Two Key Destinations For Groups Doubletree Grand Key Resort – Key West and Islander Resort – Islamorada Just a few hours’ drive from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the Florida Keys are North America’s tropical paradise and a hidden group gem. Most people know the Keys as a great getaway for individuals, the place where Ernest Hemingway drew much inspiration as a resident and a center for world-class sport fishing.
Islander Resort – Islamorada
But the Keys are also a great group destination. The combination of art, museums and culture surrounded by 120 miles of natural beauty makes the Keys a must-see for any group. The top two group destinations are Islamorada and Key West. Islamorada, with its variety of fish, is known not only as the sports fishing capital of the world but also for its colorful collection of arts, crafts and other island treasures. It consists of six islands surrounded by Everglades National Park and North America’s only coral barrier reef. Islander Resort is the perfect spot for any group – offering 114 guest rooms and suites, meal functions and discounted group rates. Key West is an island city of palm-lined streets boasting Victorian homes, gingerbread conch houses and mansions on the National Register. Shops and restaurants line Duval Street in Old Town Key West, and groups will not need a vehicle as they can tour the city on foot or by trolley. Doubletree Grand Key Resort will accommodate your group and offers over 7,000 square feet of meeting space, full-range catering menus and activity discounts.
Doubletree Grand Key Resort – Key West
Islander Resort – Islamorada
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Dubbing itself the “best kept secret in the Florida Keys,” the Islander is a great getaway for groups. Set in the middle of a tropical paradise, it offers oceanfront suites and lanai villas. This beachside heaven in Islamorada has 11,000 square feet of beach to explore. The resort offers indoor and outdoor venues, catering and planning services for every type of group. From the Blue Water Tiki Courtyard to the Beach House, the options for group gatherings seem endless. They also offer an array of outdoor activities including snorkeling, sailing and picnic tables with outdoor grills. The Islander has 114 rooms and can offer a discounted rate for groups needing 10-20 rooms. They also have over 2,000 square feet of meeting space. The resort is host to business meetings, weddings, reunions and many other group gatherings. Duke University is one example of the many groups that have chosen the Islander for their lodging. Contact Information: Islander Resort, MM 82.1, Oceanside, Islamorada, FL 33036 Phone: 800-753-6002 , www.islanderfloridakeys.com
Things To Do in Islamorada Theater of the Sea: An educational and entertaining marine animal park where performances are up close and personal. At Theater of the Sea you can swim with dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays in their natural saltwater lagoons. The lagoons and lush, tropical gardens are home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays, alligators, marine invertebrates, colorful parrots, and birds-of-prey. theaterofthesea.com History of Diving Museum: Learn the story of man’s attempts to explore, understand and venture under the sea. View artifacts, books and photographs related to the history of diving. divingmuseum.com Bay and Reef Co: Enjoy a day on the water—fish, snorkel, bird watch and picnic. The Bay and Reef Company is a full-service charter, marine and education company. Contact them to set up your unforgettable experience at sea. bayandreef.com John David Hawver Gallery: Inspired by the natural environment, John David Hawver's paintings and pastels are filled with drama and color. Take a stroll through his gallery and see light, form, color and composition come to life. johndavidhawver.com
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Over 20 acres directly on the ocean Two heated pools 200-foot lighted pool Poolside tiki bar 2000 sq. ft . of meeting space 10,000 sq. ft. of pool deck Picnic tables and grills Exercise room Banquet, wedding, reunion and meeting facilities Volleyball, basketball & shuffleboard Shallow snorkeling area Walk-in beach and protected swim area Sundries shop Beach activities hut All rooms feature full kitchens with oven, stovetop, dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator
Doubletree Grand Key Resort With the slogan “Where fun comes naturally,” Doubletree Grand Key Resort is the perfect Key West group destination. This group-friendly resort has a variety of amenities and recreational activities for its guests.
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The Doubletree accommodates reunion and religious groups. It is also host to business meetings, weddings, and class reunions. With 216 rooms and suites, 7,000 square feet of meeting space and a ballroom that can break up into three separate rooms, this resort is able to accommodate groups of all kinds. The Catholic archdiocese of Miami, Key West Symphony Summer and School Program, youth sports teams and countless other groups have chosen Grand Key Resort for their group travel needs. Doubletree offers several promotional packages that include discounts on accommodations and activities. The hotel has an agreement with Sunset Watersports for use of the beach and offer parasailing, jet ski rentals and more. Doubletree received a One Palm designation from Florida’s Green Lodging Program and a 3 green Eco-Leaf rating from iStayGreen.org. The hotel purchases green power, offers recycling options for guests and has compact fluorescent and solar lighting. These are just of few of the ways Doubletree Grand Key Resort is going green. Contact Information: Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, FL 33040 Phone: 305-293-1818 , www.doubletreekeywest.com
Things To Do in Key West Fort Jefferson: Step back in time and explore the history of Fort Jefferson, the largest 19th century coastal fort in Florida. Sunbathe on a remote palm tree-lined white sand beach or snorkel the living reef in the warm crystal clear waters of this beautiful paradise. fortjefferson.com Glass Reef Dolphin Watch & Snorkel: Take a ride on a glass-bottom boat while viewing creatures of the sea. Stop and snorkel with dolphins within a dolphin-protected playground. This 3.5-hour boat cruise includes beverages and snacks. theglassreef.com Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than ten years. Calling Key West home, he found solace and great physical challenge in the turquoise waters that surround this tiny island. Step back in time and visit the rooms and gardens that witnessed the most prolific period of this Nobel Prize winner's writing career. hemingwayhome.com Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory: Walk through an exotic and inviting environment filled with hundreds of the most beautiful winged creatures in nature -- butterflies. keywestbutterfly.com
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216 guest rooms Zero-entry pool Waterfall Palm Haven Restaurant Sanctuary Lounge and Gumbo Limbo Poolside Bar Concierge service 2,500-gallon saltwater aquarium Gift shop Energy-efficient guest rooms Complimentary shuttle service 7,000 sq. ft. indoor meeting space Ballroom Wedding services Guest massages