Atlantic's Edge, Cheeca Lodge & Spa: Ah, the first
of the uppity renditions. Besides an oceanfront view worthy of a
painting, this popular resort's dining room also woos with a classy
taste of the tropics. After savories (such as Key lime-marinated seviche
and garlic-scented shrimp with homemade pappardelle noodles), slip into
sweetness with pillow-soft Key lime mille-feuille (meel-FWEE). That's
just a posh term for pastry chef Michael Smith's chilly layers of tangy
custard between shattering slivers of phyllo pastry. A mosaic of
precisely sliced and pureed fruits paints the plate around it. This
indeed leaves those foil-piepan versions squirted with fake topping
quivering pitifully on the sidelines. U.S. 1, MM 82 Oceanside,
Islamorada; (305) 664-4651 or 1-800-327-2888.
Trust us: You're going to need
some horizontal time on this filling adventure. Try these sweet stays.
Casa Morada: Sleek, minimalist, funky suites. Well hidden
on the bayside. Rates: $130-$240. 136 Madeira Road,
Islamorada; 305-664-0044, 1-888-881-3030, or
www.casamorada.com.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa: Oceanfront resort famous for fishing.
Brand new spa. Rates: $210-$2,100. U.S. 1, MM 82 Oceanside;
305-664-4651, 1-800-327-2888, or
www.cheeca.com.
Little Palm Island
Resort and Spa: Surreal, elegant setting and pampering with utmost
seclusion and romance. Rates: $595-$1,695. Three miles offshore at
U.S. 1, MM 28.5 Oceanside, Little Torch Key; (305) 872-2524,
1-800-343-8567, or
www.littlepalmisland.com.
Sticking with
the trip's theme, we chose this freshened inn in Key West.
Key Lime Inn: Recently renovated inn and cottages. Feels like a
very nice motel with special island touches. Walking distance to most of
town. Rates: $95-$215. 725 Truman Avenue, Key West; (305) 294-5229,
1-800-549-4430, or
www.keylimeinn.com.
This article is from the January 2002 issue of Southern Living.Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please
check all information to make sure it's still current before making your
travel plans.
