Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to spend four days with some of the top Macaroni Kid publishers from around the country at Hawks Cay Resort (follow our escapades on Instagram here and Twitter here - use #mkluvshawkscay and follow ME for more photos here). In case you haven't heard of it (or read my last review, which is much like this review), Hawks Cay is a gorgeous family-friendly resort just a little over three hours from here (hello Florida resident rate), in the heart of the Keys.
We stayed at Hawks Cay for the first time a couple of years ago when we were looking for an upscale, family-friendly resort within driving distance. For that trip, we had six adults and six kids (ages 0-11) to please, so we had to get it right. I was so glad that a friend recommended Hawks Cay. So, when I found out that our annual Macaroni KID top publisher trip was to Hawks Cay this year, I was beyond thrilled to go back!
Hawks Cay is located on 60 beautiful acres on the secluded island of Duck Key.
Hawks Cay is located on 60 beautiful acres on the secluded island of Duck Key.
The resort consists of a main hotel with 177 guest rooms and 225 two and three-bedroom villas. TIP: If you are a planner, download the Hawks Cay Experience, the resort's monthly newsletter, before you go or pick up a copy on check-in (more on that later).
I love the classic West Indies decor in the lobby and guest rooms (guest room photo provided by Hawks Cay).
With five pools, a saltwater lagoon, and a kids club there is always something to do. If you are looking for some adult time and to keep the kids busy with supervised activities, the resort offers a full and half day (morning or afternoon) Hawk Camp for children ages 5-12 years old (babysitting is available as well). And, while the kids are busy, relax in one of the cabanas at the Tranquility pool. If you have younger kids or plan to keep the kids with you for the day, be sure to check out the "Fun For All By the Day" page of the newsletter you downloaded at home or picked up at check-in before heading out. There are a ton of activities such as hula hoop competitions, water polo, Frisbee challenges, air hockey and ping pong tournaments, paddle-board races, and treasure hunts.
Twice a day, the resort offers craft time for the kids (for a small fee) in the craft room of the super cool Indies Club. On our first trip to Hawks Cay, the kids in our party made fun sand bottles one day and cute stuffed animal dolphins the next - what great keepsakes to remind the kids of their trip! (We also peeked into the game room which has air hockey tables, games, video games, and a Tiki Bar that served ice cream. Perfect for a rainy day or when the kids have had enough sun.)
After the craft, head out behind the club to the kids' area where you will find a giant chess board, swings, a playground, basketball courts, a mini golf area, and the kids' favorite--the Pirate Ship pool.
Beyond the Pirate Ship Pool is the second of the property's five pools, the Indies Pool. This family pool is quieter than the main Resort Pool - perfect for lounging and chatting while the kids swim. After playing, splashing around the pirate ship pool, and swimming in the Indies Pool, head over to the lagoon where you can order lunch from your lounge chair while the kids grab one of the kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.
As if there weren't already enough to do at Hawks Cay, there are a bunch of other "Experiences" such as fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, SNUBA diving (like Scuba but no certification is required), para-sailing, kite-boarding, boat rentals, jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, as well as Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Hawks Cay and the award-winning Calm Waters Spa. And, their not-to-miss signature activity is located within the Dolphin Connection, where you can swim with the dolphins (must be a least 4'6" tall) or play with them dockside. If you are an animal lover - you do not want to miss this - it is such an incredible experience! I even got to shake hands with this guy!
Another highlight of this resort is the food. In addition to the pool/lagoon-side options for lunch, there are several other restaurants on the property where you can have dinner. Leave the kids at the Indies Club Thursday - Saturday nights for Kids (5 -17 years) and have a romantic evening at the Latin Inspired Alma (if you're in the mood for steak the churrasco is incredible!) or enjoy dinner with the family at the Mediterranean restaurant Ocean. On our first trip, our large party was easily accommodated at Ocean where we had a terrific meal. If you are looking to get off the property to eat, there are plenty of options in nearby Islamorada (15 minutes north) and Marathon Keys (15 minutes south).
After dinner you can head back to one of the pools for a nighttime swim (the pools are open 24 hours) or a drink at the tiki bar - but don't stay up too late, sunrise in the keys is phenomenally beautiful.
Hawk's Cay is truly a gorgeous, fun, and perfect family-friendly resort - we had such a great time and I cannot wait to bring the kids again.
