RESORT OVERVIEW
Nestled in the heart of Islamorada, Florida Keys, Islander Resort spans 24 acres and features 114 guestrooms, including completely refreshed beachfront suites and cottages with stunning ocean views and convenient beach access, as well as 25 spacious townhome-style Bayside Villas with adjacent boat slips. The resort features both saltwater and freshwater pools, an expansive private beach and water sports, such as snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Four on-site dining experiences, including the new beachfront Drift, celebrate the rich culture and flavors of the Key's bounty. Islander Resort also offers event spaces for weddings, meetings and other gatherings, accommodating up to 1,000 guests.
Islander Resort embodies a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, intentionally designed for connection with nature. The decor features raw wood, rope, and hemp cane furnishings, paying homage to local craftsmen and indigenous culture while complementing the natural beauty of the lush landscape.
ISLANDER HISTORY
In the early 1900s, the site now home to Islander Resort was an exclusive fishing camp for the wealthy, including the Rockefellers, accessible via Henry Flagler's railroad. Following the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane devastated the area, Leo Samuels, a fisherman who had long visited the location and became a key figure in the Florida Keys, built Islander Resort in 1951. The Samuels family operated the resort for nearly five decades, which was cherished by generations of guests who returned year after year. In 1999, Arkansas businessman David Curry revitalized the property, blending vintage charm with modern amenities and a focus on sustainability.
Guests can learn more about the resort's history at The Keys History & Discovery Center, a 7,500-squarefoot museum and learning center located at the north end of the property.
ISLAMORADA - THE SPORT FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
Spanning just 20 miles between Everglades National Park and the Florida Strait, Islamorada is comprised of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key. Legend has it the area was named by Spanish explorers who, upon seeing the purple sky at sunset and the purple bougainvillea, called it "isla morado,' or purple island. This laid-back village is where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered and remains one of the world's highest densities of professional offshore and backcountry charter boats. Visitors enjoy enticing boutiques and art galleries, tropical nature trails and treasures from Florida's past
dating back to the early 1800s.
OCEANSIDE ACCOMMODATIONS
Bungalow-style retreats (averaging 350 sq. ft.) and suites provide waterfront views and beach-inspired design, with soft pastel hues, natural textures like woven wicker and polished wood, and modern amenities. The true magic unfolds outdoors, where remodeled private, furnished patio spaces (averaging 300 sq. ft) invite guests to relax between adventures. Twelve new Cabana Poolside Queen or King Rooms offer expansive patios that lead to dedicated poolside cabanas, complete with food and drink service.
OCEANSIDE SIGNATURE SUITES
- Coco Plum Junior Suite
- Orchid Junior Suite
- Sable Junior Suite
- Buttonwood Suite
- Plumeria Oceanfront Suite
- Ocean View King Suite
- One Bedroom Ocean View Accessible Suite
- Islander Two Bedroom Suite
BAYSIDE VILLAS BY ISLANDER RESORT
Ideal for extended stays, family vacations, or boating adventures, 25 townhome-style Bayside Villas (1,042 - 1,092 sq. ft.) blend home-like comfort with resort amenities. Standard, Bay View and Bay Front Villas each include two bedrooms, a cozy living area with sofa bed, gourmet kitchen, and private deck. Guests have access to the Sunset Pool and Emerald Beach, 14 boat slips (accommodating vessels up to 24 feet) and all the amenities of the oceanside resort, creating a seamless getaway.
ROOM AMENITIES
- Private Furnished Patio with Ceiling Fan
- Hurricane-Proof, Energy-Efficient Windows with Blackout Plantation Shutters
- 55" 4K Smart TV with Streaming Services and Movies Available
- Lavazza Coffee Maker
- Two Aluminum Water Bottles
- Mini Fridge
- Safe
- Hairdryer
- Clothing Steamer
- Plush Bathrobes *Available for purchase
- Marshall Bluetooth Speakers *Available for purchase
DINING
At Islander Resort, dining is a celebration of the Keys' bounty, with four on-site culinary experiences serving local flavors in a laid-back atmosphere for both guests and visitors. All interior and exterior design elements feature a warm, natural palette that satisfies the senses, further capturing the essence of paradise from sunrise to long after sunset.
Drift
Open Daily; Brunch 7:00-11:00 am, Monday-Friday; 7:00 am-12:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday; Dinner 5:00-10:00 pm Steps from the shoreline, Drift offers oceanside dining in an open-air setting, featuring classic breakfast options and flame-grilled fresh catches, all crafted for communal enjoyment. The bar showcases the Keys' rum-running heritage with craft cocktails, local beers, and global wines.
Tides
Open Daily; 11:00 am - 11:00 pm, Sunday - Thursday; 11:00 am - Midnight, Friday and Saturday The poolside restaurant offers a coastal-inspired menu of fresh, flavorful dishes and tropical cocktails, complemented by a wide selection of beer and wine, served daily for lunch and dinner. Guests enjoy bar, poolside, or beachfront seating in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere with live music and convenient grab-and-go options."
Coccoloba
Open 7 Days a Week; 11:00 am- 4:00 pm Hours and days vary by season or adjusted seasonally This oceanfront "toes-in-the-sand" food truck invites guests to savor fresh bites and snacks while enjoying local beers or canned wine and cocktails under the shade of towering palms.
Sandy's Bar
Open Wednesday - Sunday, 12:00-6:00 pm Hours and days vary by season or adjusted seasonally This bathing suit-friendly poolside bar exudes an energetic, modern vibe, with a thatched roof and eye-catching "sunset orange" ochre and white design. As night falls, flickering candlelight illuminates the bar, creating a magical ambiance for enjoying cocktails by the water.
RESORT AMENITIES
Completely reimagined resort grounds feature the most expansive beachfront in Islamorada, two pool areas, and a new Seaside Sports games and activities area. Islander Resort lends itself to both adventurous and relaxing waterfront activities for guests to embrace Islander Time. Every space at Islander Resort has been intentionally designed for connection, framed by ocean views.
Beach
Locally crafted palapas and sun huts offer intimate retreats, while plush beach loungers dot the sand, inviting leisurely days under the warm sun. Raw wood, rope and hemp cane furnishings complement the natural beauty of the landscape, further enhanced by 60 newly planted palm trees. In the evenings, Firelight Cove becomes the heart of the resort, where stories are shared, s'mores are toasted, and the glow of the moon lights up the night.
Seaside Sports
The two-acre redesigned activities area features complimentary offerings including:
- 9-hole putting course designed by PuttTek
- Permanent courts for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and bocce ball
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Snorkeling Oasis Pool The freshwater
Oasis Pool
The freshwater Oasis Pool creates a relaxed environment suitable for all ages, featuring loungers and suspended beds and surrounded by lush native landscaping. Twelve charming cabanas frame the pool, each featuring a whimsical canopy of loosely hanging rope that sways gently in the breeze, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and Instagram-worthy moments.
Terrace Pool
The saltwater Terrace Pool invites socializing while sunbathing, with a mix of comfortable seating vignettes and cabanas. Its design harmoniously combines modern aesthetics with natural, raw, and handcrafted elements, creating a warm and stylish atmosphere that effortlessly transitions from day to night - perfect for happy hours and more sophisticated gatherings. With three distinct seating groups, the inviting Shoreline Cabana (available for semi-private gatherings) encourages mixing and mingling, functioning as an outdoor living room with dedicated areas for dining and lounging.
Islander Time
New guest programming welcomes all ages to embrace their inner Islander:
- Coconut Cracking: Refreshing coconut water or Papa's Pilar Rum Punch
- Seabreeze Socials: Daily from 4:00-5:00 pm
- Moonrise Bonfire Ritual: Every Saturday from 8:00-10:00 pm
- Beach Movie Nights: Every Friday from 8:30-10:00 pm
Destination Diversions
From the Sunrise Pier, Islander Resort offers a variety of ocean excursions in partnership with Clearly Unique, including snorkeling to the world's third-largest barrier reef, fishing trips, eco tours, and sunset cruises. The resort team can facilitate booking reservations and provide refreshments.
Islander Resort also offers a comprehensive selection of amenities included with each stay:
- 24/7 Front Desk
- Premium Wi-Fi
- Water Filling Stations
- Self -Parking
- Coin Laundry Facility
- Unlimited Bicycle Rentals
- One Hour of Paddleboard or Kayak Use Per Person, Per Day
- Outdoor Yoga Classes (every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:30 am, mats provided)
- Lawn and Beach Games
- Pier Fishing Access
- $2 off admission to the on-site Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
- On-Site Boat and Trailer Parking
- Transportation within 1.5 miles of resort
COMMUNITY
Deeply connected to local culture, the resort proudly celebrates the artisans, makers, and traditions that make the charming Village of Islands so unique.
- Boo-Kee Sue Botanics: Enhancing guest rooms and public spaces with locally inspired botanicals and artwork.
- Islamorado Beer Company: Offering local beers and canned cocktails across the property, including in-room amenities.
- Jul Jankowski's Hand-Painted Columns: Adding striking, hand-painted designs to Coccoloba and the sun hut retreats, featuring stylized game fish and motifs inspired by the area's rich marine life.
- Support for Relief: Committed to coral reef preservation through on-property activations like the Reef Relief Cocktail and sales of Reef Relief Turtle plush toys, allowing guests to contribute to environmental conservation.
MEETINGS & EVENTS
Islander Resort offers 129,000 sq. ft. of versatile indoor and outdoor beachfront function space for up to 1,000 guests, supported by a dedicated staff committed to creating memorable experiences. Islander House conference center's indoor event spaces have been meticulously revamped.
- Hibiscus Hall Grand Ballroom: 2,760 sq ft. Contemporary coastal elegance with stylish light fixtures, soft neutral tones and updated flooring, offering a flexible and inviting space adaptable to a wide range of events.
- Palmetto Room and Library: 340 sq ft. Boardroom space equipped with advanced technology and designed for conference-style seating for up to 16 guests.
- Palm Terrace: 2,760 sq ft. A magical ambiance ideal for dining under the stars, accommodating up to 300 guests.
- Sunrise Pier: An intimate setting ideally suited for small weddings and events, accommodating up to 20 guests.
- Islander Beach: 1,470 sq ft. Located north of the pier, Islander Beach offers a secluded setting ideal for up to 150 guests.
- Coral Pointe: This oceanfront venue provides an idyllic backdrop, accommodating 150 guests. • Tropical Oasis: 1,000 sq ft. Complete with swaying palm trees and a pristine beach, accommodating over 300 guests.
- Great Lawn: 6,000 sq ft. A versatile canvas, perfect for hosting a variety of events, this expansive outdoor space accommodates celebrations of any size.
SUSTAINABILITY
Ensuring its natural beauty endures for generations to come, Islander Resort incorporates sustainable practices throughout the property that support the delicate Keys ecosystem, including the largest solar panel installation in Islamorada; an on-site water reclamation system for irrigation; and energy-efficient upgrades like new air conditioning systems and hurricane-resistant doors and windows. ACCESSIBILITY Islander Resort welcomes guests of all abilities with ADA-compliant features, including wide entrances, accessible registration and concierge desks, and ADA ramps to guest buildings. Accessible guest rooms offer roll-in showers, grab bars, and audio-visual alarms. Key public areas, like dining, meeting spaces, and pools, are designed for easy access, with braille signage and accessible paths throughout the property. Accessible transportation can also be arranged, ensuring a comfortable experience for every guest.
PET POLICY
Islander Resort is pet-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pets in all room types. Guests must inform the resort when making reservations, register their pets at check-in, and follow guidelines, including a $100 per night pet fee and a refundable security deposit.
RESORT FEE $60 per stay
OPENED 1951 (reimagined in 2025)
CONTACT
Islander Resort
82100 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82.1
Islamorada, FL 33036
Telephone: (305) 664-2031
Toll Free: (888) 406-7557
Reservations: (888) 787-0068
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.islanderfloridakeys.com/
Bayside Villas by Islander Resort
81450 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 81.4
Islamorada, FL 33036
Telephone: (305) 664-0082
Toll Free: (888) 407-2848
Reservations: (888) 787-0084
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.islanderbaysidevillas.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA
X (Twitter): https://x.com/islander_resort
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IslanderResort
Instagram: @islanderresort
MANAGEMENT
Schulte Hospitality Group
2000 High Wickham Pl Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40245
Phone: (502) 489-3737
MEDIA CONTACT
Evins Communications
Michelle Kelly | Caroline Whelan
212.688.8200