Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at and I’ve been to quite a few. An incredible tiny private tiny island in the Florida Keys. Be warned it’s very expensive but it’s also paradise! Book directly with hotel for best deal. We stayed for 2 nights but I think 3/4 would have been ideal.

I came down with a cold as we were headed to Little Palm. Despite being sick for half the trip, it was still a delightful time. Perfect environs, food, staff, and activities. Popping out to Key West for a day made the value of the island's tranquility clear.

After having LPI on our bucket list for years we had the opportunity to book a trip over NYE. We took advantage of an offer they had; pay full price for three nights, get the fourth night at no cost. We arrived late the evening of December 29th and enjoyed dinner in our room. Monday the 30th was a beautiful day in paradise. Tuesday the 31st a 2pm boat excursion would end my day and entire trip. (Please note this excursion was booked through LPI and originated from their resort.) Approximately fifteen minutes into our boat ride we hit a wave that popped me out of my seat on the bow and left me with immediate, excruciating pain in my back. I was transferred by ambulance to the hospital where imaging revealed I had a compression fracture in mid back at T11. I was told I would need to have a surgical procedure, kyphoplasty, to relieve the pain. We did stay at LPI that night after a late discharge from the ER, but had to check out A DAY EARLY the next morning, January 1st, to travel to Miami area for the kyphoplasty. ***We paid full price for the first three nights, had to leave resort early to seek medical care, for an accident that occurred through them, and we lost our free night, but were charged full price for the other three nights (over 15K), and one of said days was spent mainly in the ER. When I reached out to LPI voicing these concerns I received a cordial phone call wishing me a quick recovery. We’re reasonable adults and know things happen, accidents happen. I do not have any ill feelings towards our captain, but have huge issues with how LPI has handled this situation. Almost four weeks later I’m still recovering and dealing with significant pain. They literally offered us NOTHING…not even the free night we lost to seek medical care. I will add the island, food, and especially staff are AMAZING!! Actually, I am truly disappointed they have chosen to handle this so poorly, ensuring we will not be repeat guests. It didn’t have to be hard. A serious accident happened at your resort with your employees. A simple gesture could have changed the entire, unfortunate situation.

We just got back from 2 nights at Little Palm Island. It was a very lovely and wonderful experience. If you are reading this you probably already know it is very, very expensive - but as my husband said, even though our visit cost a ton, he isn't sure how they are making any money because of the number of resources (both material and human) required to make the place function and - because everything little thing is absolutely perfect. Your visit starts at the welcome center on the mainland where you pull up and they take care of your car and your bags and offer you a rum drink. The boat service to the island leaves at the bottom of every hour (and from the island to the mainland leaves at the top of the hour). We got on one of 3 of their very nice boats and set off across the bay to the island - an approximately 15 minute ride. When you arrive someone meets you at the dock and gives you a tour and takes you to your bungalow while someone else deals with your luggage. Our bungalow was amazing - we had a bed that looked over the bay, a living room, 2 full baths, a dressing room, an outdoor shower/hammered copper tub, an outdoor lounger/daybed and a table for two. We also had a private beach area with an outdoor fire pit with chairs and loungers. The fire pit looked like coal with propane running to it - and when we came home every evening it was lit. The linens and towels and toiletries were all top notch and the room also had a very well stocked bar with complimentary wine and a wide variety of hard liquor and a mini fridge with sodas, water and mixers. There was also a welcome bottle of champagne and treats from Cupcake Sushi in Key West. The pool is beautiful as is the exercise room. Bring work out clothes to use the equipment if you like to get a bit of exercise on vacation as there is no way to get your steps walking around the island. We had fabulous meals in the dining room and the food is very clean and fresh and the service was flawless. We splurged (at this point, what's another $160) and got the seafood tower as an appetizer both nights (we were a party of 4) and it was outstanding. I am not sure I will ever be able to justify the price of going back but the experience was everything you could possibly expect it to be and if you have the dough, I would definitely put in on your must do list. It was a magical experience from beginning to end. We even met a couple of very cute Key Deer which was my husband's favorite part of the experience. I would give it the highest rating possible on any scale, 5 stars is not enough.

I have food allergies - so trusting the chef especially when there is only 1 restaurant for all meals is critical. IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD ALLERGIES OR ARE A VEGAN DO NOT GO TO THIS RESORT! I Left covered in hives - and repeatedly asked what kind of flour was used for my "gluten free bread/pancakes". It took a live request, followed up by over 4 calls, and 4 days to receive the ingredient list - and one of my allergies was on the list, along with MILK - I am a vegan - I carry allergy cards, which were provided along with the list given to the resort prior to my visit. Each wait staff assured me the kitchen was aware of my dietary need. Clearly, they did not take is seriously. As for the food - it varied from some night excellent to other nights, not just my food was subpar, overheard tables loudly complaining while other commented on the raw lamb sent out to diners. It really depends on which chef is cooking - We stayed for 1 week, after 21 means - I can tell you, the difference between the chefs is very good to poor. If you stay here you will take your chances. The beach is not swim - able. The lovely white sand in the photo stops at the beach line and it is very shallow and full of rocks and seaweed - and sudden small deep drops - The spa is very small, while the massages are very nice, hard get an appointment. If it rains, there is nothing but the spa - well, bring a good book but know the rooms are poorly lit so you might have issues reading it in your room. Overall, I do not see this place as good value - considering the price, variation in food quality, and the lack of swim-able beach.