Michelenamia

Last year I asked where to stay in SC and Fodorites sent me to the most beautiful place in the state - and we got engaged our first day there!! Now we're returning to SC for the wedding, and we're planning to Honeymoon in the Keys - in late July. (We know it's going to be hot - we want to go regardless, so that's NOT what I'm asking!!)

Can anyone suggest where might be a good place to stay? We'd like:
-a little seclusion,
-right on the shore,
-sunset views are preferable, not mandatory
-some type of kitchen/cooking facilities,
-close enough to walk for great romantic dinners (is there sushi in the Keys? That's our favorite!),
-a little nightlife nearby or great little bars ~ live music, not too crowded, acoustic guitars, etc. - no group singing!
-very clean
-very comfortable
-a little luxury
-great service

Something like our own little villa, so that sometimes it's like we're the only people on the earth, but other times we can get out and enjoy the Keys. We've never been, but we're intrigued by the folks who have been and their enthusiasm for it. We're guessing that it won't be very crowded during that time of year - is that correct?

I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's suggestions! Thanks!

SusanCS

I've got a few suggestions...some may work better for you than others. One caveat: I hope you realize when you say "right on the shore" you're aware that all beaches in the keys are man-made and most are very small. Having said that, you might check out The Moorings in Islamorada (themooringsvillage.com), or the Sunset Key Cottages, which are just an 8 minute ferry ride from Key West (Oprah Winfrey rented all these cottages for her birthday party several years ago). If you have LOTS of money to spend, a night or two at Little Palm Island would be fabulous.

1scs1

As I was reading all of your criteria, I was thinking of the Moorings in Islamorada, then I noticed that Susan mentioned it. I would agree that the Moorings would be a great place. Not all of the "cottages" are right on the water, so if you do decide to go there, make sure you request an oceanfront. I can't comment on the other places, except to say that someday I would love to go to Little Palm Island!

Michelenamia

The Moorings looks so lovely - and a little expensive, even in the off peak season - but not enough for us to rule it out completely. Thanks for the suggestions.

Any opinions on whether to stay in Key West or on one of the other keys? My sweetie thinks KW will have more to do, I was thinking that one of the smaller keys would be quaint, and charming and secluded, but still close enough to be convenient. Your thoughts?

Additional suggestions for where to stay are welcome as well. Thanks a bunch!

GoTravel

When you wrote your post, the first thing that came to mind was renting a cottage on Sunset Key.

You do have to ferry back and forth to Key West but the ride is only a couple of minutes.

There is better beach on Sunset Key than on Key West. I think Hilton still is the property management company for Sunset Key accommodations (they are individually owned but it is run as if it were a hotel).

Both the Moorings and Litte Palm Island are lovely but secluded and you cannot walk to anything and it sounds like you would like a little more action.

My other suggestion for Key West would the The Marquesa.

Michelenamia

Sunset Key sounds interesting - like the best of both worlds! We'll definitely start looking into that. Marquesa has been mentioned repeatedly on these boards,too, so it must be a good option. Maybe we'll have to save Little Palm Island for our 10th anniversary or something ... Thanks for the tips!