Amara Cay Resort in Islamorada
Amara Cay Resort in Islamorada has long been a favorite destination.
I visited when it opened in the summer of 2015 at the site of the former Hampton Inn (and Outback Steakhouse) at Mile Marker 80. For those of you who grew up in the Keys like I did, this was also formerly the site of Ocean 80. Now that you know where it is, let me tell you what they offer.
The lobby was cool – ultra cool.
They had these swing chairs that made it fun to wait for someone. And the restaurant in the lobby, OltreMare, offered Italian seafood in a comfortable setting. They made their own pasta every day! The fettuccine was so creamy and the presentation would make you go, “Oooooh!” I also had fresh cobia (chef’s special that day) and I think it was the best I had ever had. Meatball appetizer also fantastic. It was one dinner that was worth the money.
Their rooms had been redone in a simplistic, modern-chic design.
The rooms reminded me of a bachelor pad, in a very good way. Clean walls with little artwork, couch, big TV, a wine chiller and bar area, comfy beds and a good bathroom. I lucked into an ocean view room and it was spectacular.
Here is a photo of the pool deck.
There was a full bar outside here to the right so you could overlook the pool or the Atlantic.
You could rent kayaks or go diving with their onsite dive center, Sea Monkeys.
Great way to go explore for seashells 🙂
Kayaking from Sea Monkeys Dive Center at Amara Cay.
