The Adventure Begins Again

To say it’s been a rough few years for Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a gross understatement. 

The private island resort, consecutively ranked World’s Best by Travel + Leisure and consistently featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, was devastated by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. A $34 million restoration process followed, during which new amenities and design elements were added while staples of the property were retained.

On March 1, the resort – part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts collection and just 30 miles from Key West – reopened. Then the pandemic hit. And Little Palm shuttered once again on March 23.

As of press time, the property was open and operating at 50 percent capacity, inviting guests to rediscover the exclusive escape, once a favorite fishing spot for President Harry Truman.

The Truman ferry, one of three vintage mahogany tenders that shuttle guests to and from the island, and the Harry Truman “outhouse,” which holds what was once the only telephone on the island, nod to that storied history.

That lack of technology is a signature of Little Palm: Guest rooms, set within 30 thatched-roof bungalows, don’t have televisions. A single telephone connects to the front desk or room service, and cell phone use in public areas is discouraged.

The purpose, of course, is to encourage guests to unplug, unwind and reconnect, whether to enjoy a pampering treatment at SpaTerre, now featuring a serene two-story atrium with a fountain; luxuriate by the tropical pool; or sunbathe on the white sand beach. At every turn, staffers provide attentive, personal service with a smile.

Those seeking a bit more adventure can avail themselves of complimentary snorkel and fishing gear, kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie Cats and even motorboats. The latter is a special treat, and the activities desk will point you toward nearby reefs and sandbars for your boating excursion.

Speaking of treats, Little Palm is serious about cuisine. There’s one restaurant, The Dining Room, but several ways to dine: via room service, by the pool, inside the restaurant, on the terrace, at the bar or – the most popular choice – on the beach, where you can dig your toes into the sand while enjoying what has been called the Best Hotel Dining in Florida. Another option is the chef’s table, where your gourmet meal is personally overseen by Chef Daniel Ganem. 

Wherever you choose to dine, you’ll love it, thanks to the fresh, high-quality ingredients; stellar execution; and great attention to detail. And, in case you’re worried about a lack of options, the menu changes daily.

Little Palm is a favorite of couples, and it’s easy to see why. The suites, of which there are four types, are private and lushly appointed, featuring private sundecks, outdoor showers and breathtaking views. Throughout the four-acre island, which abounds with verdant landscaping, couples find plenty of places for a special moment: a pair of loungers on a boardwalk over the water, a couple rope hammocks or a burbling pond that Keys deer often visit for a drink.

The catchphrase for Little Palm Island has long been: Let the adventure begin. Now that it’s back and better than ever, we’re glad to report that the property is ready to let the adventure begin … again. O

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is located at 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key. For more information, call 305-684-8341 or visit littlepalmisland.com.