Review: Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key, Florida, USA /

As the spring travel season winds down, many travelers look ahead to what summer has in store for them. Families, friends, and solo travelers tend to gravitate towards a unified summer vision – basking in the warm sunshine with a fresh drink in hand, a gentle breeze against their face, and endless relaxing options to choose from. Anyone looking to experience these moments in paradise need look no further than Hawks Cay Resort, located in the middle of the Florida Keys.

Hawks Cay Resort is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection and an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner. It is a luxurious oasis on the remote island of Duck Key. Hailed as the largest resort in the Keys, this property spans 60 acres with a range of accommodations, including a one-bedroom presidential suite, a two-bedroom penthouse suite, and on-site luxury villas with private pools – ideal for larger gatherings such as family reunions and wedding parties.

The welcome

As guests make their way through the secluded driveway, they have the option of free parking or valet parking at an additional cost. The quality of the staff’s service became apparent the moment we stepped onto the property, when the porters greeted us and collected our luggage. Upon entering, we were treated to our first glimpse of the alluring design and decor throughout the resort lobby, with soft color palettes and fresh scents subtly suggesting our minds to relax. Quick yet informative, I found the check-in process almost effortless as the front desk staff walked me through an overview of the resort.

The room

Hawks Cay Resort has been redesigned and modernized and offers a diverse selection of rooms to choose from. The Lanai Adult Guest Room is ideal for those seeking maximum relaxation and seclusion. Located on the adult-only side, this room category offers plenty of space to call home for the next few days. This 396 sq. m. Designed with soft color tones, this room features top-of-the-line appliances, amenities and a private veranda that leads directly to the adults-only Oasis Pool.

The bathroom

Designed in soft white tones and tan tiles, the bathroom has a spacious counter top and a wide vanity mirror framed by illuminating light. The walk-in shower behind a glass door provides plenty of space and the perfect amount of water pressure. Luxury towels can be found both on the shower door handle and under the washbasin cabinets. Hygiene amenities include deluxe soaps, lotions, makeup wipes, and travel-size shower caps, which can be found on the counter by the water basin. Plush robes are located in the closet area.

The facilities

The “main course” of Hawks Cay’s late options can be found in its various delicious culinary experiences. No vacation is complete without tantalizing the senses with the tropical flavors and delights of the resort’s dining options. The resort’s food and beverage team left no stone unturned as we were taken on an immersive culinary journey with every offering from the resort, while still considering and accommodating our dietary preferences and restrictions.

Enjoy a variety of a la carte options such as the Banana Walnut French toast or my personal favorite, the Buttermilk Belgian Waffle. Grab-and-go options are available at the Hawks Cay Marketplace, where guests will find plenty of ready-made items, as well as snacks and an on-site Starbucks.

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties at Angler & Ale for lunch, while enjoying an ice-cold draft beer on their patio overlooking the sparkling waters of the Keys. More casual options can be found at the Tiki Grill, a great poolside option for those spending their sunny afternoons lounging in the resort’s main pool.

For dinner, we returned to the resort’s signature Sixty-One Prime restaurant to enjoy gourmet options curated with craft, presentation, and passion. Local seafood dishes are available, as well as an immense list of world wines to pair with entrees. Menu highlights include Petite Cut Tenderloin of Beef, Key West Pink Shrimp, and Lion’s Mane Crab Cake. My dessert suggestion will have to be the creamy Key Lime Pie.

The resort’s saltwater lagoon invites guests to paddle board and kayak. Other water sports activities include fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and plenty of swimming around the resort’s various pools.

The resort’s structural and geographic design was created with intent and ease. For parents who want to indulge in a world-class relaxing spa treatment without having to drag the kids around, they can drop their kids off just steps away at the resort’s kids club, Coral Cay Activities & Adventures. While parents enjoy the wellness offerings of the award-winning Calm Waters Spa, their children can enjoy a range of daytime activities such as scavenger hunts, pirate-themed pool adventures and crafts. Named #1 Family Resort by USA Today 10Best, parents will find that their children will want for nothing.

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Rent

Hawks Cay Resort is located in Duck Key, about halfway through the famous Florida Keys. Residents enjoy the carefree, relaxing environment with plenty of outdoor activities along the coast.

Other nice keys

The staff goes out of their way to make every guest feel at home. While many luxury resorts pride themselves on their professionalism, most miss the mark of incorporating warm, personalized service into their interactions with guests. Hawks Cay Resort provided us with an array of memorable moments from the staff. Angler & Ale employee Basil left our hearts touched as he effortlessly connected with us through his warm humor and charisma.

cost

A standard Hawks Cay Guest Room ranges from about $330 per night. The Lanai Adult Guest Room I stayed in ranges from about $450 per night.

The best bit

The resort’s focus on catering to adults really sets this resort apart from all other surrounding options in the surrounding Keys. For an immersive and themed adult experience, guests will be delighted to find Pilar Bar in the adults only section, Oasis Cay. This themed bar is inspired by the worldly and legendary novelist Ernest Hemingway, whose fishing boat named Pilar was the muse behind the classic American literature, “The Old Man and the Sea”. Enjoy Papa’s Pilar-infused cocktails while tucking into snacks like my personal favorite, the Fried Pickle Chips. Time seems to stand still in this small, serene corner of the resort, and guests may realize that now that the afternoon hours are over, they might as well stay for another drink and spectacular sunset views.

The final verdict

Hawks Cay Resort undoubtedly redefines tropical luxury. This resort welcomes visitors all year round, and while guests may not have enough time to enjoy all the amenities the resort has to offer, the warm and personable staff will always be there to welcome them on their next visit. I can definitely say that I will come back to enjoy my time again in this oasis of paradise.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Hawks Cay Resort.