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The Kokomo pool at Three Waters Resort and Marina faces the Atlantic Ocean. ©Three Waters Resort And Marina
My latest travel journey quickly reacquainted me with the adage “don’t judge a book by its cover.” I was tired and a bit cranky after dealing with the Miami airport, almost missing my Lyft and a two-hour drive—in silence—between Miami and the Three Waters Resort and Marina in Islamorada.
When we rolled up the resort, I thought, “this doesn’t look like the pictures I saw online.” But once I met the pleasant associate behind the check-in desk, it got a little better. I was then served a special house-made Rum Runner and thought, “OK, now we’re getting somewhere.” Then I opened the door to the resort and saw the glowing fire pit and patio swings swaying gently in the breeze.
Paradise.
Could it get any better? Well, actually, yes, because after I dragged my suitcase to my first-floor room, precariously juggling my laptop bag, property map and Rum Runner, I was met with a scene usually reserved for postcards—palm trees, tikis and lights aglow against the dark sky, lounge chairs and a sandy beach, and my room—just a few yards from the ocean.
Thank you, Three Waters, for one of my most memorable travel excursions ever.
I was just in time to meet my group, with other travel writers and public relations executives, for appetizers at the Tiki Bar, which claims the recipe for the Rum Runner cocktail we all know today. The drink was created in the ‘50s as a way for bartenders to use up excess alcohol, liqueurs and juices.
A king room at Three Waters. ©Three Waters Resort And Marina
But it doesn’t really matter to me how it was created, all I—and you—need to know is that it’s damn delicious. But pace yourself, there are lots of cocktails to knock back, and you won’t realize how potent they are until you get up and try to walk. Although the Tiki Bar isn’t really that far from your room, should you need to crawl or stumble.
After dinner at Little Limon, which probably included the most seafood I’ve had in one sitting (a seafood tower, ceviche, grouper sandwiches and tuna poke tacos), I went happily off to bed, but not before marveling once more at the view from my patio.
The next morning, I ate my breakfast on the patio because I couldn’t get enough of the majestic pelicans that seemed to be an arm’s distance away on the beach. Every boat slip in Islamorada seems to have a pelican perching on top of it. The pelicans were probably secretly wishing that I wouldn’t get too close, because I cooed at them every time.
Next up was a property tour, and I’m glad I wore my walking shoes, because Three Waters encompasses 15 waterfront acres. The resort absorbed multiple properties in creating this destination retreat, making for a charming boutique feel. It boasts the tallest building in Islamorada, a six-level hotel tower, that was built before building heights were capped.
Miami Seaplane service to the resort. ©Three Waters Resort And Marina
I found out during the tour that rooms like mine are among the most expensive on the property, and I did feel like a special guest. But I felt that even more as the afternoon unfolded with three of my favorite things: pizza, a massage and ice cream.
Pizza in Islamorada you say? Well, why not! Where else can you find a selection with conch on it? But even better was the Red, White and Green, topped with so much mozzarella that you had to cut it with a sharp knife.
After all that indulgence, I needed to lie down for a while, and it just so happened that my next activity was an oceanside massage. As my masseuse started working out my knots, I drifted off with “Margaritaville” playing in the background. Bliss.
The telling sign that I’m relaxed during a massage? When my arm slips off the table. This time, both of my arms were dangling limply by my side.
After continuing in the spirit of relaxation with an afternoon nap, it was time for a sugar rush, and thankfully, Lucky Twist was next door to my room. How lucky is that? This refreshing, vegan and dairy-free soft serve comes in pineapple, key lime, coconut, strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. So many tropical flavors, so little time! Return visits are necessary, so I obliged.
An aerial shot of Little Limon and Mercado Morada with the hotel in the background. ©Three Waters Resort And Marina
I made the few arduous steps back to my room to get ready for dinner at the BOTE House, located at sister property La Siesta Resort & Villas. BOTE House is a two-bedroom, two bath rental property designed by the high-end watersports brand. The dwelling is the second of its kind and features vaulted ceilings, coastal décor, a full kitchen with an island bar, a fenced garden and a shed full of BOTE gear to use during your stay. Imagine the parties you’ll have here! Ours was a laid-back dinner under the stars.
You can visit La Siesta and Three Waters’ other sister property, Amara Cay, via the Rum Runner pontoon boat or a shuttle that runs between the three resorts. If you go during the day, I highly recommend the Rum Runner—take a drink and board, feel the wind in your hair and maybe see some wildlife along the way. Be on the lookout for Franklin the sea turtle as you approach La Siesta.
Your visit to Islamorada can be as active or as relaxing as you want it to be—among the activities you can participate in are riding jet skis, oceanside and stand-up paddleboard yoga, stand up paddleboarding, private fishing lessons and much more. One activity everyone should put on their agendas, however, is a sandbar excursion. Less than a mile from the shore, water at the sandbar varies from ankle deep (at low tide) to waist deep at its highest. It’s the perfect chill experience, whether you go for a few hours or half the day. You need nothing more than a floating chair, snorkeling gear and a cooler full of goodies. There’s usually at least one food boat, but you’ll want to bring the other things with you. I was content to float in my chair, a beer at my side, until it was time to head back. Don’t forget the sunblock, though.
There are many more ways to keep your Zen at Three Waters—patio swings can be found at multiple spots throughout the property, and there are three pools and three beaches. The centerpiece pool is Kokomo, named for the Beach Boys song, and you can definitely take it slow here—with panoramic views from an oceanside cabana. You can also relax at the only swim-up bar in the Florida Keys. You may, like I did, just want to lie here with coconut margaritas and lobster rolls to keep you company. And maybe a stray pelican. islamoradaresortcollection.com
©Three Waters Resort And Marina
e
Amara Key Resort:
ReelCatch
Breakfast, daily, 7-11 a.m.
Dinner, nightly, 5-10 p.m.
Live music, Thursday-Saturday,
6-9 p.m.
Tiki Bar
Lunch, daily, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dinner, nightly, 5-11 p.m.
La Siesta Resort & Villas:
Sidecar
Lunch and dinner, daily, noon-7 p.m.
Siesta Mercato
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily,
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Continental breakfast, daily, 8-11 a.m.
Three Waters Resort and Marina:
Hideaway
Lunch and dinner, daily, 11 a.m.-sunset
Islamorada Pizza Co.
Lunch and dinner, daily, noon-11 p.m.
Kindler Wood-Fired Fare
Happy hour, Wednesday-Sunday,
5-6 p.m.
Dinner, Wednesday-Monday,
5-10 p.m.
Kokomo
Lunch and dinner, daily, 11 a.m.-sunset
Little Limon
Dinner, Friday-Tuesday, 5-10 p.m.
Lucky Twist
Daily, noon-6 p.m.
Mercada Morada
Breakfast, daily, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
Lunch, Friday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-
5 p.m.
Dinner, Monday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m.
Tiki Bar
Lunch, Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dinner, nightly, 5 p.m.-midnight
(food until 11 p.m.)
Live Music, nightly, 6-9 p.m.
© 2025 Orlando Magazine.
