Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

Character and identity

A 177-room waterfront resort on the Overseas Highway in Key Largo, this Autograph Collection property reads more cosmopolitan than coastal kitsch, a polished arrival after the strip of fast food and souvenir shops outside. The lobby gleams, the rooms run contemporary and uncluttered, and the layout extends to ten bungalows and a beach house for larger groups. Four food and drink venues anchor the stay: casual Sol, ceviche and sushi at Las Olas, beachside cocktails at the Sand Bar, and locally sourced fine dining at La Marea, which pulls in non-guests. A spa rounds out the programme, and service is warm if occasionally slow.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The draw here is a grown-up, design-literate take on Key Largo, with La Marea giving the property genuine culinary weight beyond the usual resort fare. Book it if you want polish over palm-frond theatrics; families and groups should price the bungalows or beach house, and dinner reservations at La Marea are worth locking in before arrival.