Hawks Cay Resort

It's difficult to tell just how large Hawks Cay Resort is, but the 177 rooms, 250 villas, five pools, lagoon, marina, seven restaurants, and full spa are thoughtfully tucked into 60 acres. The resort takes up the best part of Duck Key, a small island that’s just off the Overseas Highway and a 15-minute drive north of Marathon and the airport. The property is all entirely walkable, but trams are on-hand for guests who prefer a ride.

Hawks Cay Resort sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Irma and had to be almost completely renovated in 2018. The renovation brought a fresh and upscale look to the public areas and rooms, thanks the new furniture, a softer palette, and a stylish new design. The lobby features elegant palm-shaped fans that lazily blow a fresh scent throughout the space. Luxe wicker seats and huge windows that look out onto the pool and lagoon give the space a beachy vibe. Other common areas, such as the restaurants, have a mix of elegant, stylish decor and beachy accents that make the property feel upscale yet laid-back. The grounds are beautifully tended, with lovely lawns, a large fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, and plenty of space to relax, be it by the lagoon, the pools, or the marina. Amazingly, the resort's towering palm trees survived the hurricane, and it's worth a boat ride to view the resort's architecture and grounds from the water.

The resort is exceptionally popular with families (including lots of repeat local visitors), but couples stay here, too. There's a main activity pool for everyone, and an adults-only pool, hot tub, and bar and grill just for adults. It's a buzzy place with lots of activities, but there are quiet corners for those looking to escape and relax.

Hawks Cay Resort takes up a sizable portion of the 60-acre Duck Key and there's little of interest within walking distance outside of the resort. Marathon is the nearest town (about a 10-minute drive), home to grocery stores (for stocking kitchen villas), beach gear shops, the popular turtle hospital, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, and the quirky Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar. Key Largo is about a 50-minute drive north, while the drive from Hawks Cay Resort to Key West takes about an hour. The Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport is a 15-minute drive away, but plan on about a two-hour drive (mostly via the scenic Overseas Highway) to Miami International Airport. Many of Hawks Cay's visitors arrive by boat and dock at the resort's marina.

All of the hotel’s 177 rooms and suites were renovated in 2018, and the updates brought a whole new look. Overall, the decor is tropical contemporary, with wood-like floors, an ocean-inspired color palette, and large sliding glass doors that let in lots of light. Natural wood furniture with clean lines combines with blue accents in bathroom doors, throw pillows and area rugs to create soothing, stylish spaces with some beachy flair. All rooms and suites have furnished balconies, while Water View Lanai Rooms have a large furnished patio and direct access to the adults-only pool.

Standard amenities include a flat-screen TV, single-cup coffeemakers, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Size and layout are similar across the board, the biggest difference is the views, which range from full water vistas to the resort grounds. Suites add sitting areas with double sofa beds.

Spacious bathrooms are equipped with large vanities, glass-enclosed showers, and a private water closet. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. One-Bedroom Presidential Suites are the only room type outfitted with a separate tub.

For families and groups that want to self-cater, Hawks Cay offers a wide range of villas with full kitchens, laundry facilities, and up to four bedrooms. Some have their own private plunge pool. Villas are individually owned time-share properties, but the owners must maintain certain standards and the decor was chosen from a pre-approved package, so there should be few surprises. All villas are serviced by housekeeping and guests get access to the full range of Hawks Cay facilities.

Hawks Cay Resort offers six restaurants and a coffee shop, and many guests eat all of their meals on-site.

Located off the main pool deck, Hawks Cay Marketplace offers a hot breakfast buffet with items such as pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh juice, oatmeal, pastries, and make-your-own waffles. The area then transforms later in the day to a grab-and-go market or casual sit-down option for paninis, salads, and sandwiches. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Tiki Grill -- open for lunch and dinner -- is a casual lagoon-side restaurant with outdoor seating and a large, covered bar. The menu offers salads, fish tacos and burgers, along with tropical cocktails, beer, and wine. Oasis Cay (lunch only) is much like the Tiki Grill, but it's by the adults-only pool. Coral Grill is a casual option by the Pirate Ship pool. It's open seasonally and offers kid-friendly fare such as burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream.

Sixty-One Prime is the upscale dinner restaurant, located off the lobby. It has an industrial beach vibe and the menu serves excellent and creative fare that can include pork belly, fresh fish, lobster, steaks, octopus, and gourmet salads. Dessert and wine lists are high quality and extensive.

Open for lunch and dinner, Angler and Ale offers indoor and outdoor dining, water views, and fun events like trivia contests. Menu highlights include Key lime pie, conch fritters, lobster mac and cheese, tuna nachos, whole snapper, and a bison burger. Guests can bring their own fish for the chef to prepare to taste. There are also a kids' menu and an extensive bar.

Island Time Coffee Bar is located inside the gift shop just off the lobby. This is the place to grab a Starbucks coffee or a treat throughout the day. Room service is also available for breakfast and dinner until late night. Boxed lunches are options for guests headed out on the water or a road trip.

There is no Hawks Cay Resort all-inclusive package -- the only meal plan offered on-site is the bed-and-breakfast option.

The list of features at Hawks Cay Resort Duck Key is impressive. Dolphin Connection is a research center that allows guests to view dolphins free of charge. There are all sorts of paid packages that allow for everything from cute dry photo-ops on the dock to getting in the water with the dolphins to an entire trainer-for-a-day experience.

Guests can also swim, stand-up paddleboard, and kayak in the manmade saltwater lagoon. It has a zero-entry beach for little ones, plus sun loungers and umbrellas on the sand. Note that the lagoon is pretty small, and guests wanting to get out on the open water are better off renting equipment from SOLE water sports (also on property).

Five swimming pools are sprinkled around the hotel grounds, including a large main resort pool and a quiet adults-only pool. Over at Coral Cay (still part of the property, about a three-minute walk from the resort's main building) there are a family pool and a fun pool with an interactive pirate ship. A cast of characters, such as a mermaid and a pirate, make regular appearances. Coral Cay also has a small lunch restaurant, sports court, 18-hole mini-golf, playground equipment, and a weekend Swashbuckling Show.

Hawks runs an excellent daily kids' camp (for a fee) at Coral Cay. The dedicated staff arranges a full morning, afternoon, or all-day session for ages 5 to 12. Activities take place indoors and out, and there's a fun environmental component -- plus kids' stuff like making slime and art projects. Occasional night-time activities are also offered. There is also a section for teens, complete with video games, foosball, and sports and group activities.

For adults, Calm Waters Spa is an excellent place to relax. There's a co-ed relaxation area with snacks, teas, and fruit-infused waters. Treatments include facials, massages, and wraps using local influences from the Florida Keys. Salon and bridal services can also be booked. The adjacent fitness center offers a variety of LifeFitness cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and a stretching room. Yoga is available for an additional fee. Outside, there are full tennis courts with pro trainers, clinics, camps, and private lessons. Use of the courts is free for all guests.

The 85-slip marina offers full services, and the maximum length allowed on-site is 110 feet. The hotel also offers extensive meeting and wedding space, including a 5,500-square-foot waterfront ballroom, several smaller rooms, and a number of outdoor venues.

A daily resort fee is added to the bill at Hawks Cay, and covers Wi-Fi, self-parking, water sports in the lagoon, bikes to borrow, and resort shuttle services.