Over spring break, we flew into Ft. Lauderdale, snagged a rental car and headed to Hawks Cay. The drive was a little long after a full day of flying, but the further south you drive, the more tropical the scenery becomes and the more excited we all got. Once we reached Key Largo, you can bet I started singing that catchy tune Kokomo... "Key Largo, Montego, baby why don't we go...Jamaica... off the Flori-d-aa Keyyyyss." In your head now?
Hawks Cay is nestled in the beautiful Florida Keys on Duck Key Island. This 60-acre resort includes its very own salt water lagoon, marina, multiple pools, tennis courts, hotel, townhouse units, the Dolphin Connection, a kids club, spa and so many other amenities.
If you know me, you know I am a major foodie and Hawks Cay did not disappoint. We ate breakfast every morning "buffet style" at the Ocean and enjoyed everything from A-Z including smoked salmon, waffles and made to order omelettes, just to name a few. We also ventured there for dinner most nights, as there was something for everyone. Ordering lunch poolside from the Beach Grill was ideal as I literally had to drag the kids out of the pool each afternoon to eat, and the restaurant Alma was everyone's favorite. My 7-year-old daughter now has a love for ... wait for it ... fresh oysters! Although we ate lots of what may seem to some as fancy-smanshy foods, they offer a very large variety of food. Truly something for the pickiest of eaters. After dinner, we often enjoyed a walk in search of iguanas or enjoyed a fire pit by the pool with live music.
When they say this is a family resort, they are true to their word. Hawks Cay's Indies Club has thought of fun things to entertain kids of all ages ... Basketball courts, coconut bowling, volleyball, putt putt golf, game room, "snuba" classes, and of course what kiddo can't resist the Pirate Ship Pool! Every day there were different activities, a challenge or a game to choose from. Ultimate Frisbee, Paddle Board Racing, Ping Pong Tournament, Pool Noodle Race, Mermaid Academy, Soccer Shootout ... the list goes on and on. I was so impressed by the variety of options, I mean how many resorts do you know that offer workshops like "Color a Backpack", "Tie Dye T-Shirts" and "Turtle-y Awesome Learning Stations with The Turtle Hospital". We wish we could have participated in the Fish Face Eating Contest, but we would have had to stay another day. (Trust me, I thought about it!) My son and husband enjoyed kayaking and paddle boarding in the salt water lagoon, while my daughter opted to get a few island hair braids. No one was ever bored.
Want to stay together as a family? No problem! You can enjoy snorkeling like we did or play with dolphins at The Dolphin Connection. Have tweens or teens? They will be begging to go to the kids lounge, teen or tween night, or to find a cool water sport to try. Every day you will find a variety of different programs to choose from. We loved visiting the Marina for the Fish Feeding Frenzy. Fisherman would clean freshly caught fish and feed the pelicans and huge tarpon fish the scraps. The water was so clear and some of the tarpon we saw were easily over 5 feet long. Ice cream on the dock followed, making for a very memorable afternoon.
Snorkeling as a family was priceless. This was a first for my kids and I know it is something they will remember forever. My son and I swam through a herd of small harmless jellyfish and a school of yellowfin snappers. These large school of fish stay close and swim along the boats. It reminded me of how ducks and seagulls swarm when you offer food. The fish apparently remember the snorkeling boats that feed them. Smart fish!
As much as Hawks Cay is a true family resort, there are many ways for us big kids to relax and enjoy. So you want some adult time? You got it! Sign the kids up for Camp Hawk! Choose a half day (morning or night) or full day. They will have fun with kids their own ages doing all sorts of exciting programs and entertaining activities. Now what will you do with your free time? Well, I for one enjoyed a Nautical Massage at The Calm Waters Spa, and a swim in the Tranquility Pool (no kiddos allowed) under the warm sun. I may have missed Mojito Monday, but I sure enjoyed Wine Night while the kids had s'mores by a bonfire on the Saltwater Lagoon.
My family and I had an amazing family experience at Hawks Cay. The kids are still talking about how they loved their spring break in the Islands. Hard to not enjoy hours by the pool with your back to the ocean, palm trees all around, perfect weather and watching your kids laugh and play with new friends. We met many families who have visited Hawks Cay several times or have made it their annual vacation. Let's just say they won over this family and we will be back Hawks Cay ... we will be back.
Watch the Hawks Cay Live here: Webcam
*My family was a guest at Hawks Cay. All opinions and thoughts are my own. No other compensation was received.
