In late August early September we celebrated another fantastic birthday at the private, all inclusive tropical getaway at The Retreat in Marathon, Florida for Shawn’s 40th (sorry babe, couldn’t resist, hehe).
The Retreat (their Instagram is linked here) or as Bo calls it “The Big House” (check out our last stay here, or see a full video of the property on my Instagram) is truly one of the most amazing properties we have stayed in! This boutique resort property has ALL of the amenities to pamper you with 5 star luxury. With over 10,000 square feet of living space between the main house and the Bali guest house, there are 6 beautifully decorated bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 2 fabulous pools, hot tub, gourmet kitchen complete with everything you need to prepare any meal, game room with a billiards table, board games and bar, conference room with seating up to 14, completely stocked commercial bar with 4 draft taps housing locals beer, tiki bar with a commercial grill, bicycles to ride if you ever decide to leave the property, gym equipment, kids toys, paddle boards, kayaks, fishing gear, snorkeling gear….I mean the list goes on and on!!!
Ruth the property manager, schedules meals (she makes a delicious Hog Fish), massage therapists, personal trainers, literally anything you could need or want. She does an amazing job and is so responsive to your needs.
We also rented the property’s 32 foot Center Console Sailfish boat for the week. We spent every day on the water cruising the Gulf of Mexico to catch lobsters to grill by the pool, offshore fishing catching Mahi Ahi (as Bo calls it), snorkeling at a sandbar in Islamorada and enjoying the beautiful turquoise waters of the Florida Keys.
On Friday before we were leaving Marathon, Ruth and her assistant Kathy arranged the most amazing surfboard filled with flowers and greenery from around the property while Chef prepared an incredible meal of Sushi and served to us in the pool!
After 7 days of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, we headed further south to Florida’s Southernmost City, “Mile 0” Key West. Yall! If you haven’t been there…what are you waiting for? With the most stunning water views, historic sights, boutiques, retail stores and the most breathtaking sunset views! Of course I can’t forget to mention the chickens everywhere.
Duval Street, known as the Epi Center of Key West with laid back bars, outdoor cafes, art galleries, restaurants, live music venues like Sloppy Joes, Hog’s Breath and Smoking Tuna Saloon are a few of our favorites. I have to mention last year at Hog’s Breath we listened to an amazing artist, Cliff Cody. This year we found him at Smoking Tuna. He sings anything from Prince and Bob Segar to Travis Tritt and Morgan Wallen. When you are in Key West, look him up!
Memories to last a lifetime were made this year with our trip to The Retreat and Key West with our family and dear friends. We have already started planning our next trip!
I also wanted to pass along the Florida Keys Fishing Schedule as well in case you were interested in booking The Retreat when the fishing is GOOD. 🙂 I do have to say, we LOVED going during lobster season!
