Relaxation, sun and an ambience that is reminiscent to that of the Caribbean – without leaving the U.S. – are just some of the reasons why Key Largo, Florida, is such an attractive destination.

In particular, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, an Autograph collection Marriott property, is a true gem and an easy getaway from Texas. This four-star resort offers everything you’d need onsite, including a view of the Florida Bay.

The beautiful, crystal-clear, blue, tranquil water is your first impression upon arrival. A quick, 3-4 hour flight from most major Texas cities to Miami, and then a one-hour Uber ride from the airport will bring you to this serene spot that’s nestled amidst dense, natural green foliage and edged by the ocean. In fact, during construction of the property, special attention was given to building it around natural elements and unique, native plants to preserve an authentic beauty. The strategy worked –  a natural spirit can truly be felt and seen when strolling Playa Largo’s trails.

Upon arrival, a beach shack poolside restaurant, the Sand Bar, is a great first stop. You’ll find dozens of custom tropical cocktails and frozen creations, along with a full menu of fresh seafood and savory offerings. We recommend ordering the Blackened Shrimp Tacos or the Floridian Bahn Mi, a spiny lobster and shrimp cake topped with cilantro, cucumber, carrot, jalapeno and Thai vinaigrette.

Stay in The Hammocks

Check into your room and prepare to be amazed with spacious amenities. In addition to a full array of rooms and suites, Playa Largo offers 10 private and secluded beach bungalows that are nestled in the property’s natural amenities. These two-story colorful bungalow villas are playfully named and branded, for example: “Day Dreams” and “First Light.” All villas have upper and downstairs balconies and include a convenient breakfast basket delivered daily to your door and filled with savory and sweet pastries, fresh fruit and coffee.

Complete with a private pool and beachside backyard, a three-bedroom, two-story main house dubbed the ‘Beach House’ is also available and a great option for family events, weddings, or bachelorette/bachelor parties. A private chef is also available for booking, which can make for a perfect and cozy, intimate gathering around the Beach House’s large circular dining table that can accommodate up to 10 people.

Tropical Mixology Class

Guests can enjoy a variety of add-n experiences at the resort, like the Tropical Mixology Class. Step into the onsite Las Olas restaurant and you might meet the most passionate “former home builder turned bartender” around. Matt is a former army home builder who changed his plans during the 2008 financial crisis and discovered a love for creativity surrounding mixology.

Learning to make drinks like Island A-“Pear”-Ell, the Hemingway Daiquiri, and Smoked Cherry Chocolate Rum Old Fashioned includes some history around the drinks, plus some unique twists – and a little bit of fire and smoke, as two of the beverages are lit on fire or garnished with flamed lemon expression and mint.

In the Sea Dining

Following your cocktail making class, head out to a sunset dinner with your table, chairs and feet planted in the water. Sunset watching, great conversation, and beautifully placed appetizers are perfect for these spacious tables that can be moved around to accommodate up to eight people. Sol by the Sea offers a delightful array of appetizers and mains, including a smoked mahi dip and a hearty quinoa power bowl that’s packed with colorful vegetables and a fresh basil vinaigrette.

For dessert, reserve a Chimenea experience to roast s’mores while sipping perfectly paired Pinot Grigio fireside before you make your way back to your spacious two-story villa in The Hammocks.

Water Cabana Rentals

Reservations for poolside daybeds, cabanas – along with beachside water daybeds, and water cabanas offer spacious options for beachside lounging – along with the properties many hammocks. A favorite, the water cabana, offers tranquility directly in the crystal clear-blue green waters, along with complimentary vanilla-infused fruit inside a pineapple and your own dedicated Sand Bar server.

Snorkeling and Sunset Excursions

Caribbean Watersports is onsite at Playa Largo with options for sunset catamaran cruises and snorkeling excursions. Unique coral reefs that stem from roots of nearby partial islands make this area a unique find for snorkeling, along with schools of brightly colored yellow fish and starfish. If you are lucky, you may even spot a manatee. Kayaking and standup paddle boarding are also available, along with catch and release dockside fishing. If you venture out on a boat tour, Captain Lolly and her crew are sure to put a smile on any face with engaging activities and Hospitality.

Additional Dining Options

An Italian option is also available at Playa Largo through La Marea, where fresh handmade artisan breads and pasta sauteed in local ingredients are abundant.

Sound Bath Yoga

Reservations for seaside yoga are also available with an instructor that plays the sound bath for meditation after each practice. Truly a restoring experience! During our sound bath sessions, due to the stirring up of wildlife, we witnessed sounds of ripples in the ocean, despite the fact that there are minimal waves in the ocean. The Chakras are the instruments used during each sound bath session. Believed to help unblock certain emotions or stressors, we learned the Chakras can actually spur different reactions in different people. For example, someone from our group unknowingly cleared her throat each time the throat chakra was played. A concept that comes from Hinduism, learning about the chakras and experiencing them seaside in the Keys can be a truly eye-opening experience.

Most Unique Experience: Event Tide Celebration

Unmatchable to anywhere else and exclusive to Key Largo – the property celebrates Event Tide at sunset every evening to mark the end of each day. Live music and the opportunity to write your “worries” on a piece of paper to then have them lit on fire and sent out to sea is a symbolic gesture. Visitors can also send themselves or loved ones a postcard to be received back home, which is made of recycled paper induced with seeds that can in turn be planted to grow a little piece of Playa Largo in your own yard.

Overall

Sweet and meaningful attention to details surrounded by a hospitable and kind staff creates a relaxing one-of-a-kind vacation atmosphere, and all the extra enhancements make an “island time” vacation one of the most memorable. The Playa Largo Resort is the perfect spot to experience the heart of the Florida Keys.

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Cover photo courtesy Playa Largo Resort & Spa

Britni Rachal lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a fifth generation Texan who enjoys all things fashion, shoes, tennis, and traveling. In addition to writing, she is a full-time marketer.