Little Torch Key
Florida


The Experience

For a certain type of traveler -- deep-pocketed, genteel and in love -- Little Palm Island is a slice of paradise, and less than three hours south of downtown Miami. Set on a private five-acre islet and surrounded by sherbet-green seas, Little Palm intelligently integrates eye-popping ecology with stylish suites, inventive cuisine and a priceless shield of privacy. In a sense, Little Palm Island is travel as theater, where your arrival via wood-paneled launch with a cool drink in hand and the warm Gulf breezes blowing strikes an impressive overture. And sightings of rare Key deer or endangered manatees from a pier perched over virgin marshlands serve as thrilling chaise-side main acts.

The Rooms

Twenty-eight of Little Palm's 30 jungle-shrouded suites are one-bedroom Bungalow Suites, paired in thatched-roof, palapa-style abodes. Each comes in one of three design schemes (and it's hard to go wrong): British Colonial, Polynesian and Balinese, the latter two the island's rare concession to the multiculti zeitgeist. Anchored by net-covered beds and including open-air showers and whirlpool baths for two, the oceanfront suites include verandas and hammocks for scouting the island's 28 different varieties of palm trees or chatting on your cell phone (the only place it is permitted).

The Service

The friendly pickup on the "mainland" is the beginning of Little Palm's surprise-filled service. It continues with cool towels upon docking and a quick rundown of requests, desires and resort details. With its large honeymooner and anniversary contingent, Little Palm's service focuses on discretion and privacy, yet doesn't forgo any unexpected details. Still, this is an island where single travelers may certainly feel -- if only for a moment -- slightly out of place.

The Highlights

Considering its most celebrated guests were President and Mrs. Harry Truman, Little Palm has a decidedly "goody-goody" kind of feel almost lost on today's high-gloss travel scene. Indeed, this is not the place for a funky-luxe Survivor-style escape. Instead, guests lazily snorkel, bike, hike, deep-sea fish or are soothed at the Spa, with its Thai or Javanese treatments. Chef Luis Pous shines brightest at dinner, where he pairs the freshest seafood with Asian, European and Caribbean flavors. Service can be slow, however, and the dishes occasionally overthought. However, a selection from the 2,500-bottle wine cellar helps balance things out, as does the calming thrill of dining à deux as the waves lap and the breezes blow around you.

-- David Kaufman

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