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Amara Cay Resort Islamorada: A Luxury Island Oasis in the Florida Keys

Amara Cay Resort Islamorada: A Luxury Island Oasis in the Florida Keys

FLORIDA, LUXURY AIRLINES & CRUISES TOURS, LUXURY HOTELS, LUXURY HOTELS, UNITED STATES

I am always searching for a fabulous staycation spot in my home state of Florida. I recently experienced the beautiful Amara Cay Resort which is nestled in the lovely and laid-back Islamorada. The Sport Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is located in the Florida Keys – hallway between Key West and Miami! This is an ideal destination for families with its clear and calm waters, towering palm trees, sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. It’s an equally appealing spot for divers and snorkelers, thanks to a colorful variety of shallow coral reefs and shipwrecks! It’s safe to say, you won’t get bored here.

Amara Cay Resort Islamorada Exterior
Amara Cay Resort Islamorada Exterior
Amara Cay Resort Lobby Reception Area
Amara Cay Resort Islamorada – Lobby Reception Area

I was easily drawn into the lobby with its bright interiors, wood features, and large hanging chairs that are so Instagrammable! There is a daily resort fee of $30 which is incredible value considering all that comes with it: fast WiFi, unlimited use of beach chairs and pool towels, access to the fitness center, bicycles, kayaks, paddle-boards, lawn games, and a Mercedes van to shuttle guests within a 4 mile radius. After a few moments, I was easily checked into my Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom Suite.

Amara Cay Resort Islamorada - Hanging Chairs in Lobby Area
Amara Cay Resort Islamorada – Hanging Chairs in Lobby Area
Amara Cay Resort Islamorada -Lobby Bar Area
Amara Cay Resort Islamorada -Lobby Bar Area

Accommodations at Amara Cay Resort

Upon entering our stunning Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom suite, we were greeted with a delicious welcome tray of cheese, crackers, fruit, and sparkling water. I love thoughtful touches like these and Amara Cay Resort did not disappoint!  Our spacious home-away-from-home was stylishly furnished and offered a generous workspace, living area, and two comfortable queen beds with premium bedding and triple sheeting. All suites have a queen size sleeper sofa as well. I was also happy to learn that Amara Cay is pet-friendly, I’ll certainly keep this in mind for next time so I can bring my two pups along!

Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom Suite - Amara Cay Resort Islamorada
Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom Suite – Amara Cay Resort Islamorada
Welcome Tray of Fresh Fruits and Cheeses - Amara Cay Resort
Welcome Tray of Fresh Fruits and Cheeses – Amara Cay Resort Islamorada
Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom Suite Kitchenette Area - Amara Cay Resort Islamorada
Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom Suite Kitchenette Area – Amara Cay Resort Islamorada
Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom Suite Living Room Area - Amara Cay Resort Islamorada
Oceanfront Deluxe One Bedroom Suite Living Room Area – Amara Cay Resort Islamorada

This suite would be ideal for families as there’s a very nice kitchenette area incase you want to make breakfast in the room or enjoy an evening snack without having to always go out. What I enjoyed the most about the room was the ocean views and our private, furnished balcony. We enjoyed waking up to the ocean and seeing the bright moon shine over it at night.

Dining Options at Amara Cay Resort

We had worked up an appetite from the drive over and decided to dine at Reel Burger which is Amara Cay’s restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can enjoy views of the pool, ocean, and palm trees, or even grab some food and cocktails at their Reel Burger Tiki Bar which is poolside. We chose to eat inside in their comfortable contemporary interiors for a delicious lunch. I enjoyed the Sonoma Chicken Bowl, a healthy and colorful option while my friend had their duo mini signature sliders with melted cheese. Their milkshakes are absolutely fabulous as well. We loved our experience here so much that we visited for breakfast the next day and feasted on French toast and fresh fruit. 

 Reel Burger Restaurant Seating Area - Amara Cay Resort
Reel Burger Restaurant Seating Area – Amara Cay Resort
Sonoma Chicken Bowl - Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada
Sonoma Chicken Bowl – Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada
Reel Burger Tiki Bar Poolside - Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada
Reel Burger Tiki Bar Poolside – Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada

In the evening, we boarded their complimentary Mercedes shuttle and drove a few miles away to Amara Cay’s sister property: Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina. Here we dined at Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar for a scrumptious dinner. This restaurant can be fun and family friendly during the day but it has plenty of style in the evening for romantic dinners and date nights. I chose to start with their baked spinach artichoke fondue with creamy ricotta, fontina sauce, tomato jam and crostini. My main course was the eggplant parmigiana, baked with parmesan panko crumbs, a homemade tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Both were so filling that I didn’t even have room for dessert but I was more than satisfied! 

Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen &Bar - Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina
Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar – Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina
Ciao Hound Italian Kitchen & Bar Interior – Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina

Beach and Pool Area at Amara Cay

I absolutely loved Amara Cay’s private beach where you can choose to relax in beach chairs, hammocks, or under one of their thatched huts. There’s even a pier and seaside dock to walk along which is a great photo spot, especially around sunset time. If you’re more of a pool person, like me, you can enjoy their zero entry pool surrounded by palm trees that will keep you shaded. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a great summer book!

Amara Cay Resort Islamorada Outdoor Sitting Area/FirePit
Photo Credit: Amara Cay Resort Islamorada – Outdoor Sitting Area/FirePit
Amara Cay Resort Islamorada - Beach Lounge Chairs
Amara Cay Resort Islamorada – Beach Lounge Chairs
Photo Credit: Amara Cay Resort Islamorada - Beach Area
Photo Credit: Amara Cay Resort Islamorada – Beach Area
Photo Credit: Amara Cay Resort – Pool Area

If you are adventurous you can take out kayaks, paddle boards, or one of the bikes they have available to guest of the resort to use. I was also blown away with the amount of indoor activities at Amara Cay Resort. They provide indoor ping pong and fuse ball tables. This is especially ideal if there’s a rainy day and the kids need to be entertained!

Sports - Amara Cay Resort Islamorada
Hotel Amenities – Amara Cay Resort Islamorada

Amara Cay Resort perfectly combines comfort and elegance. Their neutral interior tones and tropical surroundings are incredibly calming and enjoyable for any type of vacation. I would visit again in a heartbeat and I recommend you do so as well! 

Disclosure:  I was a guest of Amara Cay Resort, and all opinions here are my own.

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About the author

Carmen Edelson is the Founder of Carmen's Luxury Travel. Carmen has been traveling the world for over a decade. Her travels allow her the opportunity to pursue her itch to travel to the best luxury destinations, and experience those first class tastes from around the world.

18 Comments

  1. Tara
    August 9, 2018 at 5:33 pm
    Reply

    What a gorgeous resort!! Looks like I know where my next trip is going to be 🙂

    • Carmen Edelson
      August 12, 2018 at 4:07 pm

      I’m so glad to hear that, Tara 🙂

  2. Lauren Comer
    August 9, 2018 at 6:03 pm
    Reply

    I’m always looking for new vacation spots within the US. I think people have this goal to travel outside of the US to “more exotic locations” but this looks like a great place to explore here in the states.

    • Carmen Edelson
      August 12, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      I totally agree with you, Lauren!

  3. Jennifer Maune
    August 9, 2018 at 7:07 pm
    Reply

    The rooms are especially gorgeous! And the food looks so good!

    -Jennifer
    https://maunelegacy.com

    • Carmen Edelson
      August 12, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      I was so happy with everything!

  4. Kathy Brown
    August 9, 2018 at 9:05 pm
    Reply

    With all my adventures I still have not made it down to the Keys. I have to check this place out. Love you website.

    • Carmen Edelson
      August 12, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      Thanks, Kathy! I hope you make it down to the Keys soon.

  5. Amanda
    August 10, 2018 at 11:16 am
    Reply

    I bet it feels like your on vacation every day since you live in Florida! I so wish I lived near the beach!

    • Carmen Edelson
      August 12, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      Sometimes it does, yes!

  6. Rachel
    August 11, 2018 at 3:12 pm
    Reply

    Amara Cay sounds amazing! I’ve always wanted to go to the Florida Keys. Luxury resorts are totally my thing! Can’t wait to visit in the near future =)

    • Carmen Edelson
      August 12, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      They are my thing too! 🙂

  7. Peppi Johanna
    August 13, 2018 at 12:46 am
    Reply

    Amara Cay Resort looks – and sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing this??

    • Carmen Edelson
      August 14, 2018 at 2:29 pm

      You are so welcome, thanks for reading!

  8. Megan
    August 21, 2018 at 6:18 pm
    Reply

    What a beautiful resort. I always envisioned the Florida Keys as more casual and less luxury. I guess I was wrong though because this looks like somewhere I’d love to visit!

    • Carmen Edelson
      August 22, 2018 at 2:31 pm

      There’s a wonderful mix of both here!

  9. Karen Ching
    September 5, 2018 at 11:58 pm
    Reply

    Just—gorgeous! I love the wood concept everywhere! It’s just so stunning. I’d love to spend a special occasion there.

    • Carmen Edelson
      September 7, 2018 at 10:29 pm

      Yes, it’s perfect for a special occasion 🙂

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