Florida's New Island Retreat Is at the Ocean's Edge

Oceans Edge Resort and Marina
Key West, Florida
Modern, $ 

The Florida Keys know how to ride with changing tides. Two years after Hurricane Irma ripped through the small collection of islands, the laid-back Floridians did anything but lay low, turning their key lime into limeade by opening new oceanside hangouts, including the first independently owned luxury resort, Oceans Edge Resort and Marina. Located on twenty acres of Stock Island, it has immediate dockside access to both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and is a water lover's paradise: All 175 guest rooms are complete with unobstructed ocean views; more than 80 suites have private waterfront terraces; there are six on-site outdoor pools; and boat charters are on call for water sports and expeditions to the world's third largest barrier reef. In a haven where fresh seafood is king and the casual flip-flop dress code is highly encouraged, living the island life here is easy.

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At a Glance

The Vibe: Sweet seaside escape.

Standout Detail: Vast ocean views from every room. 

This Place Is Perfect For: Travelers who love being by the water; fishing and sailing enthusiasts; pet owners looking for a chill spot for their four-legged companions.

Rooms: All 175 rooms and suites are spacious and crisply designed with nautical flair that complements the waterfront views. Suites include private porches and separate living room spaces complete with wet bar and mini bar. Decorated with locally sourced artwork. Multiple pet-friendly rooms available.

On Site: Six outdoor swimming pools, including one with poolside food and tropical drinks, an on-site dog park, and large marina with over 150 boat slips with on-call boats for water sports, fishing excursions, snorkeling, and reef explorations. Jet skis, paddle boards, and kayaks are available to rent daily. There's free morning yoga and a one-mile marina loop for those who want only the slightest bit of activity before lazing poolside. Complimentary hourly shuttles transport guests to and from downtown Key West.

Food + Drink: Waterfront indoor/outdoor restaurant Yellowfin Bar and Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Floridian-Caribbean cuisine (local fish with bright tropical flavors). Casual seating is encouraged with long communal tables made from reclaimed wood and cozy couches perfect for sunset cocktails.

What to Do Nearby

Take the complimentary shuttle to downtown Key West for dinner at Blue Heaven, an iconic Key West landmark with Caribbean cuisine, a killer key lime pie with mile-high meringue, and live music (only open on Fridays and Saturdays.) Or head to the Old Town's two-year old The Little Pearl, sister of the popular raw bar, Thirsty Mermaid, where local flavors shine through. Take note from the name and order the baked oysters with bright pickled onion, mustard seeds, and wilted greens. On the northern edge of Old Town, it's hard to miss the former gas station painted in shades of pale pink and lime green that is now Bien, a counter bar and restaurant with rectangular tables outside where cars once pulled up for the glorious cooling misters while pumping their gas. These days, you'll go for the fire-grilled pulled-pork sandwiches with pickled jalapeños.

On Stock Island, Hogfish Bar and Grill, tucked away in Safe Harbor, is a tiki-torch bar serving its popular Hogfish sandwich and cocktail specials. Shop local goods and surfer essentials at Coast Projects, which also hosts weekly concerts and events.

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