We love living here, close to the excitement of the nation’s capital, where there are so many opportunities for our careers and our children’s education. But we’re over the cold weather. My husband and I daydream about the day when we can retire to a warmer place and settle into life on island time. We have a little sign that reads “Decks, Docks, and Flip Flops” because that sort of sums up our idea of a good time. We recently celebrated our 20th anniversary, and knew that we wanted to get away - somewhere warm, and truly special - to mark the big occasion.
Hawks Cay Resort, way down deep in the Florida Keys, has been on my radar for years. I first heard about it when I was writing for a military publication, because I was assigned an article about the very cool Heroes Salute program this resort runs every year to thank our servicemen and women. So when we were brainstorming where to go for this monumental first big trip since Covid, with no kids in tow, Hawks Cay Resort was my top pick.
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We made the reservation months in advance, and I spent those months in between envisioning crisp white sheets in a spacious room overlooking palm trees swaying in the warm breeze. I anticipated live music, frozen drinks, and fresh seafood. A killer pool, cabanas with wait staff, and a long list of water sports rounded out my idea of what a stay at Hawks Cay Resort would look like. I thought it would be romantic, fun, and relaxing. I was not wrong.
But I wasn’t entirely right either. Our trip certainly was romantic, fun, and relaxing - we traveled with no kids, hung out at the adults only pool, and partook of all the water sports, late dinners, and cocktails we wanted. But on the other side of the resort I was thrilled to see a truly family-friendly version of this same getaway - with an amazing pool for kids, plenty of kid-friendly food options, and fantastic family activities and entertainment. We will absolutely go back with our kids!
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My favorite parts of the trip? It’s hard to narrow it down, but when you head to Hawks Cay Resort don’t miss:
- Angler & Ale: For one thing, they have fried pickles with Old Bay sauce. What Maryland girl wouldn’t love that? The whole menu of fresh seafood is mouth-watering, and the sunset view over the water is to die for. They’ll also cook the fish you catch on an affiliated charter fishing trip.
- Water Sports: There are lots of water experiences and excursions you can try, including the Dolphin Connection. We opted for the sunset cruise, stand-up paddle boarding, and reef snorkeling. Did you know the reef off Hawks Cay is the third largest in the world?! I’ll never forget how many fish we saw, or the giant turtles when we were paddle boarding!
- The Pools and Lagoon: All of the pools at Hawks Cay Resort are glistening clean, with ample seating and manicured palm trees. You can order food and drinks poolside at some, participate in the family games at others (we watched a hilarious “synchronized swimming” competition), and soak up the warm water at all five. The saltwater lagoon is also a special feature unique to Hawks Cay Resort, which literally brings the beach to you.
- Sixty-One Prime: Hands down the best steaks my husband and I have ever eaten in our lives - and he’s a Texan, so that’s big praise. The chilled shrimp appetizer and gorgeous desserts put it over the top. This was a very special anniversary dinner! They also have a breakfast and bar menu, and a case of nice cigars. Hey, it’s vacation!
We will absolutely go back to Hawks Cay Resort, and I hope you will too. It’s a short, affordable flight from BWI then a leisurely, scenic drive south past the Everglades and Key Largo. You’ll find yourself on island time as soon as you hit the bridge over Manatee Bay!
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Disclosure: We were hosted for the purposes of this review. As always, all opinions are my own.
