LOCAL + TRAVEL | TOP DESTINATIONS

LITTLE PALM ISLAND

A DREAMY LUXURY GETAWAY

Photos & Article by Lauren Johnson

se·ren·i·ty
“The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled”

If serenity is what you’re after, you will find it at Little Palm Island. Once a place where the President’s recharged and played, it is still an exclusive retreat where barefoot luxury resides, just as it was in its very early days. After a complete renovation and re-opening in 2020, it was wonderful to see how the soul of Little Palm still remains.

With a maximum of 60 guests, spread out between 30 villas in 15 Palafitos, with no children, no TV’s in the rooms, no car noise, you will find yourself quickly slipping into the rhythm of the natural surroundings. No detail is overlooked, from arrival to departure. You are greeted with their signature tropical libation, the “Gumby Slumber,” which helps ease you into island time.

Next you board their “Truman” motor yacht, which is a throwback to earlier times with its sleek lines and mahogany planks. You cruise over the water for the short ride to your exclusive piece of paradise.
But here is a great insider tip…you can really feel like you are being swept away to your own private island in style by also having the option to arrive via seaplane!

Tropic Airways offers unforgettable flights from Miami to Little Palm where you can start your getaway by spying dolphins and other sealife as you make your way down the breathtaking Florida Keys.
Once on the island, you will find the staff attentive at Little Palm, but not overbearing, the perfect balance.
The delicious dining options include a romantic private dinner in your villa, soaking in the sunset on the beach with your toes in the sand with soft piano music playing, or enjoying dining al fresco on their breezy outdoor patio. 

The star of the show is really the island itself. Its lush foliage, the flowers, the towering Gumbo Limbo trees, and of course, the palm trees and ocean surrounding you in a cocoon of tranquility. Be sure to enjoy some time at the Zen Garden as well!

Want to explore? Guests can enjoy snorkeling, fishing or have a private picnic lunch prepared to enjoy at one of the nearby sandbars… just you, and the sea, and no place to be.

If staying on land is part of your plan, you can float in the tranquil pool, read a book outside your Palafito in your private lounge chairs, or schedule a visit to their relaxing spa.

The villas at Little Palm are actually in Palafitos, which are a blend of a Fijian buré and luxury hideaway and are absolute perfection. The four poster beds with buttery soft sheets invite you to sleep in or maybe take a midday siesta.

This is definitely one of the top 5 places that I have ever stayed at. The accessibility to mainland Florida, and the fun of Key West, makes this a destination that would check all of the boxes of a perfect island getaway.