3 minute read | December 1, 2020
Read the original article on CouplesBest.com.
The sunset peaks under the horizon, the sky gleams in hues of orange and pink, and I exhale a deep breath of relaxation. My feet fiddle in the warm sand as I stand on the edge of our private beach, our room just steps away. Kona Kai Resort is a luxurious adults-only (age 14+) hideaway; seemingly remote and humbly exclusive. Barely visible from the bustling Overseas Highway in old Key Largo, Florida, at Kona Kai, you vacation at your own pace. The measure of time seems to disappear, stress-free and relaxed.
Stepping into our suite, one of a charming thirteen, I inhale the sweet scent in the air and dive onto the fresh, white linen of my king-sized bed. That’s the moment I look forward to most — it’s my favorite — the instant I arrive and take it in: I’m on vacation, and it’s going to be awesome. I snow-angel my bedsheets and settle in. Decorated with tropical motifs, each room is accorded with fruit namesakes, like the Papaya Suite and the Sugar Apple Room; ours was The Breadfruit Suite.
The wide, wall-to-wall window gives us a beautiful view of the Florida Bay, and it allows the sunlight to seep into the room. Washed with natural light, each room is bright and accommodated with comfort, including plentiful space, a living area, a full bathroom with a tub and shower, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a walk-in closet—I’m impressed and grateful for the ample storage space! We unpack and explore our in-room amenities, including a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, select coffees and teas, a hairdryer (thank you!) and complimentary toiletries. It’s the bedside book lights and on-sight DVD library that I most appreciate. We feel at home, carefree and comfortable, so we make our way out the door to explore the rest of the property.
On the other side of our front door, we get the urge to climb into one of their many chaise loungers for a bit. We stretch out on the private, white sand beach shared only with few hotel neighbors. The resort feels intimate—never crowded, always personal. We stroll the gardens to fawn over colorful flowers and fauna surrounding the gorgeous grounds. Although compact, their lush collection of flora is impressive! For the green-thumb and orchid addict, guided exploration is available in their boutique garden; a personalized 90-minute tour by their staff ethnobotanist called “Transform Your Understanding of Plants.”
Their personalized concierge services from gracious staff make us feel welcome. We’re given a curated list of local restaurants and fun nearby places to ensure a great stay in Key Largo. Their team has been loyally employed at the property for years; proof of the warm environment they’ve created. Countless complimentary amenities are found throughout the property, including lighted tennis and shuffleboard courts, beachfront ping-pong, corn hole and equipment to play. The shore is lined with paddle boats, kayaks, canoes and boards for casual use—no need to write your name on a list to check them out.
But we didn’t come to play — we came to relax!
Their beachfront freshwater pool and hot tub are beautiful and temperature controlled. We melt into the water’s warmth surrounded by palm trees and hammocks and the ocean as a backdrop. Refreshing fruit and ice-cold water bottles are available just a reach away by the steaming Jacuzzi, and we enjoy being submerged in the hot water with a cool drink in hand under a sinking sun. As night approaches, we decide to stay in to revel in this tropical bliss. We make a pit stop at the local Publix grocery store for a few snacks and goods to fill in our kitchen and refrigerator. On the barbecue grill by our front door (and nestled throughout the beach), we make a hearty dinner and forget about the dishes. We watch a familiar TV show, read in bed with our bedside light and rest deeply for the evening.
Waking up at Kona Kai is the most luxurious moment of the day. I flutter my eyes open to witness a picturesque skyline outside the 16-foot wide window. The dawn touches the still water, but I know the sun is still making its way out, so I roll over and take a well-deserved snooze. Once I wiggle my way out of the cozy, king bed, we go find the conference room for morning coffee at their complimentary, continental breakfast served daily from 6-10 a.m.. Over bagels and java, we meet other regulars who save their vacation days for Kona Kai,, an annual refuge for many. Overlooking the transparent blue waters, we enjoy the early ocean fragrance and savor our coffee before taking on the rest of the day.
The next few days lead us on a glass boat tour at John Pennekamp State Park museum discoveries and water adventures. We go restaurant-hopping for local favorites like oysters, conch fritters, mussels, Ceviche, hand-picked fish to have it done just for us, key lime pie and many other local culinary delights. Some of our favorite spots for lunch and dinner were Mrs Mac’s Kitchen and The Fish House, but there are numerous options for the freshest seafood everywhere in the Florida Keys and Kona Kai has great options very nearby.
The days go by in a breezy blur in Key Largo. Every time we leave the property to play in this 33-mile stretch of island, we long for the comforts of our resort paradise that’s minutes away from anything you need. After an early dinner, we pull up into the free parking space designated to guests of the resort, we relax for a while in our beautiful suite, and shortly after make our way to catch another gleaming orange-colored sky on a paddle boat, a dip in the pool, and one last sunset.
Following a rested, deep sleep on our glorious bed, our blissful vacation ends and we leave in the morning with a grin on our face and an urge to return to Kona Kai again as soon as we possibly can.
Kona Kai Resort, Gallery and Botanical Garden
97802 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, Florida 33037
KonaKaiResort.com
Tel: 305-852-7200
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For more on Key Largo and all the Florida Keys, visit www.fla-keys.com