Situated discreetly off the fabled Florida Keys coastline, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is the only private island resort in the United States, and is accessible only via seaplane or boat. This four-acre, adults-only property is never inhabited by more than sixty guests at any given time, delivering the utmost privacy and anonymity. Surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the azure ocean, Little Palm Island provides thirty luxurious thatched roof bungalow suites that combine a sense of the Caribbean with a modern British West Indies aesthetic. With no in-room telephones, televisions or alarm clocks to distract - as technology is taboo here - guests are able to truly unplug and unwind to ignite their senses, restore their wellbeing and reconnect together.

Once known as Little Munson Island, the island has a long history itself - from being a fishing camp (President Harry S. Truman fished here), a smuggler’s retreat, a private escape and a training facility for Peace Corps workers. In 1986, Ben Woodsen - a businessman out of Memphis - and a team of partners invested more than eight million dollars into the island, which became a private retreat for notables and celebrities. From 1995 through the present day, Noble House Hotels & Resorts has managed Little Palm Island and created an exclusive experience for every guest, pairing luxurious amenities with the utmost seclusion. The resort motto is ‘Get Lost;’ encouraging guests to unplug and disconnect from the outside world and fully immerse themselves into this stunning piece of paradise.

In 2017, the resort was unfortunately impacted by Hurricane Irma and was temporarily closed until its multi-million-dollar renovation. In 2020, the resort reopened and announced its re-imagination. Steve Rossi, of Rossi Architecture out of San Diego, is behind the design elements, while AvroKO, a New York-based concept and design firm, spearheaded the interior design. The materials chosen are reflective of three main elements that inspired Little Palm Island’s new design: British West Indies Architecture - controlling the tonality to emphasize the natural surrounding landscape and blurring the boundaries from indoor to outdoor; The Era of the thirty-third President, Harry S. Truman and the socialite scene on the island during the 1940’s with nods to 1940’s antiquities, furnishings and fixtures; Flora-Fauna - natural plant and animal life on-island is also expressed through textures, materials, patterns and architectural applications like hidden pathways of crushed seashells.

Kayaks: Explore the crystal blue waters surrounding the island in a kayak or on a paddleboard. Double kayaks are perfect for a truly unique and romantic experience.

Backcountry Flats Fishing: The backcountry of the Florida Keys is the perfect stage for any sport-fishing enthusiast or beginner. While silently polling across the beautiful, expansive waters, guests will look for the elusive “BIG 3” – tarpon, permit and bonefish. Imagine the thrill of hooking one of these legendary fighters among other species depending on the time of the year.

Looe Key Reef Scuba Diving Trip: Outings to Looe Key Reef afford guests the opportunity to float weightlessly among all the colorful creatures that make this beautiful reef their home. Because of its relatively shallow depth, the reef is a great dive site for divers new to the sport, experienced divers and those who have been out of the water for some time. Professional scuba instructors guide every dive to maximize guest experiences.

 

Snorkeling: Little Palm Island is encompassed by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which includes the world’s third largest barrier reef. Looe Key Reef, which is consistently rated as one of the best places to snorkel or scuba dive in the U.S., is located just a short boat ride from the island.

 

Dolphin Encounter: Meet a family of dolphins and sea lions at Dolphin Research Center, a non-profit research and educational facility that allows guests to swim with  dolphins, witness daily demonstrations of the dolphins’ high-flying athletics, learn about dolphin fun facts and much more.