Sunset over Duck Key.
Looking for a great
vacation spot not too far from Miami? Hawk's Cay Resort located on
the private island of Duck Key recently underwent a $35 million
facelift, updating its guest rooms spa and adding restaurants and an
expanded pool. With a plethora of water-based activities available
like parasailing and jet-skiing, the redesigned resort is the ideal
getaway for families and honeymooning couples looking for a swanky
spot in the Keys.
The resort boasts a
Caribbean vibe with lush landscaping and tiki-style dining but it is
the laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of the Keys.
Fulfill your Flipper fantasies with a visit to the hotel's Dolphin
Discovery research facility where guests can interact with the
resort's five bottlenose dolphins in the water. Or sign for a kayak
eco-tour and explore the area's canals and tiny islands. Lazy
vacationers have plenty of poolside chaise lounges to veg about and
the resort's redesigned Calm Waters spa offers pampering options like
a jasmine frangipani body scrub.
A highlight for foodies
is San Francisco chef Johnny Alamilla's popular Nuevo Latino cuisine
at the soon-to-open Alma. The restaurant will be similar to the
restaurant of the same name Alamilla helmed in San Francisco, serving
what the chef terms "West Coast Latin cuisine." Look
forward to grouper ceviche marinated in lime and Florida grapefruit
and mild green chili and pan seared duck breast with sweet potato
flan and ancho chili sauce.
Seasoned anglers and
fishing newbies can try their hand at catching their own dinner with
the hotel's "hook n' cook" option where if you hook a fish
on a fishing expedition, chef Tony Glitz will graciously cook it for
dinner.
-Sara Liss, www.allpurposedark.com
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