Hawks Cay, located on Duck Key, half-way between Key Largo and Key West, is said to be "The Only Key You'll Need" and they are right! When you arrive at Hawks Cay, whether with your family, significant other, group of friends or by yourself, you won't need to go anywhere else.
Quite a large property, they have villas and a hotel. We stayed in the hotel and the rooms are spacious and updated. (They even have Family Guest Rooms which include a king bed and bunkbeds!) The bathrooms seemed to have been recently done as well. If you can get a room with a balcony overlooking the saltwater lagoon go for it. The view is stunning all day long.
Here are the highlights:
- Saltwater Lagoon - Right outside the backdoor of the hotel is a large pool but, right on the other side of that is an enclosed saltwater lagoon that is fed from the ocean. This gives you a chance to swim and play in the gulf water without the danger of tides, waves, boats and large creatures. There are some shells and fish as well as snorkeling and paddle boating.
- Pools - There are five pools, including the one mention above, the saltwater lagoon, the Tranquility Pool (adults only), a pool by the villas and a pool at the Coral Cay Club that is for families only.
- Coral Cay Club - This is a place especially for kids and families! The club has 2 pools, a traditional pool and a Pirate Ship (splash pad) pool, kid and family-friendly foods, miniature golf, basketball, volleyball, day camps and scheduled activities all day long! It's not just for the little ones, either. There are also activities for teens. See? Hawks Cay truly is for the whole family.
- Fish Tacos and Mojitos - If you go, promise me you'll sit by the saltwater lagoon and order fish tacos and a mojito. They are both magical. (Mojito optional, of course!)
- Dolphin Connection - If you have ever wanted a chance to interact with dolphins, this is it. Dolphin Connection, a education and conservation group that works on property at Hawks Cay, wants to teach you about dolphins, experience them and fall in love. Their hope is that if people can learn to love dolphins, they will also learn to love and take care of the rest of the marine environment. We had an amazing experience petting and feeding the dolphins, as well as learning a few hand signals to get them to do tricks!
- So much more! - Other activities include fishing, diving, snorkeling, tennis, paddle boarding and so much more.
