If you are dreaming of a tropical paradise without the hassle of international travel, look no further. Close enough to enjoy all the lively attractions of Key West but just sufficiently separate to be tranquil and peaceful, Sunset Key enjoys the best of both worlds.
The 27-acre island is home to a number of premium private residences and the luxury resort Sunset Key Cottages, part of the Opal Collection, where refinement is written in every detail. AÂ private shuttle boat ride that takes under ten minutes will get you to this dream escape featuring 40 independent cottages, a spa, a tennis court, a fitness center, a pool, a tiki bar, and a restaurant. Not to mention the crystal-clear water and the white sandy beaches that make you feel like you have just disembarked somewhere in the Caribbean.
This tranquil haven has an unlikely history, as the site was originally known as “Tank Island” due to its purpose as a fuel storage site for the U.S. Navy during the Cold War but later remained mostly underdeveloped. Recognizing its potential, due to its prime location and untouched beauty, it was transformed into an exclusive residential and resort community, carefully preserving its natural charm while adding luxurious amenities.
Read more: 50 Of The Most Mesmerizing Places On Earth
Your private cottage at Sunset Key
a cottage with a porch directly on the beach – @SunsetKeyCottages/Facebook
The resort’s main building, where you will find the concierge and the Latitudes restaurant, acts as a hub for the forty stand-alone private units. Each of the cottages is decorated in a coastal-chic style, with exquisite materials and attention to detail. From the lush textiles to the nautical touches in the accessories and artwork, the interior elevates the relaxed Key West vibe to the ultimate guest experience.
Getting peckish? The kitchen is fully equipped, and the staff can procure and organize your groceries ahead of time so you will have everything at your fingertips when you get there. Having your personal kitchen may inspire your inner chef, but that doesn’t mean that you have to cook. From a complimentary breakfast basket delivered to your door every morning, to afternoon sweet treats, and dining at the upscale Latitudes restaurant, everything is thought through with relaxation in mind. Advance booking is recommended at the restaurant because this waterside venue is in high demand, with its incredible setting to take advantage of the beautiful Key West sunsets.
You may want to burn off all those calories. No problem. Remember, you are a short boat-shuttle away from all the adventurous things to do in Key West. Without leaving your private island, however, you can take long restorative walks and polish your backhand stroke at tennis. The staff can arrange parasailing, jet skis and even a deep-sea fishing adventure. When it’s time to wind down, the cottage has its own private plunge pool, and the property has a sparkling swimming pool and spa where you can get tailored specialist treatments that run the full wellness gamut from facials to full-body massages with a holistic healing approach, even with tables that incorporate vibration and acoustic therapy.
Planning your trip to Sunset Key
a sailing boat on the horizon against the sunset – Michael Ver Sprill/Getty Images
A stay in Sunset Key gives you the spontaneous feeling of traveling abroad without a passport, but it still requires advance planning. The resort has limited capacity and high demand, particularly if you are traveling during the best time of year to visit the Florida Keys. For this reason, the property recommends that you book your table at Latitudes restaurant as soon as you reserve your stay. It also suggests reserving your spa treatments and (if you’re ordering) your grocery list in advance so that they can make sure they can meet your every wish.
The island is connected to the mainland by ferry. If you are flying into Key West airport, a four-mile taxi ride takes you to Opal Key Resort and marina on the waterfront of Key West’s western shore. There are two ferry departures every hour between 6:45 a.m. and 10:45p.m. and by request outside of these times. If you are driving, there is a dedicated guest parking, for a fee, at the Opal Key Resort near the ferry. If you arrive on your own boat, you will need prior approval from the marina, as it is reserved for the exclusive use of residents and guests.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world’s best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.
Read the original article on Explore.