Fodor's Expert Review Kona Kai Resort, Gallery & Botanic Gardens

Charming, in every way. Step out the door of your cottage and onto brick-paved walkways that lead to a private beach on the Florida Bay. Oh, that view! Should you play ping pong by the water? Read a book in a hammock? Or get a massage amid the fauna? So many decisions, so little stress.

There are no resort fees at Kona Kai.

Photo: Mango / Sky Born Visual

room

Guava, Kiwi, Mango… all 13 pastel-painted cottages are named after tropical fruit, and all are downright enchanting. Keys-touches are everywhere from the coral chandeliers to the local artwork. You even get key lime taffy as a welcome gift. The TVs may be small, but you can find your jam with a CD player--and a stack of CDs by local musicians. Wolfgang Puck coffee and Revolution herbal tea are provided. We also love the soft sheets.

The Breadfruit cottage is closest to the water, with a full kitchen and a king-sized bed.

Photo: Mango / Sky Born Visual

bathroom

While some are on the small side, they do have somewhat updated tile, walk-in showers with glass block, and the most wonderful key lime scented soaps, and H20-brand shampoos and lotions. Towels are plush and there are plenty of hooks for wet swimsuits.

lobby

The lobby is inside their art gallery. Follow the coral rock-lined path past the fan palms and enter the beautiful, glass casement doors. Come for a glass of wine between 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. to start your evening.

pool

This is one refreshing freshwater pool, kept at a cool 78 degrees in summer, and 88 in winter. Lounge in the sun or the shade, or hang out in the hot tub.

You’ll find beach towels and a fridge stocked with cold bottled water and fresh fruit poolside.

spa

No spa onsite but you can book a massage and enjoy it on the grounds or in your room.

gym

There is no onsite gym.

dining

The only onsite dining is a light breakfast served in the meeting room each morning.

drinking

No bars on onsite but you can get a glass or two of free wine in the lobby between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

grounds

There are only two frost-free tropical botanic gardens in the entire continental US, and Kona Kai is home to one of them. Guests can take a free tour with the staff botanist and see 250+ species of tropical plants. There’s also a lighted tennis and shuffleboard court, kayaks, and a paddleboat for you to use at no charge.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The tour is free for guests but they do encourage donations. If you're not a guest, you can still book a tour but it will cost you $25.