Disclosure: We were hosted by Casa Marina and The Reach Resort, both Waldorf Astoria Resorts for our stay.

Another Day In Paradise: Casa Marina Resort, Key West

It already seems like a distant memory.  The pictures are beginning to fade and I think it’s time to go back.  To be honest, I didn’t want to leave in the first place.  We actually entertained the idea of staying, but we realized our kids might wonder why we never came back and the guilt got to us. Be forewarned, the Casa Marina and The Reach, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Key West will do that to you. They are each incredible hotels in an incredible locations.  It’s breathtaking and beautiful and there are no words that can fully describe the experience, but I will try.

We drove into the Keys from Orlando.  Neither my husband, nor I have ever been this far south before so we didn’t know what to expect.  Once we left Miami and started that single lane journey toward Key West we were already sold.  The view was amazing and the color of the water reminded me of something you would see on a post card.  It made the two or three hour drive through the Keys easy and I never got frustrated behind slow drivers because you just can’t get mad in the Keys.  It’s too easy going and beautiful.  We were late pulling into the Casa Marina and unfortunately we missed the tour and Key Lime Margarita reception, but the arrival was remarkable none-the-less.

The Casa Marina

The Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is a historic hotel dating back to the 1920s.  We learned on the Trolley that resort was built to host the wealthy customers of the Flagler’s Overseas Railroad and was conceived by the American railroad tycoon Henry Flagler.  Unfortunately he passed away prior to the construction but the architects built the resort as a monument in his memory.  President Warren G. Harding visited only 3 days after the grand opening and the resort became known as an exclusive high-end destination and luxurious hotspot.  Having hosted guests throughout the years such as Gregory Peck, Rita Hayworth and Ethel Merman, the resort is still known as an escape for those who want to be treated like the who’s who.  The hotel is still gorgeous and reminiscent of the time even though during the Cuban Missile Crisis it fell into a period of despair.  However, the resort recently had a $43 million overhaul and it has been restored to it’s original grandeur.  The 311 guest rooms feature LCD televisions, iHome docking stations and espresso machines throughout.  There is ample event/meeting space and the grounds are truly gorgeous.

Upon arrival we were immediately greeted by the hotel porter, a bronze statue that stands in front of the hotel waiting for guests to arrive.

We especially love the water accents on the main walkway going out to the ocean.  It is difficult to pinpoint our favorite feature whether it is the two pools (one for the families with children and one for adults only) or the cabana beds that line the beach.

 Sun Sun: The Meals

We started our first morning off with a sunrise breakfast at Sun Sun, the restaurant at Casa Marina served on Flagler’s Terrace.  It was gorgeous sitting outside with the sounds of the waves crashing and the birds chirping.  Although we found fresh fruit and pastries on the table, it was inside where the magic occurred.  The breakfast buffet was amazing and the choices were huge.  I stuck with my favorite breakfast choice, an omelet made to order.

Our second night included a dinner on the beach at Sun Sun. The “toes-in-the-sand” dining experience featured oceanfront, limited seating and refined menu and daily fresh-catch specials.  This is something unique in Key West because I’m sure there is no other view quite like it.

Late at night hubby and I went out to the oceanfront and slipped into the over-sized hammock together.  You could hear music coming softly from the outdoor restaurant while the waves of the ocean lulled us into slumber.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect stay.

Early the next morning hubby was out taking photos of the hotel and surrounding area before we headed over to the sister property, The Reach Resort.  Here are a collection of shots our eyes got to enjoy:

The Reach Resort

Coming soon….