Baker's Cay Resort: A Slice of Key Largo Paradise

There's something immediately calming about arriving at a resort and watching your six-year-old find instant delight in his surroundings - running to explore the giant, magnetic Scrabble board on the lobby wall, and then rolling up his pants and wading into the turquoise water at the beach, returning to shore later to happily search for crabs and seashells along the mangrove shaded sand. And this was all before my son and I had even checked into our room at Baker's Cay Resort in Key Largo, Florida.

At the risk of rolling out an overused cliche, within moments of arriving at Baker's Cay Resort during a recent visit to the Florida Keys, both my son and I had found our new happy place. And that peaceful, happy vibe continued during our entire stay at the tranquil, nature-filled resort. For those not familiar with Baker's Cay, (which up until recently included me) here's a closer look at this unforgettable, luxe yet family-friendly getaway.

From Miami International Airport, Baker's Cay is a mere one-hour drive. And once you enter the gates of this shady 14-acre enclave along the Florida Bay just off the Overseas Highway, it will feel like you're even further from the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Beginning with the sunfilled and inviting lobby, which resembles the living room in a very stylish Florida home with its pool table, library and cozy places to curl up and read a book to the shady pathways that wind throughout the resort's beachfront grounds, it's almost as if time begins to slow once you arrive at Baker's Cay. You'll be stopped in your tracks by the birds singing and chirping as they dart in and out of the trees, and lulled off to a nap in a hammock with waves quietly lapping at the nearby shore. All of which makes Baker's Cay Resort the type of place that's very hard to leave.

Expanding out from the resort's stylish main building, the property includes waterfall pools, watersports galore, 200 spacious guest rooms and suites; and outdoor dining that allows guests to sit just high enough above the property's treetops to be surrounded by sweeping sea views. There's also a 24-hour fitness center and an Aveda exclusive salon onsite.

"Guests who visit get to enjoy both an upscale resort atmosphere and a little slice of secluded waterfront heaven all in one," said Joy Michelle Boyd, the property's general manager.

The guest rooms and suites at Baker's Cay were created to feel like a personal oasis, offering private balconies, modern décor, a variety of amenities, and still more sweeping views. Balconies overlook either the Gulf of Mexico, the resort's nature trails or the surrounding island. My son and I spent plenty of quality time curled up relaxing on our balcony chairs taking in the legendary sunsets of the Florida Keys in the evening and watching the activity along the beach below.

Built around a giant waterfall feature, the two heated, outdoor pools at Baker's Cay were another instant hit during our visit (Added family-friendly tip: don't miss the nearby ping pong table and sandpit volleyball court.) In addition, the variety of water sports available on-site at Baker's Cay includes paddleboarding, and kayaking, either of which allows for exploring the mangroves surrounding the resort (a particularly memorable eco-activity for young visitors.)

On many evenings as the sun began setting, my son and I strolled over to Calusa, the primary restaurant at Baker's Cay, to take in the expansive view. We also enjoyed breakfast at Calusa each morning and on the rare evening we weren't busy exploring Key Largo's broader culinary scene, we stopped a Calusa for dinner. Known for its Creole-Caribbean dishes, Calusa's food is infused with New Orleans flavor while also showcasing local catches and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Breakfast meanwhile, includes plenty of kid-friendly staples such as fluffy stacks of pancakes (my son's favorite), Belgian waffles, and french toast. Adult options range from lobster benedict to egg white burritos and avocado toast (my personal favorite.)

The culinary team at Baker's Cay is spearheaded by Executive Chef Andy Papson. Food offerings meanwhile are sourced from the sea and the property's own gardens with the goal of creating dining experiences, cocktail creations, and menus that reflect the property's distinctive island setting.

"Chef Andy Papson brings his zesty Creole culinary upbringing to blend flavors that are quintessential to the Florida Keys," said Boyd. "Guests will find a twist on freshly caught seafood, like Nola Style Shrimp and Grits, and can end their meal with our award-winning Key Lime Pie."

A hideaway cove bar featuring live music, fire pits, swings, and cozy nooks, Dry Rocks is another not to miss corner of Baker's Cay. The modern, inviting space provides the ultimate place to relax, savor upscale beach dining or enjoy a frozen tropical drink.

The resort's immersive nature setting and chic style are just two reasons I was immediately smitten with Baker's Cay. Its commitment to offering an eco-conscious getaway sealed the deal for me. As Boyd explained, Baker's Cay was the first resort in the Florida Keys to commit to Reef Relief's "Skip the Straw" campaign in March 2018. (The campaign called on Florida businesses to go strawless, asking them to pledge to only provide straws upon request, a critically important movement in a place where plastic waste can be so very evident and incredibly detrimental.)

Baker's Cay has also notably partnered with such important environmental organizations as The Everglades Foundation, the Coral Reef Restoration Foundation, and Dolphin Plus Marine Mammal Responder to provide not only community support but also onsite educational programming for guests.

Here are some other key details to keep in mind when considering a visit to Baker's Cay. The property is located just minutes away from Key Largo's famed John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where we spent a memorable afternoon on a glass-bottom boat touring the Everglades and also attempted to snorkel with my son for the first time.

There's also a variety of other attractions in the area to enrich your experience, including the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, which is just a few minutes down the road from Baker's Cay on Overseas Highway. A facility that rescues and rehabilitates wild birds, this fascinating stop provides a valuable eco-learning opportunity for young minds, showcasing the challenges faced by the many birds living in the Florida Keys. There's also an intriguing and colorful variety of resident birds at the facility, many of which were too severely injured to be re-released.

We only spent three nights at Baker's Cay and trust me when I say it wasn't nearly enough (I'm already plotting our return).