Key West has lengthy been the final word Florida trip vacation spot—it has memorable eating places, kitschy structure and a great deal of character. There’s one thing for everybody, whether or not you wish to calm down on the seashore, get a spa therapy or go parasailing together with your entire household. And now, there’s a luxurious lodge that’s simply as spectacular because the city itself and value coming again to yr after yr.
Casa Marina reopened its doorways in 2023 after a $79 million renovation that saved the entire previous Florida attraction, however with fashionable upgrades that make it elegant sufficient for a tropical escape with a straightforward airplane journey (one which’s about to get much more handy after the Key West Worldwide Airport completes a $119 million growth).
Strolling into the foyer of Casa Marina, it’s evident that regardless of present process a complete renovation, it has the identical distinctive historic touches that set it other than different getaways within the Keys, together with the restored unique home windows and a comfy uncovered hearth. Guests flock to the foyer and don’t simply test in; they calm down, go to the bar and browse native books and newspapers whereas ready for his or her family and friends to reach.
The lodge was inbuilt 1920 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler; it was meant to be a resort getaway for the ultra-wealthy to trip on the finish of their journey on his abroad railroad, which related Key West to the remainder of Florida. The railway operated from 1912 to 1935, when it was partially destroyed by the Labor Day Hurricane.
Architects Thomas Hastings and John M. Carrere, who additionally designed New York’s Metropolitan Opera Home and the New York Public Library, labored on the lodge. Merely three days after the grand opening in 1920, President Warren G. Harding got here for a go to.
This century-old landmark boasts its personal pure seashore, which is tough to search out at Key West motels, which are sometimes both landlocked or have man-made seashores. Full-service cabanas, accessible to e book beginning at $250 per day, are outfitted with followers and TVs, guaranteeing all of the comforts of residence. Company may even bask in massages in non-public cabanas whereas they take heed to the waves crashing. Guests can even order tropical cocktails from the bar, soak within the solar after which go to the adults-only pool. It’s far quieter than the opposite, extra touristy choices that encompass the bustling Duval Road.
Within the unique constructing, there are terrace suites that look out over the swimming pools and seashore, and nearly all of the 311 rooms and suites supply gorgeous waterfront views. The Lanai Suites, which have enormous walk-out decks with direct seashore entry, are the crème de la crème of the lodging. You possibly can sunbathe in your private deck or come out for a dip within the water earlier than returning to air con and a refreshing bathe. It’s well-suited for bachelorette events, weddings and, in fact, households who wish to have the choice of operating backwards and forwards all day lengthy. Throughout July Fourth, it turns into fairly the bustling vacation spot, with fireworks seen from the decks.
In relation to stress-free after an extended day on the seashore, the Canary Room foyer bar is a must-visit for an after-dinner drink. It was named after Hemingway’s brief story “A Canary for One,” and the drinks menu drinks pays homage to the author. Whereas it’s a small bar, it’s the proper escape, with colourful floral wallpaper hand-painted by native artist Kaitlin Spain.
For eating, the waterfront Dorada restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and sundown cocktails, serving Baja-Mediterranean delicacies. At sundown, sip a drink on the rooftop or crowd across the hearth pit, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a signature cocktail. You can even e book a sundown sail and depart from the dock.
All through the lodge, considerate touches pay tribute to Key West and make it really feel fully distinctive. Even within the reward store, there are curated books from native bookstore Books & Books, with Key West resident Judy Blume weighing in on a few of her favorites.
The Flagler Ballroom is historic in its personal proper, internet hosting everybody from Rita Hayworth and Robert Frost to Herbert Hoover and Harry Truman.
Fall is among the finest instances to go to, because the city is residence to the Goombay Pageant in October; it’s a road social gathering that celebrates Bahamian tradition with parades, reside music and Caribbean delicacies.
The Goombay Pageant is adopted by the famed fundraising occasion Fantasy Fest, the place locals and guests take part in a 10-day extravaganza very like Mardi Gras, the place a king and queen are topped. The theme modifications yearly, and attendees attire up in elaborate costumes.
In case you’re in search of timeless class inside probably the most fascinating and entertaining cities in the US, Casa Marina should be your subsequent trip vacation spot. Whether or not you’re in search of an adventurous trip with snorkeling gear or just wish to bask in a therapeutic massage on the seashore whereas taking within the historical past of this iconic resort, Casa Marina presents one thing for everybody.
