28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, Florida, United States | (618) 248-8274
An exclusive, luxurious island retreat, reachable only by boat or seaplane (no cars)
Resort-style pool nestled among tropical landscaping
Luxurious spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments
A fine-dining restaurant with stunning sunset views
Bungalows have private balconies with water views
Mostly tech-free (No TVs in rooms and cellphones aren't permitted in public areas)
Resort dockage included, for those arriving by yacht or seaplane
Free Wi-Fi throughout the island
No outside restaurants or stores on island
Difficult to reach
No cellphone use allowed in public areas (this might be a pro for some)
No TVs in the rooms (this might be a pro for those looking to unplug)
No children under 16 allowed
**This hotel was impacted by *Hurricane Irma* in September 2017, and hopes to reopen in early 2019. We will update our review as soon as we have more information**. Reachable only by boat or seaplane, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is located on a private island where wild key deer roam. It includes 30 luxurious suites, many with private oceanfront verandas. A favorite getaway for celebrities, it provides a secluded place to unplug from the world (use of technology is discouraged) and experience a romantic vacation in a lush, tropical environment.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A luxurious and romantic getaway for couples -- far from crowds and secluded
When they arrive on this tropical island, guests are offered free welcome cocktails. A motor yacht transfers them from the check-in building on Torch Key to Little Palm Island. Crushed seashell-laden paths lead to individual oceanfront villas with private sundecks, outdoor showers, secluded hot tubs, and panoramic views of the ocean. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in The Dining Room, a fine-dining eatery (and the only restaurant) on the property. It’s not uncommon to see key deer -- mini deer only found in the Florida Keys -- roaming the island and hanging out by the resort-style pool in the middle of the property. The resort offers non-motorized water sports on the beach, seasonal events like astronomy and cooking classes, and relaxing spa treatments.
Location
An island resort located in the Lower Florida Keys that's only accessible by boat or seaplane
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a 5.5-acre island that’s only reachable by boat or seaplane. It’s located about one hour by air from Miami and Key West. Seaplanes will pick guests up almost anywhere in Florida to whisk them away to the resort. It’s also possible to drive to Little Torch Key, located near Big Pine Key, and ride one of the resort’s company yachts the rest of the distance to the island. The resort offers boating excursions to Key West for guests who wish to experience the lively entertainment and nightlife on Duval Street, but most travelers who venture to Little Palm Island do so for the privacy and exclusion -- not for tourist attractions.
Rooms
Private villas with luxurious details and secluded oceanfront verandas
Featuring only a handful of private, standalone villas, the rooms at Little Palm Island are a mix of Old Florida style and opulent decor. Each villa has a secluded veranda with an outdoor hot tub for two, and views of the serene waters surrounding the island. There’s also a private fire pit, hammocks, individual boat docks, and outdoor showers. Inside the villa, the living room features tasteful, Tommy Bahama-style decor and a side table with a champagne chiller, fresh fruit, and gourmet snacks. In the bathroom, chandeliers dripping with crystals hang above a deep, antique-style tub. Bedrooms have four-poster beds, some draped in white flowing fabric. Double doors open from the bedroom to the veranda and panoramic views of the ocean. Though guests are encouraged to unplug, there is free Wi-Fi.
Features
Lavish amenities, including a fine-dining restaurant and luxury spa
Although it looks like a simple, Robinson Crusoe-style retreat from afar, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa packs a punch when it comes to lavish amenities. Indulgent spa treatments, such as the decadent Madrugada Water Massages, are offered at SpaTerre. The Dining Room serves a blend of French and Pan-Latin cuisine. The chef will pack gourmet picnic lunches for guests to take on seaplane or sailing excursions arranged by the hotel. Nestled in the center of the island, the pool is surrounded by lush vegetation, bubbling fountains, resort-style lounge chairs, and a tropical Tiki bar; wild key deer about the size of large dogs often gather at the water’s edge. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available on the private beach, and there are boat slips at the marina and private docks.
