For those seeking an idyllic weekend getaway, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Lower Florida Keys offers an unparalleled retreat. Situated on a private island, this adults-only resort caters to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life—celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Blake Shelton have long considered it their secret haven.
Upon arriving at Little Palm Island, the transition from the ferry dock to the tranquil island setting was almost instant. The signature tropical rum punch, known as the Gumby Slumber, undoubtedly added to the feeling of relaxation that swept over my wife and me. This charming 30-suite resort, which first opened in 1988, occupies just four acres of pristine land but offers a world of relaxation.
The island’s history dates back more than 65 years, with former President Harry Truman known to fish in its surrounding waters before it became the resort it is today. Over time, the island has shrunk in size due to storms but remains a sanctuary for wildlife, including the endangered Key Deer. During our stay, we were even greeted by a pair of deer that wandered right up to our porch, which opened directly to the ocean.
Our weekend was a peaceful blend of indulgence and relaxation. After a beachside lunch of fish tacos and truffle fries, we retreated to one of the resort’s cabanas, where the gentle sway of the ocean quickly lulled us into a nap. The island’s consistently warm temperatures—averaging 77°F year-round—created the perfect backdrop for lounging by the beach or pool.
As evening approached, we dined at The Dining Room, the resort’s only restaurant, where we enjoyed a meal with our feet in the sand. The menu changes daily, offering a fresh experience for each evening. On our first night, we began with black grouper ceviche and crispy Spanish octopus, followed by mahi mahi and wagyu skirt steak, complemented by truffle mac and cheese. My wife opted for a guava elderflower daiquiri while I savored a monkey hut old fashioned. For dessert, we shared churros and almond biscotti gelato as we strolled back to our oceanfront quarters.
The following night, the menu featured mahi mahi ceviche and blue cheese-crusted New York steak, with red snapper and crispy Brussels sprouts as our mains. Each dish was expertly prepared, continuing the indulgent theme of the weekend.
To elevate our relaxation further, we visited the resort’s renowned SpaTerre for an Abhyanga massage with Shirodhara. This Balinese treatment, once reserved for royalty, offered a transcendent experience that added a luxurious touch to our peaceful retreat.
For those seeking more activity, Little Palm Island also offers a variety of excursions, including scuba diving, fishing trips, snorkeling, sailing, and even skydiving or a seaplane ride. Yet, for us, the true luxury lay in the island’s serene atmosphere, where time seemed to slow down and the noise of the outside world faded away.
From its early days as a fishing camp to its transformation into an upscale resort, Little Palm Island has lived many lives. Today, it remains a quiet paradise—a perfect destination for those in search of solitude, luxury, and natural beauty. It was an unforgettable escape, one that offered a stillness unlike any other place I have visited.
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