With Valentine’s Day right around the corner and frigid winter temperatures affecting most of the U.S., it’s the perfect time to escape to the Florida Keys for a romantic getaway. We have some of the warmest winter temps in the nation, and there’s nothing better than warming your heart and rejuvenating your soul in our balmy subtropical sunshine.
For a perfect Valentine’s Day getaway, escape with that special someone to Kona Kai, an intimate Key Largo resort on Florida Bay.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I decided to play Cupid and compile a list of three romantic experiences you can share with that special someone on your next visit to the Keys and Key West.
One: Reserve an oceanfront suite at Kona Kai Resort, Gallery & Botanic Gardens. The intimate, adults-only resort located in Key Largo has just 13 quaint guest rooms and suites. The property is around a two-hour drive from Miami International Airport and has gorgeous views of Florida Bay. I recommend relaxing in one of the cozy beachfront hammocks with your honey and letting your stress melt away.
However, if you really want to impress your valentine, arrange a couples massage on Kona Kai’s velvety white sand beach. The resort has a great variety of complimentary amenities including tennis courts, a paddle boat, kayaks, bottled water and fresh fruit served poolside. And the waterfront freshwater pool is kept nicely toasty in the winter and refreshingly cool in the summer months.
After your sojourn in lovely Key Largo, meander down to lively Key West for additional romantic options.
Two: Take an LGBTQ sunset sail aboard Blu Q’s catamaran. Key West’s Blu Q Gay Sailing Adventures has a fantastic portfolio of watersports activities. The Blu Q catamaran can accommodate up to 36 passengers and is also available for private charters (think boyfriend and girlfriend getaways or wedding parties).
Captain Steve and his crew offer several different clothing-optional ocean activities including the all-male Sail, Snorkel & Paddle tour, which takes you to gorgeous off-the-beaten-path aquatic locales. However, the sunset sail is “off-the-charts romantic,” providing a wonderful opportunity to snuggle up with that special someone while experiencing our breathtaking scenery, gentle ocean breezes and world-famous Key West sunset.
Latitudes offers exceptional cuisine in a romantic beachfront setting.
Three: Savor a sunset dinner for two at Latitudes Restaurant located on Sunset Key. Be sure to reserve an outdoor table on the beach. Book it well in advance, since Latitudes is frequently sold out, and time your reservation for about 30 minutes before sunset. The restaurant can only be accessed by ferry — a 7-minute trip that departs from the Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina.
If you’re a “foodie,” you won’t be disappointed because the food quality, ambiance and service are impeccable. Latitudes is by far my favorite romantic dining venue in Key West, with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. And the outdoor tables are illuminated by the radiant glow of tiki torches as night falls.
Plus two “bonus suggestions.” Topping off these recommendations, here’s a “best libation ever” tip. My vote is for the Latitudes Key Lime martini rimmed with graham cracker crumbs. It’s like a decadent dessert in a glass! And speaking of decadent desserts, if you’re in the mood for something sweet after dinner, visit Key West’s only dessert restaurant, Better Than Sex (yes, that’s actually its name!). The place is both romantic and yummy.
There are still some “sweetheart deals” available on accommodations in the Keys over the Valentine’s Day weekend. So why not follow Cupid’s arrow south to the southernmost island chain in the continental U.S. for a warm welcome?
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