PRICE:
Frommer's Exceptional

Located on its own 60-acre island in the Middle Keys, this resort has a relaxed and casual atmosphere. If it's recreation you're looking for, Hawk's Cay is far superior to the more luxurious Cheeca Lodge. It offers an impressive array of activities-sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and water-skiing, to name a few, plus the unique opportunity to interact directly with dolphins in the resort's natural saltwater lagoon. (You'll need to reserve a spot well in advance for this.) Guest rooms are large and newly renovated, with island-style furniture and private balconies with ocean or tropical views. The large bathrooms are well appointed and have granite counters. There are also 225 two- and three-bedroom villas-each with full kitchen, washer/dryer, and living room with water views-modeled after the kitschy 1950s concept of the "boatel." The 7,000-square-foot Calm Waters Spa offers stellar treatments and a blissful steam room that'll clear even the most stubborn of sinuses. In addition to a lagoon and several pools for families, the resort boasts a secluded pool for adults only. Organized children's activities, including special marine- and ecology-inspired programs, will keep your little ones busy while you relax. Note: This hotel is undergoing major construction through the end of summer 2008. Facilities: 5 restaurants; lounge; 5 outdoor heated pool; adults-only private pool; nearby golf course (transportation available); 8 tennis courts (6 hard, 2 clay, 2 lit); exercise room; full-service spa; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rental; bike rental; children's programs ($28-$35 per child); game room; concierge; room service.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's South Florida including Miami and Keys, 6th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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