I am traveling to the Florida Keys in March of next year. I would like to stay in a beach type resort and not necessarily in Key West. 30 miles east of Key West would be good.

I was just watching a show on TLC the other days--Great Country Inns. The show highlighted the Little Palm Resort on Little Palm Island in the Keys. It looked fantastic and beautiful. The island is only 5 acres large. The lodging consisted of cottages with island decor and lots of activities--sunrise cruise, kayaking, snorkeling, beach, etc. They showed cuisine made by the executive chef and pastry chef that looked wonderful. It seemed like the perfect hideaway island.

I've stayed at Little Palm Island and found it to be an extraordinary resort -- especially the food. It is on a private island half a mile offshore from Torch Key (at mile marker 28). As a "beach" resort, however, it lacks much of a beach (as does most of the Keys). There's snorkeling, sailing, canoeing, and diving (at nearby Looe Key reef). If your idea of a beach resort is sitting in the sun under a palm tree on a wide, sandy beach, your best bet may be some place like Cheeca Lodge, up around MM 70. It's a larger facility very much geared to outdoor sports.

I've stayed at the Cheeca Lodge (in Islamorada) in the keys. It is a lovely place, but the beaches in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale are much better. Great pool, but tiny, skinny little beach. Go to Cheeca to relax and eat at its wonderful restaurant.

I'm going to the Keys for Christmas. We've booked a condo at Coco Palm Beach and Tennis Club. I found it on the internet. It was expensive but it sits on the beach and has a pool. The condo is complete with everything including a laundry room. Check it out.

Are there any golf courses in the Florida Keys? I think there may be on in Marathon. How is it?

Key West Resort has a 18 hole resort course...a little pricey but nice.