Recommend September 2011 - (Page 16)

SUNSET KEy guest cottages, a westin resort Accommodations offer a homey feel, with such touches as a four-poster bed and chaise longue. breakfast, lunch or dinner at Latitudes, perched on Sunset Key’s sandy shoreline with casual island cuisine, including local fish, fresh produce, a kids’ menu, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico. Another “to do” is an afternoon at the spa (where even the little girls in the family can get a mani/pedi with mom). “Our [petit] spa—opened just last year—is an extremely popular amenity among mothers and daughters…and even fathers and sons,” says Schmidt, adding that other must-do’s include “watersports, of course, which are a primary draw to the Florida Keys. Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayak excursions, jet ski tours are all arranged off our shores, and we are able to launch sportfishing vessels, pleasure boats and sunset sails from our sister property’s marina just across the waterway. There is something for everyone here,” she continues, “whether you want a quiet respite, an active vacation, time with the kids.” For the adventurous family, suggest they try the 3-hour Fury Water Adventure, which includes parasailing, and a dolphin watch/snorkel trip. The excursion departs from the Key West marina, at Sunset Key’s sister property, The Westin Key West Resort & Marina, where Sunset Key clients will, incidentally, be able to grab the launch that departs every half hour to the island (it departs the island itself every half-hour as well). In fact, guests register and, if need be, park the car at The Westin Key West Resort & Marina. Rates at Sunset Key Guest Cottages start at $795 per night for a 2-bedroom Gardenview cottage during 2012 high-season and at $645 during 2012 low-season. trucks and cars, games, puzzles, books and crafts, plus a magic shop and an Imagineering workshop; n Mel Fisher’s Maritime Heritage Museum—one of our favorites (and because of its current exhibit, one kids will relish). Its permanent exhibit features the richest single collection of 17th century maritime and shipwreck antiques in the Western Hemisphere, including treasures and artifacts from the Atocha and Santa Margarita. But the very fun, tongue-in-cheek, “Pirates: Menace & Mayhem” exhibit is a must. It offers up a collection of never-before-seen pirate artifacts recovered from an actual 18th century pirate ship. Through this exhibit, guests will visit a notorious buccaneer pub, hear the saga of Blackbeard’s last fight and even meet swashbuckling female pirates. It’s a delight and will be running through June 2012. “What I appreciate about these attractions,” says Schmidt, “is that they use amazing interactive exhibits to help educate travelers on how to enjoy the destination’s natural assets responsibly, which I think is especially important when catering to children.” to dine For a sunset dinner overlooking all the craziness of Mallory Square, a nice stop is The Westin Key West Resort & Marina’s Bistro 245, with a casual ambiance, traditional American cuisine and kids’ menu. And don’t forget to take a detour to the landmark Hog’s Breath Saloon for out-of-this-world conch fritters. n family-friendly key west And while on the mainland, there’s lots to with the kids, including: n Key West Aquarium—which opened during the Great Depression and was Key West’s first attraction; n Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center—full of native plants and animals of the Keys, both on land and underwater; n Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory—home to hundreds of butterflies and exotic colorful birds from around the world; n Key West Toy Factory—with hundreds of nostalgic toys, wooden 16 september 2011 Archived related articles (available on recommend.com): Hawks Cay Resort, Florida Keys (October 2010) contact information Key West (The Monroe County Tourist Development Council): fla-keys.com/keywest/ Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort: (888) 477-7SUN; westinsunsetkeycottages.com recommend.com http://www.recommend.com http://www.fla-keys.com/keywest/ http://www.westinsunsetkeycottages.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend September 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Abercrombie & Kent
Sunset Key Guest Cottages, Key West
Can't Get Enough of Jupiter Beach, Florida
Hanging Out in the Outer Banks
Aloha to Families in Hawaii's Resorts
Cruise Stockholm
Galapagos Islands- Cruising 101: Back to Basics
The Ultimate Family Adventure in Costa Rica
Flanders Travel Planner
Fabulous Family Voyages
China: A Wonderland for Kids
India: Pure Wonderment
An African Adventure
Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, D.R.
The Bahamas: Islands of Adventure
Cayman Islands: A Home Away from Home
Mazatlan Reinvigorated
CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort

Recommend September 2011