A Luxe Key West Island Getaway
Stay in a floating Tiki Suite, check in-to a historic inn, and check out Dry Tortugas National Park
The Grand Tiki Suite
Believe it or not, this amazing floating tiki is an Airbnb rental right of the shore of Key West! The hosts now have two amazing hand built Tiki Suites both suited for two people. They float completely on their own and the only way on or off is by water taxi which is a fun part of the experience! We stayed at the Grand Tiki which is the newer of the two that has a few luxury upgrades the original did not have. You can see land at the nearby Fleming Key which is being used for Navy Training, so it is undeveloped and green which really helps you disconnect!
Read on for more logistical information and what our time on the Grand Tiki was like if you want to experience this once in a lifetime place!
Logistics: If you are flying into Key West like we did, I would recommend staying at another place the first night or two so you don’t have hop off the plane and feel rushed to grocery shop with all your luggage and THEN make your way to the Water Taxi. Timing could mess up your whole plan with a delayed flight and if you miss the water taxi you won’t be able to get to it! We stayed at the Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel which had beautiful rooms, a great breakfast and poolside bar, and was in the heart of town right across from Hemmingway’s House!
We stayed at the Grand Tiki Suites 3 nights which was perfect and we brought enough food (and rum) to last us the whole time so we didn’t have to leave! You can call the water taxi to come take you to shore but you have to pay each way per person and that can definitely add up. There is a generator on board and it runs the lights, AC, Keurig and little refrigerator. There is also a nice YETI that we kept our drinks in. A crew comes in the morning to take your trash, refill the generator, and check in to see if you need anything. There is a sink and running water as well so you can quickly rinse off after swimming all day. I was expecting glamping but it really had everything we needed and there was even a TV that pops out of the bed and underwater lights to watch the fish at night!
Experience: We cherished every second of our stay here and if you see that either Tiki is available jump on it because dates go extremely fast! We enjoyed the boat ride out and got settled, then spent our days reading in the hammock, sipping on rum in our inner tubes floating in the waves, paddle boarding with dolphins (eek!), and sleeping with all the doors open listening to the waves. It was so relaxing and peaceful. We snorkeled some too and there are a lot of fish that hang out by the Tiki! I loved turning the underwater lights on at night we saw so much activity! This place was true luxury paradise and we felt so lucky to have found it right in the States!
The Southernmost House
This historic colorful house is perfect for a lux Key West trip! The details are top notch at The Southernmost House and the location can’t be beat. You can walk to everything from here and explore all key west has to offer. The pool is lovely overlooking the ocean with big palm trees swaying in the wind. The pool has food service and you must try their famous lobster service! A rum runner and lobster pizza brought straight to your lounge chair, does it get more luxury than that? We loved grabbing one of the “to-go” drinks and walking down Duval Street.
Sunset at the Southernmost House
Key West Things To-Do
Key West is a little island with so much to do!
Sloppy Joe’s
Duval Street This is the main street of Key West full of bars and restaurants. The vibe is always lively here and there is an unofficial open container rule (I saw everyone sipping drinks and strolling so I decided to ask an officer, and his response was basically we never enforce it unless someone is being belligerent). Having a drink at Sloppy Joe’s is a must, Ernest Hemmingway’s old stomping grounds and eat as much lobster and conch fritters as you can. And of course Key Lime Pie!
Beach Day at Zachary Taylor
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach You may find it surprising that Key West doesn’t have that many beaches. This state park is a must do when you are craving a little sand and sea. The water is crystal clear here and there are chairs and umbrellas to rent to make your beach day perfect! There is a charming little food stand with food and drinks (and drink drinks because duh its Key West!) so you can hang out all day soaking up the sun.
On the Moat at Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas National Park This is such a cool day trip while you are in Key West. Book tickets early here with the National Park Service website. We brought our own snorkel gear and wet suit because snorkeling at Dry Tortugas is such a treat! There are a few other ways to get to the remote island too if you are willing to shell out for a sea plane or private boat that will allow you to stay longer and not be adherent to the ferry schedule. The ferry leaves early so get there and have your breakfast on board and enjoy the trip out to sea. Dry Tortugas is picture picture and one of the most unique National Parks in the US! On the island you can snorkel around the former fort’s moat wall and find amazing wildlife, chill at the gorgeous beach, and explore the fort! We did a bit of all three!
Beautiful Views at Dry Tortugas
What to Pack for Key West
