Turn off at Mile Marker 28.5 on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, and you’ll arrive at a luxurious tiki style hut, the welcome center for Little Palm Island. Park your car here and leave it behind (along with your worries) as Little Palm Island is a car-free paradise.
A Gumby Slumber, an ice-cold rum and coconut concoction, will be pressed into your hand as the polished staff seamlessly checks you in before guiding you to the sleek wooden motor yacht that will whisk you over to the island.
Set just three miles offshore, Little Palm Island is the only private island resort in America. After a quick 15-minute ride, you’ll be treated to a 360-view of the resort from the boat, admiring the lush grounds, white sand beaches, and swaying palm trees.
Disembark, and be greeted by a friendly staff member, who will escort you along the crushed seashell paths to your private suite.
With just 15 bungalows, no TVs, and a strict no kids under 18 policy, this exclusive resort is always peaceful.
The Unforgettable Moment: Sunset dinner on the sand with a bottle of champagne and the waves lapping gently at your feet.
Pros
- Fully renovated in 2020, the resort looks brand-new
- Bungalows feature large outdoor private spaces
- Impeccable service
- Car-free island
- Secluded, quiet atmosphere
- Spacious suites
- Rooms are stocked with delicious treats like local chocolates
Cons
- Watch out for the large iguanas that will scavenge any room service trays left outside.
- The small island can sell out during peak times, so book in advance
- Yacht service to the island only runs every 30 minutes
Rooms
Thirty luxuriously appointed thatched-roof bungalow suites are scattered throughout the sand on this four-acre island. Lush landscaping and billowy outdoor curtains help create a feeling of privacy between each suite.
Stately four-poster beds are topped with silky sheets, and are so plush that small stepstools are provided to help you in and out of bed (they won’t help you with the motivation to get out of bed though.)
All suites feature:
- Water views
- Outdoor showers
- Hammocks
- Vaulted ceilings
- Separate living area and bedroom
- Soaking tubs
Luxury Check In’s Choice: Built for romance, the 1,020 sq. ft. Island Premiere suites are the ones to snag. Soak in the oversized copper tub on your private deck, lounge on your slice of dedicated beach, and extend the night around your personal fire pit.
Amenities
- Beachside pool
- Welcome cocktail
- Daily newspaper
- Fitness center
- Watersports including paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie Cat, and Boston Whalers
- Nightly turndown service
Spa
The airy SpaTerre offers plenty of opportunities to unwind and get in the island mindset. Treat yourself to a four hands massage or body treatment using sustainably sourced seaweed. Locally sourced flowers and spices can be incorporated into rituals for an ultra-soothing vacation experience.
Food and Drink
Although there’s just one restaurant on Little Palm Island, the Dining Room changes up the menu daily, so you’ll never get bored. Dinner can be served indoors or at a private table set up on the sand.
The lounge bar off the dining room has a wide selection of cocktails and spi
In-room dining is available for an indulgent lie-in or romantic private dinner.
Who’s It For?
The island’s secluded atmosphere lends itself to romantic getaways, attracting mostly couples. After dark, the resort gets even quieter as couples retreat back to their private suites with a bottle of champagne.
Location + How to Get There
Little Palm Island is about three miles offshore from Little Torch Key in the Florida Keys. Fly into either Miami International Airport, Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, or Key West International Airport, and drive the Overseas Highway to the resort’s welcome center, where you can park your car for the duration of your stay.
The island is only accessible via boat or seaplane. Bring your own boat, or catch the resort’s shuttle which runs every 30 minutes between 9:30 am and 9:30 pm daily. If you need a ride outside those hours, a private boat can be arranged for an additional fee.
Luxury Check In Tip: Ask the bartender for the recipe for the Gumby Slumber, the welcome cocktail served to guests on the boat ride over.
FAQ
Are children allowed on Little Palm Island? No, Little Palm Island is adults only. No children under the age of 18 are allowed.
Is there WiFi on Little Palm Island? Yes, complimentary WiFi is provided throughout the resort, including in the rooms.
Does Little Palm Island have a dress code? Although there is no dress code for the resort, the Dining Room has two rules: swimsuits are not allowed and collared shirts are requested for men.
Can you visit Little Palm Island if you’re not staying there? Limited reservations are available at the Dining Room for non-guests who wish to experience the property.
Is there a resort fee at Little Palm Island? A 12.5% resort fee will be added to your reservation.
Are gratuities included in the rate? Yes, tips are included in the room rate at Little Palm Island.