This tropical retreat has everything you've dreamed about, from hammocks swaying between towering trees to arguably the Keys best resort beach—sugar-white sand lapped by aqua-green waves. West Indies-style cottages with cypress and Dade County pine accents, colorful shutters, private verandas, and wicker furniture are spread out through a canopy of coconut palms and old forest landscaping on a residential street off the highway. This is a high-end slice of Old Florida, so don't expect tacky tiki bars. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages all have modern kitchens. A palm-lined walkway leads to the beach, where a swimming dock awaits. The spa offers massages (in the beach chickee, if you desire) and beauty treatments. There's a two-night minimum-stay requirement for one-bedroom cottages, a one-week minimum on other lodgings. Neighboring Cheeca Lodge, the Moorings has the same high standards but is less cramped, more private and exclusive. Pros: romantic setting; good dining options; beautiful beach. Cons: no room service; extra fee for housekeeping; daily resort fee for activities.
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