It's no secret that I love to travel, but sometimes it's hard to find a place that checks all the boxes. I like a resort that feels luxurious, but has a laid back vibe. I want to feel comfortable and stress-free, and not shush my kids because of a pretentious vibe (have you experienced that?). It seems like any "family-friendly" hotel nowadays is lacking in other departments, like food & accommodations. Well, that is totally not the case with Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo. My family and I were hosted recently, and I did a segment on Great Day Live Tampa Bay with my favorite staycation spots in South Florida. Playa Largo Resort & Spa is definitely a destination that your entire family will love.
Keep reading to see why we love Playa Largo, and our favorite local attractions too!
The Resort: Only An hour south of Miami down Florida’s sun-soaked highways sits Playa Largo Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection Hotel. This resort off mile marker 97 occupies 14 acres of prime beachfront real estate. Bringing a taste of the outdoors in, the guest rooms feature unparalleled views of the Florida Bay and natural materials like Capiz shells, driftwood and coral rock.
Unique Resort Attractions:
Nightly Eventide Celebration: Every night at sunset, the resort has the most incredible ritual, right on the beach. The ritual includes writing down your worries, lighting them on fire, and setting them out to sea! All guests are invited and are welcome to complimentary Pineapple filled cocktails and mocktails, live music, and warm ocean breezes. It is truly spectacular!
Fire Pits & S'mores: You can purchase a s'mores kit and sit by the communal fire pit, or (for a fee) get your own private fire pit. Right after Eventide, after the sun goes down, you can enjoy a s'more on the beach with your family, it's the perfect way to end the day!
Life-size Chess: My kids were occupied for a good hour with this! My husband and I dined Al Fresco at La Marea, Playa Largo's Italian Restaurant, while the kids played chess. It was perfect!
Ocean Spa: I enjoyed a blissful facial while my husband tended to the kids (hey, it's been a rough year!). My experience started with a refreshing hibiscus iced tea and a bite of spiced dark chocolate. I received the Key Lar-Glow Facial. Filter-free selfies are the new trend with their Dr. Barbor Perfect Glow regimen. My therapist started with an AHA peeling gel which helps to banish dull skin, next she used P-G ampuole optically evens out irregularities with glow pigments. Afterwards she applied a silver foil face mask, and a quartz roller facial massage which created a flawless finish. I glowed for days and days after my facial!
Playa Largo Resort & Spa is Ideal for families, couples retreats or digital detoxes, the property has plenty to keep every guest entertained including bike rentals, sports courts, a zero-entry pool edged by palm trees, and water sports like parasailing, snorkeling and kayaking. Added privacy and luxury can be found in Ocean Residences, the resort’s new enclave of private homes available for rent. The vibrant multi-bedroom homes overlook the Atlantic Ocean and give guests access to all of Playa Largo’s signature amenities including marina-facing restaurant Sol by the Sea and Ocean Spa. Florida residents can save up to 10% off accommodations for two with the resort's Florida Resident Discount. Valid ID required at check-in. Go to Playlargoresort.com to find out more.
Here are some fun things to do close to the resort-
Fave Shopping: SHELL WORLD! This is a surprisingly large store on US 1 in Key Largo. We stop there every time we go to the keys and always find something we like. They have everything from shells to clothing to furniture. Plan to spend a long time there, it is bigger than it looks! There are a large variety of shells, home decor, clothing, anything you could think of that is ocean related you can find there. You will find some quality souvenirs to take back to friends and real shells of all sizes. This is a great place to go for a break from the sun, or on a rainy day.
Fave Lunch: Mrs. Mac's Kitchen! My kids absolutely love it here....and so do we. It has a very casual fun vibe, lots of license plates all over, and a super fun menu filled with kid & adult friendly delights. Our favorite items from the menu are the Alligator Tenders, Turkey flying saucer, and their famous Key Lime Freeze.
Fave Activity: Robbie's of Islamorada. You can def spend a whole day at Robbie's! It's about a 20 minute drive south or Key Largo and totally worth the trip. Feed the tarpon, enjoy some amazing shopping at the open-air market, gorge on some delish food & fresh seafood, enjoy a cocktail, or partake in some of the water sports. There is literally something for everyone!
I hope you enjoyed my tips, let me know if you decide to take a trip to the Keys!
xo
elena