Islander Resort in Florida Keys Reopens After Renovation

• Islander Resort in Islamorada, Florida, recently completed a property-wide renovation.
• The hotel refreshed all of its 114 bungalows and suites, as well as its 25 townhome-style villas.
• Islander’s two pools now have hammocks, suspended beds, and shaded cabanas.

With year-round sunshine, white-sand beaches, a tropical vibe, and a laid-back, easygoing lifestyle à la Jimmy Buffet, it’s no wonder the Florida Keys are one of the state’s most popular destinations. And Islander Resort, which recently completed a property-wide renovation, may be one of the best home bases for exploring the area.

Islander Resort is located on 24 acres in the village of Islamorada, which is 17 miles south of Key Largo and spans six keys. The property has a long history dating back to the early 1900s when the land was used as the private fishing grounds of Standard Oil founder Henry Flagler. The original hotel was built in 1951 and had fun Space Age-inspired, midcentury modern design. After a few months of renovations in late 2024, Islander Resort is officially back open for business with updated grounds, programming, amenities, and refreshed design across its 114 bungalows and suites, as well as its 25 townhome-style villas.

The resort’s one-bedroom bungalows are 350 square feet large and have Floridian beach-inspired design, with pastel hues, wicker-accented furniture, and polished wood surfaces. But perhaps the biggest draw of the bungalows is their nicely sized patios, where guests can enjoy peaceful ocean views.

If you’re traveling with a large group, consider booking one of Islander’s 14 oceanside suites with a full kitchen, a formal dining area, a living room, and a patio lounge with waterfront views. Alternatively, the splashy bayside villas have two bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and a private deck. Pool hounds should opt for one of the 12 new cabana poolside rooms that feature large patios and provide easy access to fully serviced cabanas.

Though there’s no shortage of things to do in the Florida Keys, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on property, too. As part of the renovation, the freshwater oasis pool and the saltwater terrace pool both got major makeovers and now have shaded cabanas, hanging beds, and hammocks. But, if you’re hoping to do something more active, there’s also an on-site, nine-hole putting course, as well as courts for pickleball, volleyball, basketball, and bocce ball. Nearby Sunrise Pier has ample fishing and snorkeling opportunities, and sunrise yoga sessions are available for guests every Friday morning. 

Foodies will rejoice in the updated menus (and revamped interiors) across Islander’s five restaurants and bars: Drift on the Beach, Seaside Sports, Coccoloba, Tides Beachside Bar, and Sandy’s. Some menu highlights include the spiny lobster and fries at Drift on the Beach, fish tacos at Coccoloba, and the smoked jerk chicken wings at Tides Beachside Bar.

Rates at the Islander Resort start at $495 per night. However, you could save on a stay with one of its current offers, which include discounts like 15 percent off suite reservations or a free third night when you book a two-night stay.