Ready for some island time in the Florida Keys? Scenic surroundings, family-friendly activities, dining options, resort pools, spa, and comfortable rooms accommodating all types of families await at Hawks Cay Resort.
Tucked in the Florida Keys on Duck Key, Hawks Cay Resort is a 2-hour drive from the Miami airport, and about 1.5 hours from Key West. The 177-room resort underwent a complete renovation in 2018 in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The resort footprint and buildings are the same but many public spaces have been transformed into better-used areas. The resort has a fresh new updated vibe, which adds to why this place is great for families. Families love this place for so many reasons, let’s get into some of them!
Hawks Cay Resort Has Activities Galore
Photo by Sharon Rigney
There are a ton of activities keep you and your crowd occupied at Hawks Cay Resort. The daily resort fee gives access to amenities like Wi-Fi, the fitness center, parking, resort transportation, local and toll-free calls, bikes, and more. Borrow a kayak or paddle board at the saltwater lagoon. Take advantage of fun in the 7 resort pools. The swimming pool at the kids center features a great big pirate ship and squirting animals. It’s loads of fun for the little ones and makes for some cute photo opportunities.
Lounge chairs, umbrellas and pool service are available at every pool area, so no need to worry if you’re relaxing and need a lemonade, a water, or some munchies; Hawks Cay Resort has you covered. The saltwater lagoon is fun with a sand, water sports and beachy feel to it. It’s located near the pools, dining and the lobby, so you’re not far removed from things.
Other on-site activities include a full-service spa (it was wonderful, trust me), biking, golf cart rentals, snorkeling, and tennis courts. There’s a Kids Camp with fun and educational programs. Take advantage of great vacation add-ons such like fishing charters, diving opportunities, kite boarding sessions, and the Dolphin Connection.
Make a Dolphin Connection at Hawks Cay
Photo by Sharon Rigney
The Dolphin Connection is a big part of the Hawks Cay Resort and is a once-in-a-lifetime activity for many guests. The resort takes the care of these critters very seriously. They live in absolutely optimal conditions. Dolphins in the wild live roughly 16 years, but there are dolphins in this community that are 45!
The trainers work tirelessly to be sure their medical, social, nutritional, and other needs are met, and help to educate the public on the animals as well. If you have children with an interest in dolphins and the sea, they can point out to them how conservation efforts like not throwing plastic soda rings into the water make a difference. Such lessons can make quite an impact on young ones.
In addition, the dolphins are captive for a reason. They were rescued or bred at Hawks Cay Resort. Others are non-releasable due to health reasons or injuries. They’re kept safe in surroundings designed for their needs. One is a rescued Navy dolphin, so he served our country and this is his retirement!
If dolphins are born here under human care, it is illegal to release them back into the wild. They do perform for humans here, but they love the socialization and it is really only a tiny part of their day. For some visitors, being close to the dolphins works wonders. They smile, they laugh, they come home with great memories, and they form a bond to sea life that can stay with them forever.
Refreshed Rooms
Photo by Sharon Rigney
One of the best parts of a resort stay is a nice room. Newly updated, the rooms at Hawks Cay Resort have a breezy, coastal feel to them. They are roomy and bright, and the bathrooms are quite spacious.
Choose from a variety of room setups for your family depending on your needs- bunk beds, connecting rooms, rooms on the ground floor, etc. Rent a villa so that you can spread out more. The cost difference is not much more than 2 connecting rooms. With a villa you get more room as well as a kitchen, private laundry, sometimes a boat slip, and other little extras, so be sure to look into each option. The villas are especially nice with multi-generational guests as everyone has their space.
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Dining Options for Everyone
Photo by Sharon Rigney
Hawks Cay Resort has 7 restaurants on site. They range from the marketplace where you can get to-go options or sit and eat a casual meal, to fine dining at Sixty-One Prime. You can also take advantage of in-room dining or should you catch something on your fishing trip, Angler & Ale can cook your catch to perfection! The cuisines vary, so you can eat at a different restaurant each night to see what and where you like best. Be sure to try the Key Lime Pie at each place and see which one thrills you the most. Voice your opinion in the comments to see if its the same place I liked best!
Photo by Sharon Rigney
Overall, Hawks Cay Resort is a great choice for families since it offers so much. It’s a one-stop shop for all that you need, and can accommodate the whole crew. Many families have been coming to the resort for years, even generations, and continue to find just what they need to make their vacations something they look forward to.
No passport required, many flights, especially from the East Coast are direct or not very long. While many rent cars, a shuttle ride isn’t a bad idea if you don’t intend to leave the resort. While some visitors drive to Hawks Cay Resort, others arrive via boat at the resort’s 85-slip marina. It’s got options galore to meet your family’s needs. This is truly a place to create memories on a family vacation!
*Disclosure: I was hosted at Hawks Cay Resort as part of a press trip. The opinions stated herein, however, are my own.