Nestled in the heart of Key Largo, Baker’s Cay Resort offers a lavish retreat amid a historical paradise. With its prime location, sumptuous amenities, and abundance of nearby activities, the resort is a haven for vacationers looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the Florida Keys. We recently returned from an amazing South Beach Miami to Key West road trip and stayed a couple of days at this beatuiful resort. We just have to share our review of the experience at Baker’s Cay (it’s one of our favorites)!
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Did we love Baker’s Cay Resort?
In this article, we will explore the historical significance of the property, the amenities, food options, and the plethora of activities available at Baker’s Cay Resort, including the resort’s board/kayak rentals, fishing dock, and champagne sunsets.
It is definitely on our favorite resorts list!
Table of contents
- Did we love Baker’s Cay Resort?
- Short History of Baker’s Cay Resort
- Related Articles & Guides for Miami and Florida Keys Trips
- Baker’s Cay Resort Review: Lobby Experience
- Baker’s Cay Resort Review: Hotel Grounds and Pools
- Baker’s Cay Resort Review: Room Experience
- The Hammock Wing
- The Tower Wing
- Our Baker’s Cay Resort Room Experience
- Restaurant and Bar Options at Baker’s Cay Resort
- Amenities at Baker’s Cay Resort
- Baker’s Cay Resort Review: Champagne Sunset Hour (The Best!)
- Kayak/board Rentals and Fishing Dock
- What we Didn’t Love About the Resort
- Baker’s Cay Resort Location and Nearby Keys Attractions
- Final Thoughts on our Review of Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo
- Book Your Baker’s Cay Resort for an amazing vacay in the Keys!
Short History of Baker’s Cay Resort
Baker’s Cay Resort is a Curio by Hilton Property and is steeped in history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. Originally a pineapple plantation, the 13-acre property was later transformed into a luxury resort in the 1980s.
The name “Baker’s Cay” comes from the original owner, Captain Ben Baker, a prominent figure in Key Largo’s early history.
Captain Baker was a pioneer in the pineapple industry, and his legacy lives on through the resort, which has maintained its commitment to preserving the area’s natural beauty and historical charm.
There are many nods to Captain Baker in the form of pineapples in the artwork and items on the property at Baker’s Cay. We tried to find as many as we could! Our favorite was the pineapple mural trio at the pool area.
TIP: Baker’s Cay Resort offers day, week, or month resort passes if you are not staying overnight!
Related Articles & Guides for Miami and Florida Keys Trips
- What to see in South Beach, Miami
- Quirky Moxy Hotel in South Beach Review
- Key West Things to do in a day, we also have a Key West Hotel Review and Comparison in Old Town
- Best Camping in the Florida Keys
- Epic U.S. Road Trips to try
- Nourish Your Soul on a Beach Trip
Baker’s Cay Resort Review: Lobby Experience
Baker’s Cay Resort truly believes in providing a holistic guest experience, and the lobby decor does not disappoint! Check-in was efficient and we were given our room keys for #300 in the Hammock Wing as well as unique eco water bottles. [We used 90,000 Hilton points per night on this trip]
The scent in the lobby is intoxicating and we bought some of the scent reed kits at the gift shop to take home! I have been using them sparingly until our next visit!
We were also given a list of activities going on at the hotel during our stay which included some craft activities that we didn’t get to try and the times of the amazing champagne sunset reception.
In the lobby, there is a beautifully crafted pool table, available for those looking to engage in friendly competition or simply unwind after a day of exploring Key Largo’s attractions. It was always taken when we were there so we didn’t get to try it.
The lobby area also has an impressive collection of books in case you want to immerse yourself during your stay.
With comfortable seating and a warm ambiance, the lobby area is the perfect place to enjoy a game of pool, share stories of your adventures, and create lasting memories with new friends.
We found the check-in experience to be perfect and have no complaints!
Baker’s Cay Resort Review: Hotel Grounds and Pools
The resort’s lush grounds are meticulously landscaped, providing a tranquil atmosphere for guests to unwind. The property features two heated outdoor pools, including lagoon-style pools with a waterfall, and hot tubs. The hot tub was too crowded when we visited, but we enjoyed both pools and waterfalls!
Guests can relax in one of the many quirky poolside cabana chairs or take a leisurely stroll through the resort’s beautiful nature trails (behind the hammock wing), where they can spot local wildlife and admire the native flora near the beautiful water of the bay.
We even spotted many giant iguanas on the waterfall rocks of the pool area.
Baker’s Cay Resort Review: Room Experience
The Baker’s Cay Resort offers luxurious accommodations within two distinct buildings: the Hammock Wing and the Tower Wing. Each of these wings is designed with a unique flair, catering to diverse tastes and preferences while ensuring the highest level of comfort and relaxation.
We had a room (300) in the Hammock Wing and although we couldn’t really see the water well with the treetops of the hammock area we still loved the views from the balcony!
The Hammock Wing
The Hammock Wing is a low-rise building that seamlessly blends with its lush surroundings. This wing draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Key Largo, incorporating elements of its tropical environment into its design.
The rooms and suites in the Hammock Wing feature warm tones and natural materials, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Guests staying in this wing can enjoy the serenity of private balconies overlooking the verdant gardens and tranquil waterways that meander throughout the property.
We loved this wing and have stayed here twice. We don’t mind the views of the trees and love walking the nature trail behind the building. There are some unique little seating areas with amazing views that is a perfect spot to have a coffee in the mornings.
The nature trail area behind the hammock wing also has its own “love lock” archway where guests can add their own lock of love!
The Tower Wing
The Tower Wing is a multi-story building that offers stunning views of the azure waters of the Florida Bay. This wing is characterized by its modern, elegant design, with spacious rooms and suites adorned with contemporary furnishings and chic decor.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an abundance of natural light and allow guests to take in the breathtaking vistas from the comfort of their accommodations.
Private balconies and some terraces in the Tower Wing offer panoramic views of the bay and the resort’s pristine beaches, making for an unforgettable stay.
The Tower Wing rooms also come with a hefty price tag (at least they did during our stay).
Our Baker’s Cay Resort Room Experience
We had 2 rooms in our party for our recent visit (ours was room #300) in the Hammock Wing of the hotel. They were nicely appointed and both had a balcony overlooking the hammock area. We could see amazing sunsets beyond the trees and view the pathways below.
The room we had with 2 queens is pictured above. We also had a room with a king bed and the only difference is that it also had a small sofa seating area near the balcony door.
The bathroom area was well-lit and the shower area had rainfall showerheads with great pressure and vibrant decor. I was happy with the provided hair dryer and found it perfect for my thick hair (sometimes they are not strong enough).
The beds were the most comfortable of any that we stayed in during this Florida Keys drive to Key West trip! We absolutely loved the beds!
Restaurant and Bar Options at Baker’s Cay Resort
Baker’s Cay Resort offers guests a diverse selection of dining and bar options to suit every palate. The unique restaurants and bars at the resort include:
1. Calusa:
Named after the indigenous people who once inhabited the Florida Keys, Calusa is a fine dining establishment that showcases a fusion of Caribbean and Latin flavors. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, offering guests a taste of the region’s culinary heritage in a sophisticated atmosphere. There is also outdoor terrace dining with amazing views of the water. We loved having breakfast there each day overlooking the beautiful waters of the Florida Bay.
[TIP] If you have Diamond status with Hilton you can use your dining credit for this amazing breakfast!
2. Dry Rocks:
Dry Rocks is a laid-back, open-air, beachside eatery that serves up a variety of delicious dishes and craft cocktails. The restaurant features a lively outdoor setting with live music, tiki torches, swing chairs, and stunning views of the Florida Bay. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a casual meal while soaking up the warm, tropical vibes of Key Largo. We loved our meal there and will the service was great! The craft cocktails were also delicious and there was a great selection.
3. Pool Bar & Grill:
For guests who prefer to dine al fresco, the Pool Bar & Grill offers a variety of light bites, refreshing drinks, and frozen treats. Located next to the resort’s lagoon-style family pool, this casual dining option allows guests to enjoy a meal or snack without having to stray far from the sun-soaked pool deck. We only had frozen drinks here because the kitchen was closed, but it is the perfect spot if you are lounging at the pool and need a pina colada.
4. Tiki Bar: (drinks only)
Situated on the resort’s beach area, the Tiki Bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding waters. The bar serves a wide selection of artisanal cocktails, craft beers, as well as refreshing frozen drinks. The Tiki Bar is an ideal spot to pick up a drink and unwind after a day of exploration and watch the sun set over the Florida Bay. We visited the Tiki Bar many times on this trip and were not disappointed!
Each of these restaurant options at Baker’s Cay Resort are beautiful and unique. We had a memorable dining experience with great views at Dry Rocks and amazing breakfasts at Calusa. They really represent the diverse flavors and atmosphere of the Florida Keys well. In-room dining is also available if you are wanting to stay indoors or eat on your balcony, but the grounds are so beautiful we didn’t try it.
Amenities at Baker’s Cay Resort
There are a wide array of amenities designed to cater to every need offered at the resort. There are beautiful grounds with a “great lawn” area for fun, 2 pools and hot tubs, beach lounging areas, fishing pier and rentals.
Guests can also indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at the on-site Ooh la la at The Cay Salon and Wellness Spa.
The resort also boasts a fully-equipped fitness center, a business center, weekly how-to classes (see schedule at check-in) and pet-friendly accommodations for those traveling with furry friends.
Also, don’t forget the free champagne cart at sunset hour! (see below description)
Baker’s Cay Resort Review: Champagne Sunset Hour (The Best!)
One of the most enchanting experiences at Baker’s Cay Resort is the nightly free champagne reception at sunset. As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, guests are invited to gather and celebrate the close of another beautiful day in paradise.
Look for the cute champagne cart near the beach where complimentary champagne is served, allowing guests to toast to the stunning spectacle unfolding before their eyes. We did this every night!!
This magical tradition not only encapsulates the resort’s dedication to providing exceptional experiences, but it also creates a moment of communal appreciation for the natural beauty of Key Largo.
The champagne reception at sunset was truly a highlight for us on our trip and I really want a champagne cart of my own (sadly, I couldn’t find one). We are still dreaming of our champagne sunsets at Baker’s Cay!
After getting our champagne we would head to the fishing pier to look for the frequently visiting Florida manatee. It was a perfect way to end each day! We even have a YouTube video of our manatee encounter at sunset and some other wildlife in the area (see below)!
Kayak/board Rentals and Fishing Dock
One of the resort’s most enticing features is its on-site kayak and paddle board rentals and fishing dock. Guests can rent kayaks (clear and regular) and paddleboards to explore the serene waters of Key Largo and the surrounding mangroves in the hammock area.
There are also fishing gear rentals, bike rentals, snorkel or diving tours, and even a Tiki boat tour that can be reserved at the hut on the beach!
The resort’s fishing dock is a perfect place to catch the sunset and see the manatee that sometimes swims up to the dock. Guests can even participate in catch-and-release fishing, ensuring the preservation of the area’s delicate ecosystem.
We tried to book a clear kayak, but they were booked the whole weekend of our trip so we didn’t experience it, but saw several others who did. When we come back on another vacation I will definitely book this well in advance.
What we Didn’t Love About the Resort
Baker’s Cay can be pricey during peak times (upwards of $700.00), but it is a great way to use Hilton Points or Reward nights (which is what we did). We really loved everything else that we experienced there! There were also some off-peak rates that were around $300.00 which would be much more affordable for a weekend trip.
Baker’s Cay Resort Location and Nearby Keys Attractions
Baker’s Cay is located at mile marker 97 on the Overseas Highway, and is just a short drive from some of Key Largo’s most popular attractions. It is in a perfect location to do so many things on a Florida Keys trip!
The resort is a stone’s throw from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where visitors can explore the world’s third-largest coral barrier reef with a Keys snorkel tour (and scuba dive to see the infamous Christ of the Deep Statue). We did a glass-bottom boat tour at this park to Molasses Reef Lighthouse and loved the experience! [See our Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience Review too]
Other nearby attractions include the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, the African Queen Canal Cruise, and the Key Largo Dagny Johnson Hammock Botanical State Park.
We rented Kayaks in the Dagny Johnson Hammock Botanical park and it was a great way to explore the hammock pathways.
Final Thoughts on our Review of Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo
Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo is a one-of-a-kind destination that combines luxury, history, and natural beauty. With its rich historical roots, unmatched amenities, and an abundance of activities both on-site and nearby, the resort is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of the Florida Keys. It is the perfect stop on a Miami Beach to Key West road trip too!
We love this resort and besides the luxe prices (use Hilton Points) we think it is the perfect place to stay for a vacation in Key Largo!