Air Adventures Helicopter Tours soaring over Sunset Key in Key West 03 Apr 2015
New Accommodations, Adventures and Culinary Offerings Highlight What's New in the Florida Keys & Key West for Spring 2015

Florida Keys & Key West

FLORIDA KEYS — The Florida Keys & Key West offer new and exciting adventures on land and at sea, as well as a variety of renovated accommodations for visitors looking for a springtime getaway. Explore the highlights here:

 

Keys Adventures

Visitors to Key West can get a birds'-eye view of the diverse marine life, turquoise waters and colorful sunsets that surround the southernmost island with Air Adventures Helicopter Tours, located at 3471 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Groups of up to three people can choose from four helicopter rides that highlight different aspects of Key West. For helicopter beginners, there is a five-minute Discovery Ride that flies over 6 miles of the island's picturesque waters. The longest trip is a 30-minute sunset excursion in which guests can sip champagne while enjoying a unique view of the Key West sunset and marine life. Tours start at $69 per person. Custom tours and flight training also are available. For information, visit www.fly-keywest.com or call 1-844-2-GO-FLYING.

The sailing fleet Danger Charters, located at 245 Front St. in Key West has recently debuted a “Brunch and Bubbles Sail.” While cruising the waters surrounding Key West on Sarah, a 65-foot sailboat, passengers can enjoy two hours of bottomless mimosas and feast on an array of buffets that include bagels, pastries, cheeses, yogurt and fruit. Lambrusco, beer, coffee, fresh-squeezed orange juice and sodas also are available. The sail begins at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and the boat accommodates up to 20 guests. The cost is $65 for adults, $45 for children 12 and under and free for kids under 3. Visit www.dangercharters.com or call 305-304-7999.

Indian Key Historic State Park now offers walking tours led by local historian Brad Bertelli of the Historic Upper Keys Walking Tour Company. The 11-acre island includes the remains of a shipwreck salvage community from the 1830s, with several hundred yards of well-maintained trails that line the interior of the island. In its opening months, the tour will be offered Saturdays at 1 p.m. only. Cost is $13 per person, but does not include transportation to the island. However, Florida Keys Kayak, headquartered at Robbie's Marina at mile marker 77 in Islamorada, rents both single and double kayaks for full- or half-day excursions to Indian Key. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.historicupperkeyswalkingtours.com or call 305-395-9889.

 

Keys Accommodations

Pelican Cove Resort and Marina, located at 84457 Overseas Highway in Islamorada, was the first of four properties of Islamorada Resort Company to complete propertywide renovations and reopen to guests. All 63 waterfront guestrooms and suites were redecorated and upgraded with modern amenities. Décor features light wood furnishings, original artwork and a sand-hued color palette with splashes of tropical brightness. In addition to enhancements to the meeting areas, pool and restaurant, Pelican Cove now offers a variety of programs including yoga, paddleboarding, sunrise oil painting and a macramé beading class. Visit www.pelicancovehotel.com or call 877-793-4142.

Visitors to the Upper Keys now can enjoy the Amara Cay Resort, located in Islamorada at 80001 Overseas Highway. The upscale boutique hotel has reopened after an extensive multimillion-dollar revitalization to the property that was formerly known as the Islamorada Resort. Renovations included increasing the number of rooms and suites to 110, updating outdoor amenities, redesigning all public spaces and creating a 60-seat Italian-style eatery called Oltremare Ristorante. The 88 standard rooms and 22 suites evoke the atmosphere of a contemporary seaside cottage. Attractions include newly extended balconies, clean-lined décor and furnishings that incorporate natural elements. Visit www.amaracayresort.com or call 305-664-0073.

Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort, located at 351 East Ocean Drive in Marathon's Key Colony Beach, has recently acquired an additional eight villas — all with three bedrooms and three bathrooms — to join the existing renovated oceanfront hotel. Each villa is about 2,300 square feet and includes an enclosed two-car garage, fully equipped kitchen and private balcony facing the ocean. Reopened in January 2014, Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel plans to acquire additional property including a second pool and 200 feet of beach. For more information, visit www.glunzoceanbeachhotel.com or call 305-289-0525.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites Key West recently completed a full renovation. Located at 2400 N. Roosevelt Blvd., the hotel has unveiled re-designed guest rooms with bright and modern décor, LCD televisions, microwaves and mini-refrigerators. Select rooms feature balconies. Among the other new attractions are poolside cabanas for lounging. Property amenities also include the popular outdoor Tiki Bar. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/eywfi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-key-west/ or call 305-296-5700.

Bringing a little New Orleans flavor to America's southernmost island city is The Saint Hotel Key West, located at 417 Eaton St. in the island's picturesque historic district. Previously the Southern Cross Hotel, the property now features a new pool and cabana area, sprawling lobby bar and 75-person balcony overlooking famed Duval Street. In addition, 37 guest rooms and six suites have been renovated. Both vintage and deluxe room options are available, all designed in a restful cobalt blue and white color scheme. Top-of-the-line cotton linens and signature bath products add to the experience. For more information, visit www.thesainthotelkeywest.com or call 305-294-3200.

The Gardens Hotel, located at 526 Angela St. in historic Old Town Key West, has premiered four brand new “Garden Cottages.” Situated adjacent to the main hotel, the cottages include spacious living rooms, private porches and one-bedroom, one-bath accommodations. Cottage guests also have access to their own pool, and two of the four guest cottages come with fully equipped kitchens. For more information, visit www.gardenshotel.com or call 305-294-2661.

 

Keys Food and Drink

Visitors can taste their way through the history and flavors of Key West with Made in Key West Food Tours. The current food circuit is the Southernmost Food Tour, a leisurely paced walking tour that stops at six different restaurants where participants get samples of Bahamian and Cuban cuisines, local seafood and tropical fruits. The 1-mile, three-hour tour begins at Camille's Restaurant and finishes at Flamingo Crossing on Duval Street. As well as eateries, participants stop at Key West landmarks and lesser-known sites and discover architectural, historic and cultural tidbits that add to the experience. Tours begin at 11:30 a.m. and take place rain or shine. The cost is $65 for adults and $45 for children. For tour dates and information, visit www.keywestfoodtours.com or call 800-656-0713.

 

Keys Culture

A 14,000-square-foot Art Deco building is now the new home of The Studios of Key West. Situated just off the island city's famed Duval Street at 533 Eaton St., the new location features two dedicated exhibition spaces for contemporary art, nine studios for practicing artists in varying disciplines, two classrooms, a cutting-edge media lab and a 200-seat professional theater. The Studios of Key West is a not-for-profit cultural organization that promotes arts and culture in Key West through classes, performances, lectures, gallery exhibits, partnership projects and special events. For more information, visit www.tskw.org or call 305-296-0458.

 

Florida Keys Visitor Information: www.fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS

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