Recommend October 2010 - (Page 86)

HAWKS CAy ReSORT, florida keys The lagoon is one of the resort’s most unique offerings. backcountry fishing, jet ski tours, snuba, parasailing, sunset cruises, water skiing, wakeboarding and tennis. But it’s truly a sin to be in these parts and not go snorkeling or diving—the area is home to the only living coral reef system in the continental United States and what beauty awaits those who venture down to that coral reef world. The fish are a dazzling array of colors and you can swim right through a whole school and get lost in the serenity of the underwater world. It’s truly a must while vacationing in the Florida Keys and one of the main reasons to travel to the area, in fact. Another must-do is offshore fishing. Clients can charter a boat for a full or half day and experience some of the best fishing in the world, along migratory routes of pelagic fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo, as well as game fish like kingfish, sailfish, and even the occasional marlin. The advanced sportfisherman and even the uninitiated will have a field day. Also, do book clients on a Dolphin Connection program, located on site right by the lagoon area and offering a variety of options for playing with these friendly creatures, including but not limited to the Dockside Dolphins program (ideal for families with small kids), Dolphin Discovery, in which one actually goes into the water with the dolphins, and Dolphin Trainer for a Day. But we must admit that the most fun we had at the resort was hanging at the saltwater lagoon, where guests can snorkel and search for small tropical fish; paddle around in tiki boats; watch dolphins play at the neighboring Dolphin Connection; and keep a look out for sea turtles swimming by in the clear waters of the harbor. It’s a unique area and a great complement to the resort’s five pools, which include the main resort pool, where myriad games are hosted throughout the day; the adults-only Tranquility pool, with its own cabanas; the Pirate Ship pool, where, you guessed it, kids can splash around to their heart’s content; the Indies pool, tucked away in a garden setting; and the secluded Sunset pool. Of course, all that activity needs to be subdued a bit and for that the resort offers the Calm Waters Spa, voted in 2009 as being the “Best Hotel Spa in the U.S.” by the readers of Travel + Leisure. It’s an intimate, welcoming spa with a friendly staff—and take note agents, the day we peeked in there were actually more men waiting for a treatment than women. Naturally, the spa’s menu is influenced by its surround86 october 2010 ings and includes such delights as the signature Key Lime Mojito Body Treatment and Caviar Facial, tropical manicures and pedicures, including one of our favorites, the Pretty Beach Pedicure, and the Soothing Sunset, a deeply hydrating facial that is ideal after a day under the Florida sun. The spa also offers a whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room and dry sauna, as well as a fitness center. What we found unique—and great for angsty moms—is that the spa is located next to the Indies Club—although within, the spa is pure tranquility—which is home to the Pirate Ship pool and one of the kids’ favorite hangouts, Camp Hawk. Which brings us to yet another resort offering—one of the best kids’ camps in the Florida Keys. Camp Hawk offers diverse activities for kids ages 5 to 17, including scavenger hunts, fish feedings—with live shrimp no less—sporting event competitions, Teen Night Out social events, Keys-style arts and crafts, and game room activities—need we go on? In other words, there’s never, ever a dull moment at Hawks Cay. It’s just not in their vocabulary. dining delights Hawks Cay also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to its culinary offerings, but it’s the restaurant settings that really had us gaga. We loved, loved nighttime dining at the Beach Grill, when it’s set up with a sprinkling of lights and there’s a fire pit going. And we truly enjoyed the outdoor dining at the very Key-styled Tom Harbor House (in our opinion offering the best food at the resort), located at the marina. it’s easy to get there Located in the Middle Keys, Hawks Cay Resort is approximately two hours south of Miami International Airport and an hour north of Key West. For newbies to the Keys, tell them they should head to Key West for a day as it’s an entertaining and historic place that shouldn’t be missed by first-timers to the area. Rates during the in-season start at $199 and go up to $400 for hotel rooms; villas start at $299 and go up to $839. During off-season, room rates start at $99, while villa rates start at $249. n contact information Hawks Cay Resort: (888) 395-5539; hawkscay.com recommend.com http://www.hawkscay.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Luxurious India by Rail, Plane and Boat
The Heavenly Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
Experiencing the High Life in Kenya
Savoring the North of England
Riviera Nayarit Travel Planner
Marival Residences & World Spa
Wildly Luxurious––High-End Vacations
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Does it Again
Guadeloupe
Five High-End Villa Stays
Compagnie du Ponant's Le Boreal
Palm Beach: Playground for the Rich and Famous
Hawks Cay Resort, Florida Keys
La Costa Resort and Spa, California

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