Keys TravelerMeetings + Incentive Edition

Resorts Welcome Groups Experiences Highlight Meetings Key Lime Academy Indigenous Keys Seafood fla-keys.com PLAYA LARGO RESORT & SPA BILL HANSEN CATERING Subtropical islands feature new and refreshed properties The resort features 177 guest rooms and 225 two- and three- bedroom villas, a full-service Keys resorts welcome groups marina, multiple restaurants and swimming pools, a saltwater lagoon and a spa. Visit hawkscay.com. The 216-room Marriott Beachside offers a 5,673-square- foot ballroom, Key West’s largest, and nearly 10,000 square feet of meeting space. Upgrades are underway with new air walls and carpeting. A new 12-slip dock can accommodate boats up to a maximum 40-foot length. Guest water taxis run from the new dock to downtown Key West. The property offers seven breakout rooms and six event rooms. Visit beachsidekeywest.com. Key West’s 216-room DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key recently underwent a $7.5 million renovation. It offers 7,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor Paya Largo Resort & Spa in has a lengthy meeting space. The ballroom bayfront beach and 40,000 square feet of meeting space. can seat 200 or accommodate up to 300 for a reception. Visit nternational, national and regional Jack Meier, group The private Ocean Reef Club, doubletree3hilton.com. resort brands have established sales manager for at Key Largo’s northernmost tip, Iroots throughout the , the Florida Keys & has 30,000 total square feet of Key Lime Academy aids offering memorable settings for Key West tourism indoor meeting space and a new one-of-a-kind events and programs. council. “With Carysfort Hall, with a 5,688-square- travel professionals “The Florida Keys & Key West our wide array foot ballroom and five additional web-based video-learning offer an experience that’s a world of properties, it’s meeting rooms for up to 500 platform provides travel away from a typical meeting simply finding the attendees. The club also expanded Aprofessionals with the educa- experience at a mega-metro right fit for your its state-of-the-art Cooking School tion necessary to become certified convention center,” said group.” at Carysfort Kitchen for culinary Florida Keys destination specialists. In Key Largo, Jack Meier events and classes. Key Lime Academy uses seven the eagerly awaited 14-acre, 144- Planners can choose from 300 video-driven modules to educate Keys Traveler room luxury Playa Largo Resort & accommodations that include participants on Keys properties, at- Meetings + Incentive Edition Spa — the first new-build resort in villas and homes. Ocean Reef also tractions and history. Each module Editor is followed by an eight- to 10-ques- A group dines beachside at Largo, which caters to small meetings and retreats. Andy Newman the Upper Keys in 21 years — has features two 18-hole golf courses, Managing Editor opened as the 100th addition to a lagoon beach that accommodates tion quiz presented in multiple- Carol Shaughnessy Autograph Collection Hotels. up to 400 and a 175-slip marina. choice format. Key Largo Retreat Property Opens Senior Writer Playa Largo offers more than Visit MeetingsAtOceanReef.com. The process takes about 30 min- argo, a private sanctuary, has opened in Key Largo for corporate Laura Myers 40,000 total square feet of meeting On in the Middle Keys, utes and can be done either incre- meeting or incentive groups. The gated resort, which can Copy Editor space, three gourmet restaurants, the 60-acreBy Captain Hawks Cay Ted Resort, Lund mentally or in a single sitting. When accommodate up to 15 single guests or 30 in doubles, is nestled Buck Banks L “Keys Traveler” is published by the a 6,000-square-foot ballroom, a AAA Four Diamond Award and the user has completed the entire amid mahogany, palm and buttonwood trees and indigenous orchids. A Monroe County Tourist Development a pool with a 1,200-square-foot Preferred Hotel Group Lifestyle e-learning series and passed all private pier can accommodate up to 100. Council, the official visitor marketing deck, 10 secluded bungalows, a Collection member, has 20,000 quizzes with a grade of 80 percent Its 5,000-square-foot The Lodge offers function space and agency for the Florida Keys & Key West. Director: Harold Wheeler; Sales three-bedroom beach house with square feet of oceanfront meeting or better an electronic certificate is accommodations, along with six 800-square-foot bungalows. Director: Stacey Mitchell; Groups Sales private pool, a full-service spa and space including refurbished space issued. Custom meals are by Bill Hansen Catering, whose past clients include Manager: Jack Meier a 6,000-square-foot beach. Kosher for up to 600. The new dockside Key Lime Academy is offered on presidents and celebrities. Activity offerings include paddleboarding and Cover photo of Hawks Cay Resort & Marina on groups can be accommodated. 208-seat Angler & Ale restaurant the Keys tourism council official kayaking in the 15-foot-deep Coral Lagoon, as well as sailing, nature tours Duck Key near Marathon by Andy Newman Visit playalargoresort.com. offers private group space for 88. website at fla-keys.com. and dolphin swims. Visit largoresort.com.

2 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 3 RON MODRA RON MODRA Rich experiences highlight meeting trends in Keys

By Laura Myers Photos by Andy Newman

Sunset Key’s laidback atmosphere offers a relaxing respite for attendees staying at the Westin Key West Resort & Marina or the island’s cottages.

he Florida Keys, with authentic indigenous themed mystery theater dinners, scavenger hunts or lighthouse built in the 1950s, offers yacht excursions. whole fish grouper taco carving station. experiences, healthy cuisine and relaxed activities other custom events,” Petersen said. “You can choose a private charter boat to host a “The whole island is a unique experience for Tfor visitors, offer a rich 125-mile-long setting Planners booking Islamorada Resort Company’s four board meeting on the beautiful waters of the Keys,” active guests seeking relaxation or for a welcome for meetings of virtually all types. The island chain’s properties — Amara Cay Resort, La Siesta, Pelican said Corinne Dean, director of sales and marketing. reception,” said Jackie Herbst, Westin Key West’s eco-attractions, offshore fishing and fascinating Cove and Postcard Inn in Islamorada — strive to create Marriott Key West Beachside offers about 10,000 director of group sales. history provide engaging, interactive opportunities for memories. square feet of meeting space with a 5,675-square- The Westin features some 6,000 square feet of enrichment and enjoyment. “No more of the cookie-cutter classroom-style foot ballroom on the 2-by-4-mile island of Key West. meeting space at its harborfront location. In Key Largo, Ocean Reef Club’s partnership with meetings. They want specialty menus, customized “Having the largest ballroom in Key West, the Coral Restoration Foundation enables groups “to meeting packages, intimate dining, things that can we enjoy good demand year-round,” said Alan contribute by taking either a snorkeling or scuba-diving make their attendees’ experiences memorable,” said Beaubien, Beachside’s director of sales and trip to a coral nursery and helping to plant coral on the Anne Walston, area director of sales. marketing. reef,” said Michelle Simpson, director of sales. “These At Islamorada’s Islander Resort, A Guy Harvey At Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort team-building events allow groups to be a part of this Outpost, “we see a lot of smaller groups. They do a with 22,600 square feet of indoor and nonprofit conservation organization while putting life combined trip of a meeting and incentive activities,” outdoor meeting space, groups are “quickly back into the ocean.” said Karly Campbell, director of sales. immersed in the Key West lifestyle with team- Key Largo’s new Playa Largo Resort & Spa is At nearby Cheeca Lodge, dining requests include building and breakout activities from sand targeting travel groups, executive board meetings current foodie trends of Asian noodle bowls and poké sculpting workshops to sunset cruises and and retreats, “because of our resort’s location and dishes. Teambuilding activities with wine, beer, rum and snorkel tours,” said Andrew Rosuck, director the caliber of service we offer,” said Elizabeth Diaz, liquor tastings are included in activities such as paint- of sales and marketing. Guests are greeted director of catering and events. and-sip classes or museum nights with a local artist. with sunglass fittings or cigar rollers during Privacy is often requested for small retreats, said “Creating these types of experiences allows us welcome receptions. Tammy Petersen, president of Chicago-based Retreats the opportunity to make a meeting or event truly The Westin Key West Resort & Marina can Unlimited. Largo, a new private destination retreat in destination-specific, and infuse some authentic stage receptions for groups up to 100 in its Key Largo, is in its portfolio. Islamorada and Florida Keys flavor,” said Rhonda Paradise Cottage at Cottages, “Our partnership with Largo enables us to bring Whitfield, Cheeca’s director of sales and marketing. a private island just 500 yards offshore, unique offerings to our guests such as yoga retreats, Marathon’s Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club, a accessible via an eight-minute boat ride. Faro Blanco Resort & Marina in Marathon features three meeting wellness retreats, special corporate packages with Hyatt Place Resort known for its signature landmark Indigenous culinary offerings include a rooms, two boardroom suites and extensive outdoor event space.

4 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 5 ANDY NEWMAN (2) Paddleboard yoga is a great group activity in the Keys. Keys feature fresh Unconventional Keys venues make meetings memorable

indigenous seafood n the Florida Keys, meetings NICK DOLL he Florida Keys offer both ca- can be hosted at offbeat, sually funky and sophisticated Iunconventional venues: a one- Tdining for groups, with many of-a-kind marine attraction, the menus highlighted by delectable home of a literary legend or even sustainable seafood freshly caught the vacation residence of a former from the Atlantic Ocean or scooped president. out of . Keys chefs are At Bud N’ Mary’s Fishing Marina in known for artfully creative prepara- Islamorada, a 10,000-square-foot tions that blend indigenous seafood steel building is positioned on the with tropical ingredients. Atlantic Ocean with about 5,000 Group activities help Companies booking a Keys square feet available for events. Group activities build meeting or retreat are likely to be Behind that, 1,300 square feet of build team bonding, trust focused on social responsibility, oceanfront decking is decorated team bonding, trust renewal and sustainability. Keys cui- with funky Keys nautical and sine may be organically enhanced sportfishing gear. An onsite kitchen lanners of meetings, incentive events and corporate retreats typically with fresh lime, mango, avocado, and chef provide dining options. seek unique experiences that connect them to a destination. Relax- papaya and coconut, while fish Visit budnmarys.com. Ping offshore activities and bucket-list adventures are what the Florida gracing a table was likely unloaded Robbie’s Marina is a popular Groups can hold events at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West Keys are all about. just hours earlier onto a local dock. Islamorada waterfront hub, nestled where the famed author lived and wrote in the 1930s. A fishing charter, for example, in waters off the Keys is an adventure Sweet stone crab claws, served among coconut trees on Florida and Nobel Prize winner Ernest include the theater, classrooms that made all the more memorable by catches such as sailfish, tarpon or yel- with drawn butter or chilled with Bay with eclectic outdoor vendors. Hemingway lived and wrote measure about 600 square feet each, lowtail snapper. mustard sauce, are a renewable Planners can charter fishing trips some of his most famous and a 1,500-square-foot gallery for A group hunt for the best Key lime pie is sure to satisfy all taste buds. resource. Fishermen harvest only for groups. The on-site “old Keys- works in the 1930s. The receptions. Go to tskw.org. Nearly every Keys dining venue serves a creative version of this rich signa- the claws, returning crabs to the style” Hungry Tarpon Restaurant grounds are available for International Game Fish Association (2) ture dessert. sea where the claws regenerate. cooks up the catch for a fresh fish up to 100 people. Private New eco-tours travel For active groups kayaking, swimming with dolphins and other experien- An event’s menu might include yel- meal. Participants can even feed house tours can be arranged off the beaten path tial activities can be booked around the Keys. Among them are: lowtail, hog or mutton snapper, hog- resident tarpon. See robbies.com. as part of the event. Visit Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours offers afternoon Bike and Beer fish, grouper or mahi-mahi. Meeting in Islamorada hemingwayhome.com. new operator, Up The Keys Eco- tours for up to 12 in the Upper Keys with a 10-mile trek from Tavernier participants might especially enjoy offers dolphin and sea lion shows Key West’s Harry S. Truman Tours, offers private tours explor- to Islamorada. Participants can enjoy three stops for beer and a van ride a team-building catch-and-cook for up to 200 for private evening Little White House Museum, Aing Florida Keys eco-attractions back. In Islamorada, another tour visits historic venues, locations from fishing event, with fish they catch events. Customized options Florida’s only presidential for groups of six to 13 participants in a the hit Netflix drama “Bloodline,” a tiki bar and two craft breweries. Visit served grilled, broiled, blackened, include a private tour of marine life museum, is a unique function comfortable 14-passenger van. With a keylargobike.com. baked or fried. exhibits, photographs with parrots venue. The late United States 10-day advance booking, up to 26 can At Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon, groups can swim with Key West pink shrimp — light and or a choreography of dolphin president spent more than be accommodated in two vans. and feed fishes while learning about the Keys marine ecosystem. Groups flavorful, generally sweeter than behaviors added to music. Visit six months at this tropical The off-the-beaten-path tours are cre- up to 12 can explore the facility’s 200,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. other crustaceans — are bountiful. theaterofthesea.com. retreat during his 1945-1953 ated by certified international tour di- Private tours and events are offered for up to 125. Go to Spiny clawless Florida lobsters, Dolphin Research Center on administration. The grounds rector Kim Stamps, who designed the floridakeysaquariumencounters.com. served steamed or broiled with near Marathon offers can accommodate groups as journeys to share the history, culture Serenity Eco Therapy at Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower drawn butter, are another favorite. group activities at the nonprofit large as 400 people, while and unique ecology of the Keys. Keys combines gentle meditation, yoga and Pilates with stand-up Keys restaurants often use Key facility that’s home to bottlenose smaller groups can utilize the A roundtrip All-Day Adventure tour paddleboarding techniques. A two-hour experience helps to relieve stress. limes to flavor seafood dishes and dolphins and California sea lions. president’s own dining room, departs Key West and travels north Visit serenityecoguides.com. sauces, and no meal is complete Private tours, research sessions or living room and south porch over more than 20 bridges to Grassy Haunted Key West offers an Infamous Hauntings Ghost Tour, a walk for without the island chain’s renowned interactive dolphin experiences can for dinners. Private museum Key. Passengers can search for wildlife up to 20, featuring locations that include the Ernest Hemingway Home & Key lime pie. be booked. Planners can reserve tours can be included. See such as the tiny indigenous Key at Museum with human and feline ghosts. Visit hauntedkeywest.com. the center for private group events trumanlittlewhitehouse.com. the National Refuge as well Crafting sand sculptures at Key West’s Casa Marina or The Reach, both for up to 200. A director of guest The Studios of Key West, as alligators, turtles and birds. Other Waldorf Astoria resorts, is another way to build competitive team spirit or services helps to plan visits that housed in a deco-style stops include the quirky Bat Tower on bonding. Sand-Isle Professional Sand Sculpting offers beach workshops can include an on-site picnic. Go to former Scottish Rite Masonic , Bahia Honda State Park for six to 150. Go to sandisle.com. dolphins.org. Center, offers a 200-seat, and in the Marathon area the Turtle Key West Food Tours for groups of six to 12 offers a three-hour, 1.7-mile In Key West, groups can hold 2,175-square-foot professional Hospital, Dolphin Research Center or experience. Participants stop approximately every four blocks to taste events at the Ernest Hemingway theater, contemporary art Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. conch fritters, fish tacos, Key lime pie and other samplings. See Home & Museum, a Spanish gallery, nine studios and two For additional information, visit keywestfoodtours.com. Fresh seafood from the Florida Keys colonial villa where famed author classrooms. Meeting venues UpTheKeys.com.

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National Wildlife Refuge MILE Grassy Key 60 Straits of Florida Gulf of Mexico Long Point Tennessee Key Duck Key Reef Florida Keys Big Torch Marathon Big Pine MILE Key Airport 55 Hammock Great White Heron State Park East Turtle Deer Key Shoal Two Humps National Knight’s MILE National Wildlife Refuge Pigeon 50 Vaca Key Key Deer Key Key Key 1 Middle Old Seven Refuge MILE Torch No Name Mile Bridge West Turtle MILE 45 Shoal Sugarloaf Key Key Key 40 The Cudjoe Key MILE Seven Snake Little 30 Coffins MILE Mile Patch 20 MILE Torch Saddlebunch 25 Coupon MILE 1 Bridge 1 Key Bight 35 Bahia Delta Shoal Herman’s Summerland Ramrod Hole Alexander’s Wreck Keys MILE Key 15 Key Newfound Honda East Thunderbolt Harbor Keys Washerwoman Sombrero Wreck Lower Hawk Channel Samantha’s Atlantic Ocean Big Coppitt State Park Reef West Sugarloaf Key Key Key Flagler’s Barge MILE American Key West Golf 10 Newfound Harbor Wreck Fleming Dredger’s Course and CC Shoal Coral Heads Key Key 1 Artificial Reef MILE 5 Maryland U.S. Naval Geiger Big Pine Stock Shoals Adolphus MILE Air Station Key Looe Key Shoals 0 Island Busch Sr. Florida Keys Wreck Reef Preserve National Key West SOUTHERNMOST Intl. Airport POINT fla-keys.com Marine Sanctuary KEY WEST, FL Western Eastern Pelican Straits of Florida Sambos Shoal Eastern Sambos Dry Rocks Joe’s Tug Sand Rock Key Key Western Cayman Vandenberg Dry Rocks Salvor Wreck Wreck

The 125-mile-long Florida Keys island Driving Data to Keys/Key Largo Weather/Climate chain is linked to mainland Florida by U.S. FROM MILES KM HOURS Wherever you are right now, chances are Highway 1, the . Visitors Miami 50 80 1 the weather is better in the Florida Keys. can fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) Fort Myers 200 320 4 That’s true even on a summer day. The or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Tampa 300 480 6 Orlando 280 450 5.25 hottest it’s ever been in Key West is 97° F Airport (FLL) and from there can reach (36° C), and that was in 1880. At the the Keys by airport shuttle bus or rental Distance from Miami peak of summer, the average high air car. Travelers can reach Key Largo, the REGION MILES KM MILE MARKER temperature is about 89° F (32° C). The gateway to the Keys, in about an hour from Key Largo 50 80 107–90 Keys are devoid of superhighways or Islamorada 76 122 89–66 Miami or an hour and 45 minutes from Fort urban sprawl to absorb and radiate the Lauderdale. Marathon 111 178 65–45 Lower Keys 128 205 45–4 sun’s heat. And the subtropical islands are Air Service to the Florida Keys Key West 159 254 4–0 cooled by sea breezes. In the winter, the Keys are typically the For an up-to-date roster of commercial Via Bus warmest region in the continental U.S. airlines and on-demand charter operators Bus/shuttle connections from MIA and There has never been a frost in Key West, serving Key West International and Florida FLL to the Florida Keys allow traveling to the according to the U.S. Weather Service. Keys Marathon International Airports, go Keys without renting a car. Below are the average monthly air to fla-keys.com/gettinghere/#air. Via Boat temperatures for the past 30 years, Driving Directions Ferry connections from Fort Myers or according to the Key West weather office. Temperatures in blue shades are Fahrenheit From Miami International Airport (MIA), Marco Island to Key West are offered and those in light red are Celsius. take LeJeune Road south to 836 West. via the Key West Express. Voyages take Take the Florida Turnpike south toward Key approximately 3.5 hours. West. Extensive details on getting to the Florida The Turnpike ends at U.S. 1 in Florida City. Keys & Key West are available at: Follow U.S. 1 south about 22 miles to fla-keys.com/gettinghere.cfm Key Largo and you are now in the Florida Keys. From Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Inter- national Airport (FLL), exit the airport and follow the signs for I–595 West. Take 595 facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest to the Florida Turnpike and follow the signs Help and More Information for the Florida Keys. If you’re traveling in the Keys and From farther north, take the Florida @thefloridakeys need any help, call the toll-free Visitors’ Turnpike south to just below Fort Assistance line at 1-800-771-KEYS. It’s Lauderdale, where Exit 4 joins the southern staffed 24 hours a day. To contact visitor portion of the Turnpike that ends at U.S. 1 offices in the Keys, call 1-800-FLA-KEYS. in Florida City. Follow U.S. 1 south into the youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV The Keys website at fla-keys.com has a Florida Keys. live chat feature with visitor information From Florida’s west coast, take I–75 Insta specialists available during regular U.S. (Alligator Alley) east to the Miami exit, and weekday business hours to aid travelers in south to the Turnpike Extension. keysvoices.com @thefloridakeys vacation planning.