Beachfront by Design

Key West’s grand dame makes a comeback.
by Paul Rubio
A grand hotel with a red-tiled roof, arched entryways, and white façade is framed by tall palm trees at sunset, with a pathway and reflecting pools leading to the entrance.

Casa Marina Key West (casamarinaresort.com), a Henry Flagler–constructed Key West icon since 1920, is entering a new era following an $80 million renovation completed in 2025. Perched on the southern edge of the island, it’s home to 1,100 feet of private beach—a rare stretch of uninterrupted, sparkling white sand in a town better known for rocky shores. A life-is-better-on-the-beach vibe sets the tone for a stay designed to recharge both mind and body.

A blue plate with grilled chicken on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, topped with sautéed vegetables, olives, and microgreens, sits beside a patterned tile surface.

Post-renovation, the ocean’s rehabilitative powers are on full display at every angle—from beachfront rooms and suites to Dorada, the signature restaurant on the sand. Two oceanfront pools cater to different moods: one lively and social, the other quieter and adults-only. Beach and pool concierges circulate with towels and drinks, making it easy to settle in and let the day unfold at your leisure. Two piers extend into the ocean, inviting you to appreciate the blue horizons up close. Paddleboards and Jet Skis are available at the edge of the longer pier, or you can ease into the day with sunrise yoga on the beach or a float in the gulf waters.

Two massage tables covered in white sheets sit under a canopy on a sandy beach, with palm plants nearby and a view of the ocean, pier, and bright blue sky in the background.

Spa al Mare, tucked into a standalone building across the street, offers expert massages and facials by top therapists. Their dexterity is best appreciated over a beachfront massage beneath a shaded pavilion, where the ocean breeze and sound of the waves eliminate any remaining internal stress. It’s the capstone of a place where wellness feels effortless, shaped by salt air and warm sun.