Discover Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys

Hawks Cay Resort is an iconic destination resort on Duck Key, a tiny island archipelago in the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay Resort delivers tropical tranquility. If relaxing while soaking up the Florida sun in a luxury setting is your thing, add the Hawks Cay Resort to your must-visit list.

One of the largest resorts in the Keys, the 60-acre property covers most of the island providing a playground for adults and families alike. Swim with dolphins, please your palate with culinary delights, or do nothing but revel in the views. The choice is yours.

Only minutes from the village of Marathon and the famous Seven-Mile Bridge, Duck Key sits at mile marker 61 about halfway along the famous Overseas Highway. It’s less than an hour and a half from Miami or an hour’s drive from Key West.

The History of Hawks Cay Resort

Duck Key was a salt mining site in the early 1800s. Operations ceased after the hurricane of 1935 left a jumble of swamp and mangrove trees. In the 1950s, it was purchased and developed into a 400-acre island community accessible only by boat. After a wooden bridge connected Duck Key to Highway U.S. 1, significant improvements were completed. The property became Hawks Cay Resort in 1983.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage to the resort. After closing for a year, a significant renovation revealed a fresh look. Updated amenities include four swimming pools, an ocean-fed saltwater lagoon and an 85-slip marina.

A resort with enough activities and services to attract every age group and interest is often hard to find. The Caribbean-style retreat boasts a full-service spa and a wealth of restaurants to satisfy adults. Also, an abundance of activities keeps the kids engaged. From couples to families with kids and multi-generation groups, the resort caters to all types of guest experiences. Hawks Cay enjoys popularity as a destination for weddings, special occasions, and girl getaways.

First Impressions 

First, it’s all about relaxation. You’re greeted by lush tropical plants and gorgeous views from the minute you arrive. The staff is primed to efficiently and politely address your every need.

Stylish artwork in the spacious and welcoming lobby lends a creative touch to the ambiance. Neutral accents in calm shades, bleached wood and wicker add a relaxed vibe. Vaulted ceilings, ceiling fans, and ample seating arrangements encourage you to linger. This is the gateway to pools, restaurants, and the saltwater lagoon. Looking out to the main pool, tall swaying palms overlooking the water set the stage for a relaxing stay.

Streamlined check-in gets you to your room and into the pool. Each guest is given a wristband. A fantastic idea, as you simply tap it against your door to gain entry to your room. It also allows you to charge any purchase at the resort to your account.

Guest Rooms and Villas

Hawks Cay Resort’s beautifully appointed accommodation options range from rooms and suites to villas and penthouses. There are 177 guest rooms total and two new penthouse suites, each with 3,200 square foot decks overlooking the Atlantic or Hawks Cay harbor.

The 250 two and three-bedroom cream-colored villas are privately owned with full kitchens and laundry areas, each beautifully decorated with Caribbean touches. The balconies and lanais provide ample seating and stunning views, perfect for that morning coffee or sundowner cocktail. With so much room, these villas feel like elegant homes away from home—an excellent option for extended families and multi-generational travel.

Adults Only Refuge

The Oasis Cay area of the resort is an adults-only refuge for R & R. Our spacious room overlooked the tranquility pool, with a private lanai deck, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. It also had everything my husband needed to work remotely, with outlets in all the right places. The bath was luxurious with great amenities. Tumbled marble sinks and vanity were modern and sleek, and a lighted magnifying mirror a nice touch. We loved our roomy shower with giant rain showerhead and jacuzzi tub, my retreat at the end of the day.

The Tranquility Pool is around the corner from the main pool (blissfully out of shrieking distance) with a fire pit that overlooks the water. A bar and grill serve cocktails and light bites. Also, there are plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, with cabanas available to rent.

Pool Options and Saltwater Lagoon

Perusing a good book with a tropical drink in hand while lounging poolside defines relaxation for me. Hawk Cay Resort offers boasts four pools plus a saltwater lagoon. Each provides an oasis for cooling off and enjoying activities with friends and family.

Just outside the lobby, the Resort Pool features music, entertainment, family games, and competitions. With ocean views, swaying palm trees, and onsite food and beverage service from the Tiki Grill, it has all the bases covered.

Nearer the villas, the secluded Sunset Pool offers gorgeous sunset views and privacy. It requires a short hike from the main resort. Alternatively, grab a courtesy bike or jump on the resort tram.

The Resorts Coral Cay area’s two kid-friendly pools make an excellent hub for kids to meet new friends and have fun. The pirate ship with water cannons and slides is a favorite. Adjacent to the pirate ship, the Coral Cay Pool allows families to take advantage of both entertainment areas.

Enjoy your own private Florida Key’s oasis at the enclosed Saltwater Lagoon. A sandy beach, thatched umbrellas and plentiful lounge chairs make this an excellent alternative families with young children. The lagoon is fed by the ocean, with low and high tides and children can play in the soft sand surrounding it. At the same time, guests can relax at the water’s edge, paddleboard, snorkel, or swim as dolphins frolic nearby.

Activities for Grown-Ups 

All guests of Hawks Cay can take advantage of the amenities which are included in the daily resort fee. If you long to be pampered, the Calm Waters Spa offers traditional treatments and therapies that utilize the natural ingredients and aromas of the islands. The definition of relaxed luxury, this unique Florida experience restores and rejuvenates.

Easily incorporate your workout schedule into your vacation with complimentary access to the spacious and modern fitness center. The center features state-of-the-art exercise machines, as well as strength training and flexibility equipment.

Hawks Cay Experiences

What really makes Hawks Cay fabulous is the number of onsite activities.

The Marina, Fishing, and Watersports

Hawk’s Cay’s 85-slip marina is where the action is for boating, water sports, and fishing. The Angler & Ale restaurant just steps away is a great spot to have the chef cook your fresh catch right off the hook.

Solé Watersports offers group snorkeling trips, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. My favorite was the sunset cruise aboard the 45-foot catamaran, a perfect way to end the day watching the sun slip into the ocean.

Year-round tropical weather makes the Florida Keys a fisherman’s paradise. Anglers can easily access Florida Bay for backcountry fishing. Some of the most sought-after gamefish around can be caught here, including tarpon, redfish, bonefish, and snook. If you’d rather be fishing, there are opportunities for any level from beginning angler to pro.

Dolphin Connection for Dolphin Lovers 

Hawks Cay’s ocean-fed saltwater lagoon is home to a friendly pod of bottlenose dolphins and the Dolphin Connection. The ecosystem was built to support and nurture the resident pod of dolphins. It’s the only resort in the U.S. mainland that offers interactive Dolphin programs for every age. You can also enjoy watching the seven dolphins from the resort’s viewing platform overlooking the training facility. Choose from one of the four interactive programs, all offering their own unique experiences.

Have you ever wanted to swim with dolphins? I checked off one of my long-time bucket list items when visiting Hawks Cay Resort —the chance to play and swim with a dolphin. I chose the 45 minutes Royal Swim that gives participants an up-close and personal experience with the dolphins. Once I was in the water, the dolphin trainer instructed me to slap the water in front of me. The next thing I knew, there was a mischievous dolphin named Tatem splashing me with a face full of water! From his beautiful, intelligent eyes to his ‘hear me now!” squeals, it was a morning I will never forget. When I caught a ride on his dorsal fins, I felt like I was flying through the water!

Tennis Lovers…Rejoice!

Hawks Cay has eight lighted courts, both clay and grass. The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at the Resort showcases the Florida tennis program for adults and youth with world-class instruction from certified coaching professionals.

Culinary Diversions 

There is no way to go hungry at Hawks Cay. With six dining options at the resort, there is something to entice every palate, with an ambiance to match. Whatever you prefer, you’ll find several different culinary experiences, from fine dining to casual fare. Located off the main lobby is the upscale Sixty-One Prime steak and seafood restaurant. My husband and I decided to dress up for a date night and treat ourselves to an elegant dining experience. We shared the smoked wagyu beef carpaccio, and the Chili encrusted Yellowfin Tuna entrée, both of which were outstanding. I couldn’t resist the warm white chocolate macadamia nut bread pudding with caramel sauce and toffee ice cream, a perfect finish.

My favorite eatery was the casual Angler and Ale restaurant on the docks of Hawks Cay with outdoor dining overlooking the marina. It’s a gorgeous backdrop to dig into some of the Key’s favorite dishes. My husband and I enjoyed delectable coconut shrimp and killer crab cakes – and definitely check out their over-the-top key lime pie.

The more casual fare at the Tiki Grill near the main pool and saltwater lagoon was a welcome stop for a quick, tasty bite with a cold beer or cocktail.

I visited the Marketplace every morning for my caffeine fix and a flaky pastry. Breakfast staples, omelets, and fresh fruit smoothies are all excellent choices. Grab and go options are easy quick.

Resort Amenities

Hawks Cay isn’t an all-inclusive resort, but plenty of amenities are included in the daily resort fee. In addition to free WiFi, they provide:

• Complimentary self-parking
• Tram service throughout the resort and use of bicycles.
• Standup paddleboards (SUP) and kayaks are available to use in the Saltwater Lagoon
• A putting course, sports fields, and tennis courts.
• Access to the Calm Waters Spa and fitness center  (spa treatments are an additional cost.)

Getting There

If you live in Florida, driving to Hawks Cay is a breeze that features miles of stunning ocean views. The trip is a memorable experience. We traveled from Key West, taking advantage of the direct non-stop flight from Dallas, into Key West International Airport. After a few days in Key West, we rented a car and drove up the Overseas Highway and across the 7-mile bridge to Hawks Cay Resort.

Something for Everyone 

Hawks Cay offers a unique luxury chilled-out experience for everyone. The sunsets are spectacular, the water views endless, and there’s an island sensibility that lulls you into a state of total relaxation. What’s not to love?