Our friends from Hawks Cay just stopped by, and we have the skinny on some impressive additions happening at the Florida Keys resort. Located on the island of Duck Key at mile marker 61, Hawks Cay offers a taste of the Caribbean lifestyle right in the center of the Keys. From luxury accommodations to water sports and activities, the resort has something to offer every generation.
With stand-alone private pools and up to 4 bedrooms, Hawks Cay Villas are a perfect option for families wishing to enjoy a more private vacation. There are five pools onsite, including the Sunset Pool, a prime spot for watching the sunset, and the Saltwater Lagoon, the resort’s own personal beach. Kids can hang out at the Kid’s Club, where they can splash around in the pirate pool or join in a game of tennis. Adults can head over to the newly expanded adults-only area for a little peace and quiet, and perhaps a cocktail- or three. For the mariners at heart, there are special townhome-style villas directly facing the marina. Dock your beloved boat and step right onto the boardwalk where your vacation awaits. For a more romantic, adult stay, the Premium Lanai rooms have private sundecks and spacious porches steps away from resort pools. You don’t even have to leave your personal outdoor area for a tropical drink – the Beach Grill bar will come to you!
For the ultimate in relaxation and luxury, the resort’s two Sky Suites are at the highest point on the island, offering huge decks and unobstructed views. These two bedroom suites will undergo renovations this fall. We hear they might add telescopes for an even better view.
Ocean will open by the year’s end in the main dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant will be an open kitchen concept, focusing on seasonally-inspired sustainable seafood, caught regionally. The Beach Grill Tiki Bar is also underway (expected to debut by July 4, 2012), where guests can enjoy a poolside libation in the sun by day, or listen to live music by the fire pit in the evenings. The adults-only area has been expanded to offer a new oceanfront al fresco dining experience, Sand Bar. Guests will have the option to dine in the sand or under a covered bar area, where they will delight in traditional Keys-inspired beachside dishes. Hawks Cay has also added Starbucks Coffee to its menu at Island Time, the lobby coffee bar and gift shop. Believe it or not, it’s only the third Starbucks to set up shop in the Florida Keys.
There is no shortage of activities at Hawks Cay, offering a range of things to do, from stand-up paddle-boarding to JetLev – a newly added activity taking water sports to new heights. Strap on your water-propelled jet pack and be prepared to soar up to 30 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Snuba is also a fun addition, allowing guests to scuba dive without the heavy equipment or certification. Divers will tote a raft with oxygen in shallow water no deeper than 15 feet. Fisherman will also delight in the fly-fishing and deep-sea fishing options available at Hawks Cay.
We are especially excited about the Dolphin Connection - allowing guests the opportunity to swim and interact with dolphins at the resort's dolphin research facility – the only one of its kind in the continental United States. Former President Jimmy Carter, along with 30 of his closest family and friends, interacted with the dolphins while staying at Hawks Cay in 2010.
With 20,000 square feet of waterfront meeting space, even a business meeting can set you into relaxation mode at Hawks Cay. Taking it up another notch, there’s a 65-foot power catamaran available for meetings – talk about meeting in style.
For its fourth year, Hawks Cay will present the Heroes Welcome Program, offering rates as low as $99 for military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, and medical personnel. Artist Guy Harvey has partnered with the resort, and a portion of proceeds from each room booked will benefit the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. In 2011, the resort raised $30,000 in proceeds.
For more information about Hawks Cay Resort, visit www.hawkscay.com.