An Exclusive Weekend at Florida’s Little Palm Island

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, 28 miles east of Key West, Florida, has been a coveted destination for high-profile travelers since the 1980s. Developed in 1986 as a resort, the island—called Little Torch Key—was onc frequented by former president and Mrs. Harry S. Truman, celebrities, and other executives seeking a toes-in-the-sand getaway. Little Palm Island is the perfect getaway for those who seek a Caribbean feel and to disconnect from the vibrant city of Miami. It’s even the perfect add-on trip to whirlwind weekends like Art Basel or Miami’s F1 Grand Prix.

Maison Benjamin recently received an exclusive invitation to discover the property’s enchantment—and magical it was indeed. The ratio of staff to guests is 2:1 so the service felt attentive—like a Parisian palace hotel. The proximity to nature also helps guests to reconnect, and the island welcomes the cute and petite Key Deer, a species of small deer that swim over to the island and might even pop around your suite.

Getting There

The six-acre island property is only accessible via seaplane or boat, meaning your arrival is just as thrilling as your stay. You can fly directly into Little Palm Island from airports in mainland Florida or the Bahamas via a private seaplane charter, Tropic Ocean Airways. The view of the Florida Keys below is a sight to behold. There is also a motor yacht that can take you from the mainland as well.

Disconnect in Paradise

Since its inception, the resort has been free of phones and TVs in the rooms. It’s a place to disconnect, unwind, and forget the stressors of daily life. There are 30 sumptuous rooms and suites, including romantic thatched-roof bungalows. The adults-only resort also does not allow guests under the age of 18. Once you begin your stay, you’ll likely find you won’t want to connect with the outside world. You have your choice of a beachside hammock or a lagoon-like pool to spend the languid sunny days. Perhaps you want to spend the day on a lounge chair on the white-sand beach and cooling off with dips in the turquoise waters.

The upscale suites mesh the indoors and outdoors with breezy entryways that open to  the ocean-facing terraces and vaulted ceilings. Caribbean style meets modern British West Indies design, which also includes amenities like deep soaking tubs, outdoor tubs, a private furnished deck, ocean view, and some with separate living areas and private beaches with a fire pit.

Gourmet Cuisine

The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, The Dining Room, is helmed by accomplished executive chef Brendan Mica. He sources seafood, spices, and produce from the islands to create a fresh menu of globally inspired cuisine. Little Palm Island excels at providing unique private dining experiences, as well as elevated in-room dining, for guests at romantic spots throughout the island.

Choose Your Adventure

How you spend your time on the island is up to you, but should you want to stay active during your time at Little Palm Island, the resort has several activities on offer. Embark on a backcountry adventure exploring remote islands, sandbars, and mangrove creeks, or enjoy an eco-tour with an excursion to the Great White Heron Wildlife Refuge with more than 250 species of birds. There is also skydiving, dolphin encounters, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, backcountry flats fishing, kayaking, island hopping, wakeboarding, and so much more.

SpaTerre

Designed to promote health and wellbeing for the mind, body, and soul, SpaTerre is a sumptuous, breezy spa with customized treatments using organic ingredients. Book the Abhyanga massage with seaweed leaf wraps for a revitalizing massage experience. There is also a state-of-the-art gym with the finest TechnoGym fitness equipment to keep your body and mind in check during your stay.