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In the Heart of Key West — Ocean Key Resort & Spa| By Ronda M. Parag

e love everything about Key West. It holds many great memories for us. My W husband of 33 years, Steve, proposed to me in Key West. For many years, we went annually for the sun, fun and escape. We even celebrated our son’s 21st birthday in Key West. Through the years, many things have changed, but one thing remains, Key West is an island paradise with no passport required.

Key West was the last vacation that we took in March before the shutdown and pandemic, and it was the first trip for us now that things have reopened. When we went in September, the bars had just opened that week, and social distancing and masks were being highly encouraged. Since then, Florida has entered phase three of the reopening, and things are much more relaxed. As luck would have it, several friends were going to be down in Key West at the same time, and we traveled by air, land and sea to reach the southern most point in the continental U.S.

We stayed at the sophisticated and luxurious Ocean Key Resort & Spa located at the end of Duval Street, nestled between Key West Harbor and Mallory Square. The resort truly is a hub of activity with the terraces overlooking the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico and offering up those nightly, stunning sunsets. Each night in Key West, the sunset celebration is held at Mallory Square and we didn’t even have to leave our balcony for the panoramic sunset view. The Noble House Ocean Key Resort has 100 deluxe rooms furnished in a tropical décor with hand-painted armoires and island-style art. The suites feature a separate living area with sofa bed, jacuzzi tub and shower and balconies to relax and soak in the sun.

We opted for breakfast each morning at the resort’s restaurant — Hot Tin Roof, named for one of Tennessee William’s (a past resident of Key West) famous plays. The morning views, of the turquoise waters and passing boats, was a warm welcome to the day. The menu serves up several tasty Benedict’s from the signature Noble Benedict made with crab cake, english muffin, key lime hollandaise topped with poached eggs to the Corned Beef Benedict – swiss cheese, sauerkraut, english muffin, hollandaise. I really enjoyed the Poached Egg & Avocado whole grain toast, arugula, pickled onion, flake salt and a glass of fresh squeezed juice. Dinner was fantastic with fresh seafood including a Whole Fish Snapper and a Duo of Key West Shrimp and Scallop. We also enjoyed the fresh Burrata and Tomato salad. A nice finish was a slice of the delicious, homemade Key Lime Pie.

To completely relax, I recommend a massage at SpaTerre that offers a menu with treatments from a romantic couples massage to a signature Key Lime Margarita Signature pedicure. Upon leaving, I felt so relaxed and was ready to spend the day lounging at the gorgeous, oceanfront pool.

In these uncertain times, it is time for an escape and I can think of no better place than Key West and spending a few nights at the Ocean Key Resort and Spa. They are ready to greet you with great service and a glass of their famous rum punch. M

For reservations to Ocean Key Resort & Spa, visit www.oceankey.com or call 1.800.328.9815