Private islands are usually synonymous with remote latitudes, where serenity is guaranteed and the feeling of escape is complete. That’s all well and good, but there’s merit to the idea of a little excitement just across the channel.
This kind of win-win isn’t always possible, which is why Sunset Key is so adored. The island sits within a stone’s skip of Key West, where legends of pirates, rum runners, and poets still color the culture and eccentricity is a virtue. We’ll get back to that.
First, let’s visualize: a boat named Lil Princess delivers you to a covered dock, beyond which splays a village of clapboard cottages with deep porches, picket fences, and metal roofs. On one side, palm trees and palapas line a beach; on the other, tables perch directly on the sand, facing west in anticipation of the nightly spectacle. Idyllic? Most definitely.
Sunset Key Cottages, the Opal Collection resort that inhabits a portion of the private island (the rest is an enclave of dreamy residences), may be the most charming of getaways in the Florida Keys. Everything is designed to reflect simpler times, from the Victorian-inspired architecture to the barefoot luxury of the interiors. The one-to-four-bedroom cottages are appointed in coastal style and a palette reminiscent of sea glass and thatch. Porches and balconies open to bougainvillea-studded gardens, and rocking chairs invite you to take it all in.
The pace is slow, but there’s plenty to do beyond the pool and beach. Fishing off the dock is encouraged—rods and bait are complimentary—and it’s common to see families angling for yellowtail before retreating to their cottage for the daily breakfast basket. Kids love to chase down the “conch cruiser,” a tricycle that circles the car-free island to offer treats from its cooler full of ice cream. The spa is a delight, especially if you choose to have your treatment at the outdoor cabana, where the sound of swaying palms and sighing surf provides the perfect castaway soundtrack.
Evenings often start at the outdoor bar with a complimentary rum tasting and cocktail crafted by the jovial longtime bartender. Dinner is an experience to savor. Situated beachside under the shade of palms, Latitudes offers a seafood-forward menu (the Caribbean lobster risotto and Key West pink shrimp carbonara are classics), as well as a breathtaking sunset view.
For those who crave variety, Key West beckons. This southernmost American island is a living theater with colorful characters (and the odd feral chicken). You’ll find incredible diversity here, from prolific botanical gardens to the salvaged riches of Spanish shipwrecks to quirky shops and galleries—not to mention history and weirdness galore. There is truly nothing like Key West, which is why a stay at Sunset Key Cottages presents the best of both worlds.
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