game of Bags
Interested in some casual, laid-back fun? Grab a game of bags. Located in the adults-only section of the resort property, enjoy a game or two of bags (or corn hole – whatever you call it) while you enjoy a chilled cocktail under the Florida Keys sunshine. Take in the sights of the nearby waterfront and have an afternoon of fun.
#9 Lounge at the Adults-Only Pool
Speaking of the adults-only section of the property, take a break from the families and kiddos and head over to the adults-only pool, Oasis Cay. Bask in the sun or reserve your private cabana at the resort’s adult-only oasis. Reserved for guests 21 years of age and older, Oasis Cay is serviced by attentive and friendly Oasis Cay attendants who are happy to meet your every request courtesy of the nearby Pilar Bar.
#10 Order Up a Cocktail or Mocktail
Ready for a before-dinner cocktail or before-bed nightcap? Head to the bar at Sixty-One Prime and pay a visit to the talented bartenders. (Shout out to Terry). Not only will you enjoy a ridiculously delicious cocktail or mocktail, but you will also get some free entertainment with a show as these bartenders whip up some Florida Key classics like a batch of handcrafted Key Lime Martinis. Saluti!
#11 Play Pickleball
If you have been wondering what all of the fuss is about when it comes to America’s fastest-growing sport, try your hand at a game of pickleball. I had some doubts about this game and thought it was vastly overrated not to mention boring. That was until I stepped on the pickleball court and got a pickleball paddle in my hands.
Not sure where to begin? No worries. Sign up for a pickleball clinic where you will learn all about the game. A seasoned vet? Take this time to learn some insider tips from a pickleball instructor who will teach you all about growing your skill set and perfecting your pickleball game. Clinics include drills, practice shots, and strategy, and conclude with live ball games.
#12 Swim with Dolphins
Fun fact: Hawks Cay is home to seven bottlenose dolphins. Catch them playing in the early morning hours or book an in-water experience with them through Dolphin Connection. Here, you can get up close and personal with the dolphins. (Shout out to my little boy, Roux). You can stay on land and meet these magnificent creatures or you can opt for an in-water experience where you can help the dolphin trainers as they continue to teach and train the dolphins new concepts. Colors, hand signals, shapes – all of the things!
#13 Talk with Staff Members
One of the things that makes Hawks Cay feel like home is the staff members from all parts of the country and world. Lynne Lulfs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing says that from New York to France, you will find every team member has a story of how they ended up at Hawks Cay. If you are interested in people’s life journeys and their stories, take a moment to chat with some staff members as you slowly sip on a cocktail or place an order at the Tiki Bar.
#14 Walk the Property
Stretch those legs after a long day of travel and walk the picturesque property of Hawks Cay. A little slice of paradise, Hawks Cay offers 60 acres to explore and wander. Enjoy the brilliantly colored villas that are painted in classic tropical hues that will whisk you away making you feel like you are in some old-world Caribbean paradise. Watch the sunshine dance across the ocean waves as you peruse the docks and admire the nearby boats. Just be sure to keep your eyes out for some sunbathing iguanas.
#15 Watch the Sunrise
If you are an early bird who is usually up before the sun, take advantage of the early morning hours and watch the sunrise. Head over to the adults-only part of the resort and curl up in an oversized Adirondack chair. Be sure to bring a beach towel or cozy sweatshirt to curl up in as early morning hours can be super windy. Stay and sip on a cup of coffee or get your namaste on with a self-guided yoga flow. After all, it is the perfect time of day to get in some sun salutations. Namaste!
Visit Hawks Cay
The next time you are heading south and looking for a spot to stay in the Florida Keys, be sure to check out Duck Key and Hawks Cay Resort.
