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Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/1173838
Thanks to the recent Homestead road expansion, Key Largo now stands securely as an extension of South Florida, an easier destination than traveling north in the constant, annoying traffic to Broward and the Palm Beaches. Like its giant Miami-Dade neighbor, this island paradise contains its own mini-boom marked by upscale hotel properties. It includes Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton of over 60 five-star urban landmark and beach resort hotels "handpicked by their unique character." What is most striking about this former 1890s pineapple plantation remains its sensitive environmental "footprint." Nestled in a delightful 14-acre hardwood hammock of gumbo limbo, palms, bougainvillea, poisonwood, mahogany, tamarind, and red, black and white mangroves, the 200- room resort at MM 97 overlooks treetops, the shallows of Florida Bay, and the nearby Swash Keys that mark the southern border of Everglades National Park. The recently renovated Baker's Cay Resort boasts six new 370-square-feet bayside rooms, six 760-square-feet two-bedroom kitchenette suites on the north wing, and 10 deluxe 730-square-feet one-bedroom suites. The décor reflects the intersection of water and foliage accented by fishhook wall adornments, colorful yellow throw pillows, long wood tables, sofas and mid-century lounge chairs, lantern bedside lamps, and large, high beds with an extra-big pillow decorated with nautical knots and a manatee motif. The airy mood is enhanced by bright white walls, sturdy cottons and textiles, and attractive Cuban- patterned shower wall tiles complemented by Lather bamboo crème toiletries. "The color palette throughout the interior and exterior design are variations found on the marine graphics on our docks and elements on the water's edge - yellow sun, canvas white sand, natural woods and big leaf green," says LA-based Principal Designer Dayna Lee (with partner W. Ted Berner III) of Powerstrip Studio. Past large banyans, monstera, and the porte-cochere, enter the lobby through a 20-foot wooden door surrounded by multiple windows heightening the resort's upscale, open-air "fishing camp" vibe. To the left, meeting rooms and a ballroom are softened by a small, cozy library, pool table, and fitness center. Before the reception a native limestone encrusted elevator reinforces the natural elements component of the design concept. Even the nearby gift shop sells sustainable products like 4ocean recyclable bracelets, Stream2Sea biodegradable sunscreen, natural fiber Hemlock sun hats with vibrant liners, The Keys salt scrub, and Maaji reversible swimwear from Colombia. Next door, the petite Green House Hair & Beauty Salon offers cuts, waxing, hand and foot care, bridal preps, and an excellent deep tissue massage.