Definitely worth the Journey: Bungalows Key Largo

Each time I determine the Keys as I knew them are misplaced, a 12 months goes by and I get stressed and know I’ve to return. On this case, it was to Bungalows Key Largo, and I took the plunge. Bungalows Key Largo opened as Key Largo’s solely all-inclusive grownup resort a couple of years in the past however suffered a fireplace solely months later. It has been fully rebuilt, and the 12-acre resort is beautiful. And it’s shut. And it transports you to a spot that feels a bit like Key Largo and much more like Thailand.

Bungalows Key Largo is a showcase of tropical magic by means of sheer design. When you verify into the stylish island registration constructing, you say goodbye to your automobile, howdy to your chauffeured golf cart, and slip by means of a pair of huge blue wood gates right into a botanical oasis on Buttonwood Sound (Gulf facet). There are towering partitions of inexperienced shading the slim packed-shell paths that wind by means of the resort, and in minutes, it feels as in case you are worlds away from Key Largo and transported to an island outpost.

The resort has 135 particular person bungalows (31 waterfront) with a coastal vernacular really feel, full with small entrance porch and a personal out of doors space with a soaking tub and out of doors rain bathe. Every additionally comes outfitted with two cruiser bikes, though it’s straightforward to stroll to the principle hub of the property, which is the waterfront Seashore Home. The Seashore Home, with its pure Indo-Florida décor, is paying homage to a tropical retreat, with 4 eating choices and the intimate Hemingway bar, in addition to a tiki bar and an infinity Sundown Pool. The close by Zen pool is nestled beneath dense palms, and an expansive health tiki hut contains Peloton bikes, elliptical machines, a rowing machine, free weights and extra.

Eating at Bungalows is a part of the allure of an all-inclusive resort; it’s straightforward and it’s bought sufficient selection to enhance no matter temper you might be in that day. The day by day breakfast buffet (with made-to-order omelets in addition to mimosa and Bloody Mary stations) on the brightly appointed indoor-outdoor Fish Tales is a good way to kick off your weekend (lunch right here can be very good), and the extra refined eating expertise upstairs at Bogie & Bacall’s gives regionally impressed seafood and steak choices. Maybe probably the most charming venue is Sea Señor, an open-air Mexican restaurant beneath the palms on the ocean. We liked the tacos; it’s actual, it’s flavorful, it looks like trip with each chunk. There’s additionally, after all, the compulsory tiki hut, a beneficiant poolside venue for mild bites and handcrafted cocktails— and open till 11 p.m. should you’ve bought a late craving.

The weekend we have been there was a summer season vacation weekend, so issues have been amped up by a lavish seafood and barbecue buffet, all the things from sliders and pulled pork to grilled lobster tails—and a chilly seafood bar with shrimp and king crab and extra. Add in a junkanoo band and fireworks, and the get together was up and operating. Prompt revelry—and fortunately, not in your individual yard.

By way of facilities, this resort has all of it, however all the things feels considerably tucked away and personal. Grown up. No screaming Invoice’s Massive Banana rides right here, however you may rent the motorized tiki bar to chug alongside the bay whilst you sip cocktails with a couple of of your mates, or catch a sundown cruise (that is the Keys, in any case) on a spacious catamaran. There are a number of tour choices as effectively, from swim and sail journeys to snorkeling to ecotours, all out there with a picnic lunch.

The Zen Backyard Spa exudes luxurious with each self-indulgent service; we liked touches just like the eucalyptus steam room. The truth is, wellness is a theme that runs by means of the resort, though it doesn’t disgrace you with it; there are, in any case, spa-inspired cocktails. (As we mentioned earlier than, that is the Keys). Day by day yoga lessons supplied on Tranquility Seashore are included within the all-inclusive keep.

General, Bungalows does what it ought to: It offers an opulent (however enjoyable) retreat—with out the pretensions of different famously luxe island resorts. And, can we reiterate: It’s solely two hours down the street—however with the ambiance of a way more upscale (and barely unique) locale. The general vibe is calm and opulent, and the eye to element is on level. You’ll prefer it. Go. It’s definitely worth the splurge.

This text is from the November/December 2022 concern of Boca journal. For extra like this, click on right here to subscribe to the journal.