The experience begins at Mile Marker 28.5 on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, where you'll find Pirates Road, the path that leads you to the elegant welcome booth and Little Palm's dock, known as Shore Station. Here, the check-in counter transforms into a tropical bar with four stools, where you can enjoy your first (of many) "Gumby Slumber" rum and coconut cocktails. Leave the car keys behind and step onto the wooden yacht named Truman. In less than three miles and fifteen minutes, the lush island, surrounded by mangroves and sandbanks, will reveal itself before your eyes, dotted with thatched-roof bungalows. Disembark and meet your island host, your trusted person throughout your stay. He or she will remind you of the basic rules of this immersive island experience: no TV, no children (under 18), and no distractions (note that the policy of not using cell phones has been replaced by a request to keep them on silent). Now is the time to leave the world behind and fully immerse yourself in island time.
The island's history: Formerly known as Little Munson Island, this island used to be a secret hideaway frequented by personalities like President Harry Truman. In 1988, under new ownership, it was reinvented as a full-service resort, renamed Little Palm Island, and became the first (and, they claim, only) private island resort in the United States. Since then, Little Palm Island has attracted those seeking complete disconnection. Over the years, expansions and improvements have taken place, but the British colonial design needed a makeover when Hurricane Irma devastated the island in September 2017. Little Palm Island had to be reborn as an ultra-luxurious private island resort, tailored to modern travelers. Less than three years later, in the summer of 2020, the resort reopened its doors as an example of timeless barefoot elegance.
The rooms: Spread across the island's four acres, there are a total of 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites (some stand-alone and others divided within larger bungalows), many of them featuring canopy beds and outdoor copper tubs. Thanks to clever design and meticulous landscaping, you'll encounter fewer people than you'd expect (limited to 60 guests). The interiors are a fresh interpretation of classic elegance from the British West Indies, paying homage to Little Palm's overall aesthetic in the past but reinterpreted as contemporary tropical chic. All suites offer water views, outdoor showers, and furnished private terraces; most also provide secluded views of white sandy beaches and come equipped with hammocks, lounge chairs, and fire pits. There isn't a single subpar suite on the island, but the Island Premier suites on the second floor, offering the best views and a spacious 1,020-square-foot suite to enjoy them, are a standout.
Food and drink: The Dining Room is the only restaurant at Little Palm Island, but that doesn't mean you have to have every meal in the dining room itself. It is open for all meals, but the restaurant menus are also available for in-room dining, by the pool during the day, and on the beach in the morning and evening. Wondering why anyone would want to eat indoors when they can do it on the beach? Well, let's just say that sometimes there's nothing better than the cool air conditioning on a warm night, especially when you're recovering from a sunburn. Executive Chef Brendan Mica highlights the best of local seafood in the seafood-focused lunch and dinner menus. For lunch, the fresh Key West shrimp cocktail and the daily fish tacos are the standout dishes. For dinner, the Asian-inspired yellowtail curry with coconut is a must-try. Take it up a notch and make a reservation in advance for the Sandbar Dinner, a private five-course dinner in the shallow waters surrounding Little Palm Island.
The spa: The SpaTerre complex is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Little Palm Island 2.0. It is marked by a two-story atrium with a pleasant breeze and offers treatments such as Biologique Recherche facials, CBD treatments (using Mana Artisan Botanics products), and massages like the Ocean Waves four-hand relaxing treatment. It's a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. With a variety of treatments including ocean-inspired massages, this spa will transport you to a state of total tranquility.
The service: Despite being a private island, this is still the Florida Keys, where service is relaxed and casual.
Environmental commitment: Little Palm boasts several ecological initiatives, such as reef restoration programs and protection of seagrass meadows. The island also uses Vero Water dispensers to avoid single-use water bottles and has completely eliminated plastic straws (although paper straws are available upon request).
Anything else to mention? At some point, take a break from relaxation and discover the natural beauty of the Keys. Free non-motorized water sports are available right on the beach. Grab a kayak and choose your own adventure through the channels that wind among the surrounding mangroves. Paddleboard around the island while watching blue herons and Key deer. Also, consider exploring the underwater world of the Keys with a diving or snorkeling excursion to Looe Key Reef, known for its incredible marine diversity. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover the amazing marine life that dwells within this reef.
How to get there?
Little Palm Island, located just minutes away by boat from Miami, offers an unparalleled paradise escape. This private island resort is perfect for those seeking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
Built with a renewed British colonial style, Little Palm Island has been visited by numerous celebrities over the years. Since its opening in 1988, it has been a secret haven for those seeking luxury and privacy. The island features 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites, many of which offer ocean views, outdoor tubs, and private terraces. Each suite is designed to provide an atmosphere of barefoot elegance, blending classic elements with contemporary tropical touches.
For those looking to explore beyond the island, activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving excursions to Looe Key Reef are offered, known for its incredible marine diversity. Additionally, the resort takes pride in its eco-friendly initiatives, including reef restoration programs and protection of seagrass meadows.
With its prime location in the Florida Keys and its focus on barefoot luxury and sustainability, Little Palm Island is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience. Immerse yourself in this tropical paradise and let the magic of Little Palm Island transport you to a world where time stands still and dreams come true.
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