Planning a staycation or thinking of exploring another Florida city? Well, you’re going to have to find somewhere to stay… and the Michelin Guide has some recommendations! The French-based company recently released its list of prestigious Michelin Key recipients across the globe, and multiple Florida properties made the cut.
But one hotel receiving the highest honor on the list — three Keys — is Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys. Out of just 143 recipients receiving the three-Key rating, this hotel stands as the “ultimate in comfort and service, style, and elegance.” Located on a four-acre islet off Little Torch Key, the adults-only hotel already sets itself apart from others as the only private island resort in America. And taking inspiration from British West Indies design, each of its 30 oceanfront bungalows are ideal for an ultra luxurious getaway.
Encouraging guests to truly disconnect while on vacation, you won’t find a single suite with a television or phone. Still, there’s plenty to do while you’re there, whether it’s scuba diving, getting pampered at the spa, taking a dip in the lagoon-style pool, or dining at their award-winning restaurant.
Michelin says,
“This four-acre island is home to a mere 30 suites, and a couple of rules — no guests under 18, no audible cell phones — serve to keep the atmosphere properly tranquil. The suites themselves are divided among a number of thatched-roof bungalows, some more secluded than others, but all more than private enough. The look is thoroughly classic, in the British West Indies mode, while the comforts are delightfully low-tech — indoor and outdoor showers, outdoor copper tubs, and no televisions anywhere.”
You can find Little Palm Island Resort & Spa at 28500 Overseas Hwy, Little Torch Key, FL 33042. However, it is accessible only by private boat or seaplane, offering absolute privacy. Guests typically arrive by boat from the resort’s Shore Station on Little Torch Key or land directly via seaplane.
What is a Michelin Key?
You’ve certainly heard of the Michelin Guide for exceptional restaurants, so think of this as the company’s rating system for the most outstanding hotels worldwide! It uses a scale of one to three Keys, which are as follows:
🔑 One Key: a very special stay
🔑🔑 Two Keys: an exceptional stay
🔑🔑🔑 Three Keys: an extraordinary stay
Which Florida hotels earned a Michelin Key?
In total, there are 22 Florida winners this year, with Little Palm Island Resort & Spa being the only one to earn the distinction of three Keys. Take a look at them below and get ready to book your staycation:
Two Key Hotels
- The Marquesa Hotel, Key West
- Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, Miami
- Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Miami Beach
- Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Miami Beach
- The Setai Miami Beach, Miami Beach
- Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Palm Beach
One Key Hotels
- Tower at The Boca Raton, Boca Raton
- Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove, Miami
- The Moore, Miami
- 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach
- Esmé Miami Beach, Miami Beach
- Hotel Greystone – Adults Only, Miami Beach
- The Betsy – South Beach, Miami Beach
- Ette Hotel, Orlando
- Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Orlando
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Orlando
- Palm House, Palm Beach
- The Breakers, Palm Beach
- The White Elephant Palm Beach, Palm Beach
- The Collector – Luxury Inn & Gardens, St. Augustine
- Palihouse Hyde Park Village, Tampa
You can see the full list of Key recipients in the U.S. on Michelin’s website, here!