Story by Ken Panton
Photography by David Lewis Taylor

We are happy to report that there is now a world-class destination for the sophisticated traveler that covets privacy, relaxation, cottage living, and world-class amenities located in the far reaches of Florida. During our world travels over the past decade, we have refined our getaway selection to be easy to reach, and The Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort, is accessible by car, plane, and even boat! Located on the secluded and gorgeous 27-acre Sunset Key, aptly named for the stunning unobstructed view of the setting sun, just off the coast of Key West, the resort accommodations are exceptionally well-appointed one, two, three and four bedroom cottages, each designed in traditional Key West architecture and offering magnificent ocean or garden views.

I really enjoy the attention to detail at Sunset Key, where every flourish of color, decorative element, fabric selection, landscaping, and personal touch is engineered to capture and convey old Florida charm coupled with modern luxury. The cottages are adorned with pastel colored wood finishes and authentic Victorian style tin roofs, each with spacious wrap-around verandas, Adirondack chairs and tables, and hammocks nearby. It is easy to lull the day away, relaxing poolside, beachside, in the hammock, or on your veranda.

But never fear luxury is always near by. The cottages feature fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, complementary Wi-Fi, and each morning a delightful breakfast basket filled with freshly baked goods, fruit, and juices are left on your porch. Guest can pre-order food and beverages and their cottage will be stocked for their arrival.

The resort’s restaurant, Latitudes, is really a special place, located on the water’s edge where al fresco dining at dusk is lovely. Start your evening at bar with a glass of wine and watch the tourist and recreation boats returning from the day’s fishing, snorkeling, and diving adventures. Then move onto a romantic dining under the stars, where the elegantly set tables are aloft in the sand and tikki torches illuminate the night sky.

Among the multitude of relaxing respites at the resort are the attended beach, zero-entry tropical swimming pool, and two whirlpools. A wonderful new addition to the property is The Spa at Sunset Key. I recommend the Tropical Sugar Scrub. This treatment exfoliates the skin using a choice of tropical-infused sugars with cold pressed Fijian oils, combined with warm coconut milk. It smells as wonderful as it feels.

There is 24-hour boat transportation to and from The Westin Key West Resort and Marina, which makes getting to this resort a brief but very special passage. There are also private docks for boats up to 250 feet at The Westin Key West Resort & Marina. The resort is very accessible; if you are flying from Europe we suggest booking British Airways (BA.com) to Miami and driving south through the historic Florida Keys. For those traveling within the US, we recommend Delta (delta.com) which flies directly to Key West. The hotel provides transportation from the airport.

For more info about Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort, visit westinsunsetkeycottages.com.