Florida Keys, FloridaIslamorada
Amara Cay Resort
Modern rustic resort
Islamorada Florida Keys, Florida
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Resort SocialOutside the door
The house
Islamorada Resort CollectionModern rustic resort
The resort runs like a relaxed beach house, where lobby papasan chairs give way to hammocks along the water.
“Travelers are completely immersed in the modern rustic design the moment they entire the lobby, filled with reclaimed wood, and swinging papasan chairs.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Bigtime Design Studios refreshed the oceanfront property with pale oak and woven rattan.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The chic Amara Cay Resort oozes laidback luxury. Its lobby—with windows overlooking the beach and pool—immediately captures your attention.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Islamorada's charter fishing docks and casual seafood joints sit just minutes away along the Overseas Highway.
The rooms
Rope and woven rattan furnish the rooms, and suites look out over the Atlantic from private balconies.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Submerged loungers sit directly in the water, and curtained cabanas line the palm-shaded pool deck.
Tiki Bar
The bar serves tropical cocktails and Key lime pie, and anglers can bring their ocean catch to be cooked.
How it began
The property hosted travelers as a roadside motel from the 1970s until a full overhaul and relaunch in 2015.
Florida Keys
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.