Where Ocean Views Meet Adventure
The Florida Keys, with their azure waters and swaying palms, have always been a dream destination for those seeking a tranquil escape. Many will ask the locals to dish on their favorite “hidden gem” resorts and hotels to achieve that perfect vacation. A quaint location that seamlessly blends ocean views and relaxation with activities that the whole family can enjoy. We recently checked out one of the island’s newest resort – Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club … and we think that we may have found our new favorite recommendation in the Middle Keys!
A Quaint Oceanfront Oasis
Located on the oceanside in Grassy Key (right outside of Marathon, FL), Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club is a little hard to find at first. You will want to have the address typed into your GPS or you may drive right by the road sign. The lush vegetation hides the entrance and that gives this property its charm is right in line with the laid back, almost organic feel that Grassy Key has compared to some of the other islands in the Florida Keys. Once on the property, however, we loved the secluded atmosphere of this resort and felt that we had disconnected from all of the tourist traffic.
Welcome to Grassy Flats
Welcoming us at the front desk was Andrew, who not only arranged our room for us, but also explained the extensive array of watersport activities that this resort offers. It turns out that one of this resort’s owners Matt Sexton is a former professional Kiteboarder and has attracted some highly skilled staff to treat guests to a wide variety of water adventures that you aren’t offered at most resorts in the Keys. He also touched on Grassy Flat’s commitment to sensible sustainability and that many details in the rooms, outdoor spaces and dining have this commitment in mind.
Eco-friendly Room with a View
Upon entering our room, we instantly felt at home with its laid-back casual decor. It had that feel of an island resort with the mid-century modern touches that felt a bit like old Havanna. Our view was overlooking the adults-only pool, with the ocean in the background, and the spacious balcony deck was a nice treat and definitely a favorite of ours for early morning and late-night relaxation. Grassy Flats Resort also showed its commitment to sustainable living. The resort’s eco-friendly approach includes refillable water bottles in each room reducing single-use plastic waste. Dispensers featuring triple filtered water were conveniently located throughout the property so it was easy to stay hydrated in the hot Florida sun. They’ve also embraced the use of pump dispensers instead of bar soap and single-use shampoo/conditioner bottles. These small changes make a big difference in preserving the beautiful environment of the Florida Keys.
Outdoor Spaces Designed for Fun
The resort offers not one but two inviting pools for relaxation. The pool side tiki bar provides a laid-back atmosphere where you can sip on tropical cocktails or grab a casual lunch while enjoying the Florida sunshine. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day of water sports adventures. Grassy Flats Resort takes pride in the little things that make a big difference in your stay. Chess boards, parcheesi tables and fire pits are scattered throughout the pool and beach areas, adding a touch of nostalgia and leisure that invite you to gather with your tribe. On one of our afternoons, we were even joined by one of the resort’s two house cats named Wilma (the other cat, Pebbles, was off lounging on the beach). These details make it feel like a home away from home.
Rooftop Cafe/Bar – the Palm Deck
For dining options, the resort’s rooftop breakfast café, the Palm Deck, will greet you with a fresh cup of coffee and a refreshing menu. In the evenings, the Palm Deck transforms into the place to enjoy their lighter dinner menu with tapas selections. The ocean views from this vantage point are simply spectacular and begs for you to try one of their many craft cocktails to toast the sunset with. Whether you’re starting your day with a hearty breakfast or enjoying tapas under the stars, this rooftop experience is a must-try.
The Rhum House, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, may have had a limited menu during my visit, but the food was nothing short of exceptional. I savored the scallops, while my husband enjoyed a bison steak. The ocean-view dining added a touch of romance to our meal, and we found ourselves mesmerized by the group of kiteboarders that had gathered to enjoy the wind and waves in front of the resort while we enjoyed our dinner. The impressive wine selection and craft cocktails elevated the dining experience to a whole new level. The chef visited each table, and you could tell that there was pride in their preparation and service. We were told that the restaurant had just opened earlier this summer and that the menu will be expanding during their peak season starting in November. Rhum House will definitely be on our list of places to enjoy for special occasions here in the Keys!
Adventure on the Waves
For water sports enthusiasts, Grassy Flats Resort is a dream come true. With Matt Sexton’s background as a professional kiteboarder, the resort offers an array of thrilling water activities that set it apart from the rest. Whether you’re a seasoned kiteboarder or a beginner looking to learn, this is the perfect place to ride the wind and waves. The Grassy Flats team is dedicated to teaching all that want to explore the fun and we picked their brains over several items that we had not tried before. Ultimately, we chose kayaks for our water adventure, but the Hobie boats and the kitesurfing lessons will be living in my bucket list until we visit again. If you’re looking for even more water adventures, Grassy Flats Resort’s proximity to its sister property, The Lagoon, is a huge plus. This water sports park, owned by the same owner, offers a water sports shop and the casual food truck, Bongos. It’s the perfect spot to explore and refuel during your stay.
Truly a Hidden Gem
Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an invitation to create memories that will last a lifetime. With its thrilling water sports, eco-conscious approach, and culinary delights, it’s a haven for adventure seekers and those craving a touch of luxury in the Florida Keys.
We can tell that this “Hidden Gem” will not be hidden for very much longer. Just as we were leaving our stay the employees were buzzing about being voted “Best Resort” in a Best of Marathon contest put on by a local newspaper, The Keys Weekly. We couldn’t argue with this accolade and will be booking another stay at Grassy Flats Resort and Beach Club in the near future.
***Affiliate Disclosure ***
Land2Shore LLC participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any affiliate partnerships, and all opinions expressed here are our own.
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