You are currently viewing From Fishing Camp to Luxury Hideaway: Mar-Key Islamorada Redefines Private Travel in the Keys – Luxury Travel Magazine

From Fishing Camp to Luxury Hideaway: Mar-Key Islamorada Redefines Private Travel in the Keys – Luxury Travel Magazine

There is a certain kind of magic in the Florida Keys—sunrise over the Atlantic, the scent of salt air mingling with bougainvillea and the feeling that time slows the moment you arrive. In Islamorada, a property steeped in that very magic has been reborn. Mar-Key Islamorada, a storied oceanfront estate first built in 1937, has been meticulously restored and reimagined as one of the Keys’ most exclusive escapes.
The newly unveiled Mar-Key is a return to a legacy. Once a private fishing camp and coastal hideaway, the two-acre estate is a rare jewel of Old Florida charm, now paired with modern luxury. Available for full-property buyouts, the gated estate offers complete privacy for up to 18 guests, making it an ideal setting for milestone celebrations, corporate retreats, or simply a restorative week by the sea.
“Our goal wasn’t just to restore a building; it was to preserve a feeling,” said David Epstein, Mar-Key’s general manager. “This property has been a gathering place for generations and is now ready to open its gates to guests seeking both beauty and privacy in the Florida Keys.”
From the moment guests arrive, Mar-Key exudes a sense of timelessness. The estate’s architecture celebrates its 1930s roots, with Dade County Pine accents, Pecky Cypress walls, and the elegant lines of classic Keys design. These heritage details have been thoughtfully preserved, then complemented with contemporary interiors and curated furnishings. The result is an atmosphere that feels both elevated and inviting—a home where one can linger barefoot after a day on the water while still enjoying all the finest comforts.
Three distinct dwellings anchor the property: a main house and two separate cottages, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and 240 feet of private beachfront. Together, they create an enclave of privacy and flexibility, ideal for groups who want to be together while still enjoying personal space.
At Mar-Key, life flows seamlessly between land and sea. Guests can spend mornings paddling directly from the private pier, afternoons lounging by the walk-in pool with a tanning ledge, and evenings stargazing from the hot tub. A fleet of paddleboards, kayaks, bicycles, and even street-legal golf carts make exploration effortless, while pickleball courts provide a great option for recreation.
For those seeking more curated experiences, Mar-Key’s concierge team can arrange private yacht charters, bespoke culinary events with local chefs, or wellness programming that might include beachfront yoga and in-villa spa treatments. Daily housekeeping ensures all the comforts of a luxury resort, within the seclusion of a private estate.
Location has always been central to Mar-Key’s allure. Perched on the Atlantic Ocean, the estate offers sweeping sunrise views and unparalleled access to the natural beauty of the Keys. Just beyond its gates, Islamorada beckons with a vibrant cultural scene—art galleries, live music, and fine dining are close at hand. Islamorada also holds its reputation as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” offering some of the best offshore and backcountry fishing anywhere on the planet.
This rare blend of seclusion and connection makes Mar-Key uniquely versatile. Guests can spend days in solitude along the estate’s private beachfront, then just as easily head into town for a night of Keys culture.
“What makes Mar-Key truly special is the sense of arrival,” said Mark Fishman, owner of Mar-Key Islamorada. “The moment you step onto the property, you feel its history and the transformation as the noise of today fades away. It’s a place for those who want to disconnect, immerse themselves in the Keys, and enjoy both privacy and comfort.”
More than simply a place to stay, Mar-Key is positioned as a destination for life’s defining moments. Its versatile layout and full-service amenities make it equally suited for intimate weddings, corporate gatherings, or family milestones. The setting itself encourages connection, whether around a long dinner table set beneath the palms or at sunrise on the private pier.
Every detail, from the estate’s historic textures to its modern comforts, has been designed to create an experience that feels as lasting as it is luxurious. “Mar-Key is a destination for moments that matter,” said Epstein. “It’s where guests can slow down, savor their surroundings, and embrace the unhurried rhythm of the Keys.”
In an era when luxury travelers are seeking more privacy, personalization, and authenticity, Mar-Key stands out as a rare offering. It combines the intimacy of a private home with the service of a five-star resort, all wrapped in the storied beauty of a landmark estate.
Whether for a week of celebration, a restorative escape, or a company retreat designed to inspire, Mar-Key promises an experience unlike any other in the Florida Keys.
For more information, visit https://mar-key-islamorada.com.

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