Pines & Palms Resort

With cottages, suites and tropical gardens, this family-run property feels more like a small waterside resort than a standardised large hotel. You come here to dive the Keys, but also to spend time outdoors, take your coffee slowly and let the day wind down beside the lagoon.

The outdoor pool facing the ocean, private beach and jetties naturally shape the day's routine. Families have accommodation suited to travelling together, while couples can choose a room or cottage facing the sea. In the evening, the Tiki Bar and live music add some life without turning the place into a holiday club.

Pines and Palms Resort is in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, at 80401 Old Highway. The property sits directly on the waterfront, with private access to a protected lagoon. You reach the calm water via the jetties, which are handy for heading out to paddle or simply sitting above the water with a coffee.

Key Roots is less than 0.6 miles away and Midway Cafe is 0.2 miles away. F-ING Bagels is 0.5 miles away, while Lazy Days Restaurant is 0.6 miles away. For a change of scene, the History of Diving Museum is 2.5 miles away, Indian Key Historic Park is 3.1 miles away and San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park is 3.1 miles away. Florida Keys Marathon Airport is 27 miles away, around a 35-minute drive.

Every unit has a proper kitchen, with a fridge, oven, microwave, hob, toaster, coffee maker and utensils. After a day at sea, you can chill drinks, prepare something simple and avoid immediately setting off again to find a table. The living area adds somewhere to sit, along with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning; a fan is also available.

For couples, the ocean-view rooms and cottages put waking up to the water first. The Oceanview Suites and private cottages give you more room for stays of several days, while the multi-bedroom houses and villas work better for families or groups who want to share a property without sleeping on top of one another. Some units have a private terrace with ocean views.

Cottages with private entrances make the accommodation feel more like your own small place within the resort. Accessible accommodation is also available for guests with reduced mobility. Daily housekeeping, bed linen, towels and bathroom amenities cover the practical basics without unnecessary fuss.

The arrangement is straightforward: room only. Breakfast is not included, but there is a Coffee Truck and a Food Truck on site. That can be useful when you are leaving early and your first thought is coffee rather than fine dining.

The Tiki Bar becomes the meeting point towards the end of the day. Guests can also use a covered barbecue area with a fridge and sink if they would rather cook for themselves. As every unit has a kitchen, you can put together a quick meal, keep fresh food to hand and fit meals around your time on the water.

For alternatives, Midway Cafe is 0.2 miles away and Lazy Days Restaurant is 0.6 miles away. Key Roots, less than 0.6 miles away, adds a nearby bar option. The arrangement suits independent divers who like choosing between cooking in the cottage, simple food on site and nearby restaurants.

The sea starts at the end of the jetties, but you do not have to put your mask back on the moment you leave your room. Kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles are available on site, along with sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and fishing. Sunset trips and private boats let you stay on the water for longer without following the rhythm of another dive.

The heated outdoor pool overlooks the ocean and gives you another option when the lagoon is less appealing. Sun loungers, parasols and pool or beach towels are provided around the outdoor areas. For something more active, there is a gym and yoga classes.

Bicycles let you explore Islamorada at your own pace, while the on-site barbecues make for an uncomplicated evening. Local singers and guitarists perform on weekend afternoons throughout the year. Add a few board games in the shared lounge and you have enough for a recovery day without being obliged to go on an excursion.

Check-in is from 4pm to 8pm, with photo ID and a bank card required. Check-out is from 8am to 11am. The minimum age for booking a room is 21, which matters if you are organising a trip involving several generations.

On-site parking is free and Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Luggage storage, a laundry and daily housekeeping make longer stays easier. Private or express check-in and check-out requests are also available, depending on how your stay is arranged.

Florida Keys Marathon Airport is around a 35-minute drive away, a distance of 27 miles. Accessible accommodation is available and children of all ages are welcome. Pets are not allowed.