Head To The Florida Keys For A Pair Of The Sunshine State's Best Buyout Packages
This is the easiest way to have your key lime pie and eat it, too
While Florida's allure has long been its amazing beaches and seemingly year-round warm weather and endless sunshine—at least in between those pesky summer storms—it is obviously difficult to plan a Sunshine State vacation right now. We need our beaches to be as empty and secluded (and still beautiful) as possible, but even then secrets get out and other travelers tend to ruin the fun—especially when they're not practicing physical distancing and other rules of common decency.
The Florida Keys have proven to be especially great for putting some sand or pool loungers between yourself and the next guest, but the only way to feel like you have the whole resort to yourself is to, well, have the whole resort to yourself. Even as hotels reopen and roll out their health and hygiene protocols to make the guest experience as safe as possible for everyone, a buyout remains the simplest solution.
Of course, these packages are not the most affordable options, but the cost of essentially owning a resort for several days or a week shouldn't shatter too many monocles. The amenities and services are as great and luxurious for 10 wedding or anniversary party guests as they would be for 500, yet you shouldn't be surprised if they're even better. At this pair of resorts, that's certainly the case.
Ocean Key Resort and Spa—Key West, Fla.
Widely regarded as one of best resorts in Key West, Ocean Key Resort and Spa offers a "Pinnacle of Paradise" package that blocks off an entire section of the property for one group. This is particularly beneficial for small weddings and birthday or anniversary parties that were previously booked in other destinations but canceled for obvious reasons.
This buyout includes 10 Boutique Suites, a private happy hour at LIQUID Pool Bar featuring a local cigar roller, and private dinner and entertainment on the Sunset Pier, which, in addition to being a lively spot, offers some incredible ocean views, perfect for those group or romantic photos that might not have happened otherwise.
(Please be sure to read Ocean Key Resort and Spa's Covid-19 health and safety guidelines and protocols before planning and booking your trip.)
Bungalows Key Largo—Key Largo, Fla.
A true piece of paradise, Bungalows Key Largo is a resort that has rightfully had people buzzing since the day it opened. Set on 12 acres, this adults-only all-inclusive—a unicorn in Florida—offers a true buyout that accommodates as many as 270 people. Company party, dream wedding, the New Year's Eve party to end 2020 in epic fashion—this is the place to make it all happen.
Guests will have their choices of 135 private, waterfront and garden-view bungalows, each of which boasts a bougainvillea-laden veranda, alfresco oversized soaking tub and outdoor garden shower. But once guests pry themselves away from their rooms they will be treated to an incredible array of activities and amenities, including three taste-temping dining experiences, two on-site bars, two pools and Jacuzzis, a Fitness Tiki Hut complete with Peloton equipment and an array of aquatic activities, such as paddle boarding and kayaking, and there are even Huffy beach cruiser bikes for leisurely rides across this massive property.
Seaplane trips and sunset cruises can even be added on for couples looking to put the cherry on top of the vacation of a lifetime.
(Please be sure to read Bungalows Key Largo's Covid-19 health and safety guidelines and protocols before planning and booking your trip.)