Hawks Cay has been on my radar for years. Friends have raved about it, including one Keys-loving couple who celebrated a 40th birthday there. Last spring, I missed what felt like my golden opportunity: a media preview for Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford’s new restaurant, Salt & Ash. Already a fan of Ford’s Michelin-starred Stubborn Seed in South Beach, I knew I had to make it to Hawks Cay soon. My moment finally came on a rainy August weekend—weather that did nothing to thin the crowds. If anything, it proved there’s no such thing as low season in the Florida Keys.
Why stay at Hawks Cay Resort & Marina?
Hawks Cay is one of the most recognized resorts in the Keys. Friends often compare it to Ocean Reef Club, a private Key Largo community where vacations feel turnkey: pool, ocean access, dining and entertainment all within golf-cart distance. Hawks Cay delivers a similar experience but with a more inclusive, resort-style approach—and even offers long-term rentals for extended stays.
What are the rooms like at Hawks Cay Resort & Marina?
The main resort is made up of standard double rooms, many with balconies—some even offering direct pool access.
Our double-queen room featured two comfy beds, a small fridge, a desk and a sitting area. The spacious bathroom had a double vanity, shower and water closet, which is always appreciated when sharing a room. Our pool-facing balcony stretched the length of the space, giving us a perfect perch to watch the action below and track approaching rain showers.
Ground-level cabana rooms, with direct pool access, are next on my Hawks Cay wish list. And while we didn’t peek inside, friends swear by the resort’s two-story townhomes—ideal for longer stays and offering an Airbnb-like vibe near the property’s entrance.
What are the best restaurants at Hawks Cay Resort & Marina?
Dining here spans the spectrum—from quick bites at the lobby café to dockside seafood at Angler & Ale to destination-worthy dining at Salt & Ash.
At Angler & Ale, we tucked into a blackened hogfish filet with coconut rice and a tangy slice of key lime pie before catching the live percussionist in the entryway. With its sprawling layout and ample seating, it’s perfect for last-minute plans.
Salt & Ash, meanwhile, is the resort’s star attraction. Ford’s Florida-first menu leans into seafood and wood-fired fare—think crisp pizzas, inventive crudos and some of Stubborn Seed’s signatures (yes, the beloved cacio e pepe puffs made the trip south).
What is the service like at Hawks Cay Resort & Marina?
The staff—from front desk to bartenders—were warm, efficient and consistently helpful, even when juggling multiple requests.
What are the amenities like at Hawks Cay Resort & Marina?
The resort is currently preparing for a major renovation in fall 2025, but the property still feels inviting. I loved spotting artwork by Valerie Perreault in the lobby—her woodcuts have been a favorite of mine since the pandemic.
Though I didn’t squeeze in a massage, I did visit the on-site Dolphin Connection lagoon, where playful dolphins are a signature part of the experience. The family-friendly main pool kept us entertained for hours, with a DJ most afternoons and easy access to the Tiki Grill for cocktails and snacks (the chicken fingers were a hit). For a more serene vibe, Oasis Cay Pool is the adults-only refuge I’ll be booking next time—rosé and book in hand.
Why you should book a stay at Hawks Cay Resort & Marina
If Hawks Cay has been on your list, this is the moment to go. You’ll get a full picture of the resort before it undergoes a massive renovation and save a few bucks in the process. With year-round sunshine, multiple bars and restaurants, several pools and an inviting wade-in lagoon, Hawks Cay delivers a complete Keys vacation experience—whether you’re traveling with kids or sneaking away for a couple’s trip.
- Address: 61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key, FL 33050
- Price per night: Starting at about $335 per night for a weekend in October