Name: The Caribbean Resort
Address: 117 South Carroll Street, Islamorada, Florida, 33036
Telephone: 800-799-9175
Price range: $$$

Fodor's Expert Review

Many resorts tout that they are your "home away from home," but The Caribbean Resort delivers like few can. Reserve one of 13 custom built, no-expenses-spared homes on the ocean--and bring your boat. Deep water dockage is included with your stay, and that’s just one of the resort’s amenities.

You Should Know Although it’s right on the Atlantic, there is no beach area, only dockage--it is a very lovely boat parking lot.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

While all are different, count on your home being spacious with a terrace, vaulted ceilings, tiled floors, and a classic coastal style décor. Beds are comfortable, even by picky sleeper-standards. A chef’s dream, fully equipped kitchen with top of the line appliances, raises the bar on the entire experience. In-room washer and dryer is a bonus.

You Should Know The Jamaican Palm house is closest to the pool, which can be a blessing, or a curse if there are loud kids swimming day and night.

Bathroom

All bathrooms are updated with either marble or travertine tile, glass showers, modern vanities and lighting, and come with tissue, bath amenities, and plenty of towels.

Tip Bathroom amenities are the Float Collection by William Roam. Snag extra to take home, especially the bath salts and oceanic soap.

Lobby

Not a lobby per se, but a small home disguised as an office. It’s clearly marked so there’s no doubting that you’ve found the right place. Step inside, have a seat, and admire the artwork and décor, a preview of what’s to come in your rental.

Pool

This freshwater, heated lagoon-style pool is fabulous and fun. Zero-entry makes it even more alluring, and its curves are inviting. An elevated hot tub is part of the grand design. Quality loungers and lush landscaping abound. At night, flaming, tall Tiki torches reflect on the water.

Tip Pool towels are provided in your room.

Dining

No onsite dining but you do have a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with a Viking stove and Sub-Zero refrigerator. There are also propane bbq grills.

Drinking

It's BYOB here. Pour your own glass, with your own booze, and visit with other guests at the marina chickee hut.

Grounds

There is a lot of exploring to do, and all paths lead to the ocean. When sun goes down, Tiki torches are lit and the property becomes even more magical. At the marina, you’ll find an upscale chickee hut where everyone gathers to share fishing tales. Need to fill up the YETI for a day of fishing? There’s a heavy duty ice machine for boaters.

Activities

Enjoy complimentary bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Rods are available for your use, for fishing off the 450 ft. fishing pier.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

You can walk to several places, but if it’s summer, forget it! Drive your air-conditioned car. You can also take one of the bikes on property. If you’re a boater, hop in your vessel and do the “I-HOP”--bar-hopping by boat in Islamorada.

Restaurants

There are several great restaurants, and if you want to bring your own catch for “Hook and Cook,” Lazy Days (4-minute drive) is a delicious option. You’ll need a reservation to dine at Chef Michael’s (9-minute walk) but his cuisine is fantastic. Fresh seafood, prime steaks, and their Sunday brunch is good, too. For casual, great food, The Shrimp Shack (5-minute walk) is a Guy Fieri favorite. Get the shrimp fritters for starters.

Bars

At sunset, Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar (4-minute drive) is the happening spot. Pierre’s (2-minute drive) is a fancy restaurant but they also have a beautiful, upscale bar area. They’re famous for their Full Moon parties. Florida Keys Brewing Company (3-minute drive) is where you can get a flight of local craft beer, and play Rock-em-Sock-em Robots.