Less than halfway between Miami and Key West, Islamorada is everything you’d expect from a stay in the Florida Keys. Waterfront views? Check. Stunning sunsets? Check. Low-key vibes? Double check. And no other resort here better encapsulates Islamorada’s unhurried, unfussy feel than Three Waters Resort. Opened in September 2024, and named for its location — a rare convergence of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico — the laid-back destination is breezy, barefoot and salt-soaked, with charming guestrooms and cottages, a private adults-only oasis, full-service marina, and even a fun cocktail origin story. Here are six reasons to stir you to book your own relaxed-yet-refined sojourn to this little slice of heaven in the Keys:

The Layout Embodies Zen-Filled Relaxation

Being situated on 15 acres directly on the calm, eponymous three bodies of water would already make a stay here chill enough. But there are so many vantage points here from which to watch the lapping waves or the sun dip beneath the horizon. Dotted throughout the property are cozy nooks with fire pits and seating, hanging hammock chairs and beachfront cabanas, as well as a bocce court and cornhole boards. And the small- to mid-sized accommodations evoke an appealing, tucked-away bungalow vibe.

© Three Waters Resort & Marina

There’s a Resort Within a Resort Just for Adults

Located on its own serene lagoon, The Cove is Three Waters’ new-ish, adults-only playground that feels a world away. Bedrooms boast king beds and private patios with hammock furniture from which to take in front-row views of the inlet or Atlantic Ocean. Guests of The Cove also have access to an enviable section of the beach and a separate pool and bar. But, for as private and exclusive as it feels, the rest of the resort is just a short stroll across the beach or dock.

It’s Home to One of the Keys’ Most Anticipated New Restaurants

Already garnering accolades after its opening this past spring, Kindler serves small and large plates kissed by the fire from the open kitchen in a sleek dining room of warm tones, supple leather furniture and cracked-glass pendant lighting. Must-try signatures include coal-roasted oysters and leeks with ‘nduja butter, flame-roaster snapper in a chili-lemongrass broth, and cuts of beef from Creekstone Farms. The restaurant fills a void for guests seeking a more upscale (rather than toes-in-the-sand) dining experience distinct from other al-fresco outlets.

© Three Waters Resort & Marina

… As Well as a Beloved Rooftop Spot

When the weather is pleasant, which is thankfully most of the time, you’ll want to head to Little Limon. Located so close to that turquoise water you’ll feel as if you’re on a cruise ship, the incredible views are joined by vibrant murals and cuisine melding bold, Latin American flavors with precise Asian techniques and aromatic ingredients. Begin with a tequila tipple, like the Yardbird with grapefruit and sparkling wine, before tucking into salmon belly poke with rice crackers, local grouper ceviche, pork belly and Korean BBQ beef bao buns, and matcha doughnuts. You’ll return several times during your stay. We promise.

Famous Tropical Cocktail Invented Here

Long before its current iteration, the resort was called Holiday Isle, whose Tiki Bar was a celeb hot spot in the 1970s. During that era, bar manager John “Tiki John” Elber wanted to use up some excess liquor stock, so he mixed rum with blackberry and banana liqueurs and some citrus juice, and named the concoction as an homage to the region’s Prohibition drink smugglers. Today, the Tiki Bar still stands as a buzzing watering hole for locals and resort guests, and the Rum Runner remains one of its most popular sips.

© Three Waters Resort & Marina

Watersports Aplenty Appeal to Every Interest and Skill Level

The Florida Keys’ location on the third-largest barrier reef in the world acts as a wave break, keeping the waters placid and calm most of the time. It also makes for incredible snorkeling, and the staff at Three Waters can help book a perfect underwater excursion through the aptly named Allergic to Land Charters. If you’d prefer to stay closer to the surface, you can embark on a guided catamaran tour, host a soiree on a custom Tiki party boat, learn to spearfish, or paddle around on a SUP or kayak. Every Sunday afternoon, you’ll spot a line of boats parked on the sandbar; make friends with some locals and maybe they’ll invite you to this quintessential Islamorada experience.