Casa Marina Resort has a primary oceanfront location on the tip of Key West, making it an exclusive reservation to nab in the country’s southernmost city. A creation of Henry Flagler, the resort was built in the 1920s and has hosted luminaries such as Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Rita Hayworth and Gregory Peck. After a recent renovation, the National Historic Landmark has become part of the burgeoning Waldorf Astoria Collection.
We recently paid a visit to this “Old Florida” AAA Four Diamond resort and was impressed with its tropical beachfront offerings, luxury service and tranquil setting, just steps away from the excitement of Key West’s Old Town.
If you’re looking to hunker down in premium Key West style, we suggest a 600-square-foot Ocean Vista One-Bedroom Suite. If you’re traveling as a group or with a clan that wants to stay close together, opt instead for an Ocean View Loft Suite. For a touch of history, request a Casa Grand Ocean Vista Room, which is set in the original 1920s building; they have nine-foot ceilings, dark hardwood floors and very spacious private balconies.
Casa Marina Resort is pet-friendly, as long as your pet can front a $125 nonrefundable deposit.
Getting Around:
Fly into Key West International Airport (EYW, just two miles away). Those arriving via private helicopter can contact Island City Flying Service (305-296-5422). If you want to reserve luxury transfers, reach out to Keys Limo Service (www.keyslimo.com; 305-294-2800).
To reserve a top table at the resort’s open-air Sun-Sun Bar & Grill (we suggest a Toes in the Sand table), contact the resort’s Director of Food and Beverage Yunior Rodriguez (yrodriquez@luxuryresorts.com; 305-296-3535, ext. 7755). Hint: Be sure to reserve 24 hours in advance to get optimal seating, especially if you’re anxious to experience Key West’s spectacular sunsets and suggest they try the mahi mahi—it’s to die for.
Concierge Ronald Smicker (cmconcierge@luxuryresorts.com; 305-296-3535, ext. 7744) is an artist when it comes to arranging a memorable private seaplane-ride to Dry Tortugas/Ft. Jefferson National Park. He can also arrange a deep-sea fishing experience for your client and follow up with a “fish concierge,” who will help your client cook their catch. Scuba diving and snorkeling is another key attraction for the resort, since Key West sits near the third largest coral reef system in the world.
If you want to simply relax and soak up the sun, Smicker can charter a sailing vessel for them to explore the area. Feeling even more mellow? There’s always a historic tour of Key West’s Old Town.
Don’t forget the nearby Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, especially if you’re a fan of felines; more than 60 cats, descendants of Hemingway’s pet, reside at the home. Many have six toes, as Hemingway’s original cat did.
The resort’s oceanfront setting makes spa-going an exceptional experience; in fact, the most popular treatments are administered in a thatched hut. There’s only one other treatment room, and that’s inside, so be sure to reserve your clients’ treatments well in advance (ask for John, he’s the top massage therapist). Contact Graziella Gaspari (hmassage@msn.com; 305-296-3535, ext. 7785), director of spa services, with questions or special requests. Note: Massages are available to guests of all ages at the resort.
Note: We did not have the opportunity to check out Casa Marina’s sister property, The Reach Resort, whose 150 guest rooms include 78 suites. However, the Waldorf Astoria Collection positions it as an “intimate and chic retreat for couples.” It shares the amenities of its larger Casa Marina sibling.
Local Dining:
For local dining within Key West, Ken Neibaur at Cardoza-Bungey Travel tells us that Louie’s Backyard is an old favorite of his and that “Michael’s is ideal for romance and special occasions; the outdoor dining area is the prettiest in Old Town.”
Be aware that Key West’s festivals tend to draw many, many visitors, so be sure to book ahead. For Fantasy Fest, which is held annually the weekend before Halloween and New Year’s Eve, you should book at least six months in advance. Parrot Heads Festival in the first week of November is another busy time.
