Less than halfway between Miami and Key West, Islamorada delivers the quintessential Florida Keys experience: waterfront views, spectacular sunsets and an easygoing vibe. Three Waters Resort captures that relaxed spirit perfectly. Opened in September 2024 and named for its unique vantage where the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico meet, the resort is breezy, barefoot and salt-kissed. With charming guestrooms and cottages, a private adults-only enclave, a full-service marina and a playful cocktail history, Three Waters is designed for a refined yet unfussy stay. Here are six compelling reasons to plan a getaway to this peaceful Keys retreat:
The Layout Embodies Calm and Relaxation
Set on 15 acres along the calm meeting point of three bodies of water, Three Waters offers countless places to unwind and take in the scenery. Throughout the property you’ll find small, cozy gathering spots with fire pits and seating, hammock chairs, beachfront cabanas, a bocce court and cornhole boards. The accommodations are predominantly small- to mid-sized bungalows and cottages that feel tucked away and private, reinforcing the resort’s tranquil, slow-paced atmosphere.
© Three Waters Resort & Marina
An Adults-Only Resort Within the Resort
The Cove, situated on its own tranquil lagoon, is Three Waters’ adults-only retreat. Rooms feature king beds and private patios with hammock seating and direct views of the inlet or the Atlantic. Cove guests enjoy exclusive access to a private stretch of beach, a separate pool and a dedicated bar. Despite its secluded feel, The Cove remains only a short walk across the sand or dock from the main resort amenities.
One of the Keys’ Most Anticipated New Restaurants
Kindler, which opened in spring, has already earned praise for its thoughtful, fire-driven cuisine. The sleek dining room’s warm tones, leather seating and cracked-glass pendants set a refined tone. The menu pairs small and large plates charred or finished over open heat—standouts include coal-roasted oysters with ‘nduja butter, flame-roasted snapper in a chili-lemongrass broth, and prime cuts from Creekstone Farms. Kindler fills a welcomed niche for guests seeking a more elevated, indoor dining option distinct from the resort’s alfresco choices.
© Three Waters Resort & Marina
A Beloved Rooftop Destination
When the weather cooperates—which is most of the year—Little Limon is the place to be. Perched near the water with vivid murals and sweeping views, the rooftop spot combines bold Latin American flavors with precise Asian techniques and fragrant ingredients. Start with a tequila-based cocktail like the Yardbird, then sample dishes such as salmon belly poke with rice crackers, local grouper ceviche, pork belly, Korean BBQ beef bao buns and matcha doughnuts. The vibrant setting and inventive menu make Little Limon a recurring favorite for many guests.
The Resort Where a Classic Tropical Cocktail Was Born
The property’s history stretches back to its days as Holiday Isle, and its Tiki Bar was a celebrity hotspot in the 1970s. Back then, bartender John “Tiki John” Elber improvised a drink to use excess liquor by blending rum with blackberry and banana liqueurs and citrus, and named it the Rum Runner in homage to the Keys’ Prohibition-era smuggling lore. The Tiki Bar remains lively today, and the Rum Runner endures as a signature cocktail enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
© Three Waters Resort & Marina
Watersports for Every Interest and Ability
The Florida Keys sit near the third-largest barrier reef in the world, which often keeps local waters calm and excellent for snorkeling. Three Waters’ team can arrange underwater excursions through local operators like Allergic to Land Charters. If you prefer to stay on the surface, options include guided catamaran tours, private Tiki party-boat gatherings, spearfishing lessons, and paddling on SUPs or kayaks. On Sunday afternoons, a line of boats often gathers on the sandbar—a social, quintessential Islamorada tradition where visitors who befriend locals may be invited ashore for an unforgettable experience.