Casa Morada - Islamorada

Every hotel is visited personally by members of our team and given the Smith seal of approval. As soon as our anonymous reviewers have returned from this boutique hotel in the Florida Keys and unpacked their sarongs and conch shells, a full account of their beach escape will be with you. In the meantime, to whet your wanderlust, here's a quick peek inside Casa Morada in Islamorada…

Like the orchids that grow in the wild Everglades, Casa Morada is a special find among its surroundings. Except in this case, that find is a serene adults-only haven in a busy tourist destination known for fried fish and family-friendliness. Palms and tropical gardens surround the 16 suites of this secluded space on the Gulf of Mexico. In the mornings, guests can practise sun salutations by the bay at yoga classes, or sip Florida orange juice by the pool. Come evening, cocktails are served as guests watch the sinking sun cut orange streaks across the horizon. But the best action happens on the water, where guests can snorkel in search of manatees, kayak the Gulf or cast a line in pursuit of the biggest fish. 

The white bedrooms are exquisite places to sleep at the end of the day. Each is decorated with Mexican antiques, simple furniture and crisp linens, with large windows out, and a private terrace, many of which are set by the sea. Fittingly, there are also orchids in the room. Perhaps they’re meant as a reminder of just how rare and special Casa Morada is.