Travel Florida The Amazing Beach Paradise You've Never Heard Of By Valerie Fraser Luesse Valerie Fraser Luesse Valerie Fraser Luesse has been affiliated with Southern Living and its parent company since 1988. She has written some 30 Southern Journal essays for the magazine and extensively covered the unique cultural pockets of the South, including Acadian Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, South Florida, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She released her fourth Southern novel with Revell in 2021. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on May 16, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Courtesy of The Moorings Village One look at these throwback villas tucked into 18 acres on a former coconut plantation, and we hit the pause button. 01 of 05 Vintage Florida Charm Courtesy of The Moorings Village The Moorings Village in Islamorada (I-luh-muh-RAH-duh), Florida, offers villas ranging from one to three bedrooms, each with a fully equipped kitchen, television, and phone. Most also have a washer and dryer. (Let's be honest: One look at that white sand, palm trees, and turquoise water, and who cares what's INSIDE the villa?) This villa in the palms reminds us of Old Florida, long before condos and high rises. 02 of 05 Relaxation at Every Turn Courtesy of The Moorings Village Enjoy 1,100 feet of private beach, a heated pool, spa services and yoga classes, tennis, paddle sports, bikes, and hammocks. 03 of 05 Views for Days Courtesy of The Moorings Village It's nice to have bedrooms, but we'd be pretty happy just to sleep on this porch. Dreamy porches with views of stunning aqua waters give you a spot to read, relax, and reflect. 04 of 05 Sand Between Your Toes Courtesy of The Moorings Village While The Moorings has a natural white-sand beach, some Keys beaches are manmade because these islands rest on coral reefs, so the natural beaches are narrow and not always nice on the feet. The islands bring in soft white sand (lest we vacationers make like Buffet and blow out our flip-flops). Toss some aqua shoes into your bag, and you'll be all set when you wade into the shallow waters to paddle or float. Listen to the wind in the palms and enjoy a lazy stroll to the nearest hammock. 05 of 05 Nature Experience Courtesy of The Moorings Village Relax and take in the natural beauty of Islamorada. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit