La Jolla Resort

You arrive at an Old Florida-style property spread across six retro buildings, each with no more than five rooms. The scale remains pleasantly manageable, with a private bayside beach, a garden and outdoor areas facing the bay. Here, the day naturally ends outside, with your feet in the sand or in a hammock watching the sun drop over Islamorada.

You can expect English-speaking hotel staff. The atmosphere suits travellers who prefer a relaxed base close to the water and water-based activities, rather than somewhere designed to keep you indoors. Families are catered for too, while couples can choose a sea-view room and keep the whole stay straightforward.

La Jolla Resort is at 82216 Overseas Highway, on Route 1, in the heart of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. The resort sits directly on the bay, with a sandy beach reached from the property, sun loungers and hammocks. For divers, the main point is simple: the sea is not a distant backdrop here; it starts at the edge of the grounds.

Everyday amenities are close by. Mangrove Mike's Cafe is about 300 metres away, Bitton Bistro Cafe 200 metres and Taki Outi 350 metres. Islamorada Beer Company is about 150 metres away. The History of Diving Museum is 1 km away, while Theater of the Sea is 3.5 km away and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park 5 km away. San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park and Indian Key Historic Park are both about 8 km away.

The rooms and suites have been refurbished to retain their Old Florida style while adding what you need to recover between days spent outdoors. Most have a kitchenette and an outdoor area, so you can keep a few drinks cold, get some fresh air without going out again and let the day wind down. Air conditioning helps bring the temperature back under control after the Keys' humid heat.

For a couple, a King Room with Sea View or a King Suite puts the emphasis on the view and a large bed. Queen Suite categories are better suited to travelling with others, while the Bungalow - Beach Front adds two bathrooms and direct access to the beach. The two sea-view villas are intended for groups, with several bedrooms and bathrooms. The apartments and family suites provide more room for bags, clothes and everything else that comes back from a day by the water.

Every unit has a private bathroom with a shower, toiletries and a hairdryer. The flat-screen TV is there for evenings when you have no particular plans, and daily housekeeping means you do not have to spend several days surrounded by salt, sand and towels in a heap.

Food is handled locally, with several options a short distance away along the Overseas Highway. Mangrove Mike's Cafe is about 300 metres away, Bitton Bistro Cafe 200 metres and Taki Outi 350 metres. You can therefore choose dinner without turning post-dive hunger into a logistical expedition.

For a drink, Islamorada Beer Company is about 150 metres away and Whistle Stop 850 metres. The resort also provides barbecue facilities: a straightforward option if you want to stay on the property, use the outdoor areas and cook something without looking for a table at the other end of the Keys. The board basis and breakfast arrangements are not provided, so it is best to plan your meals around Islamorada's restaurants and your outings.

The outdoor swimming pool is the obvious fallback when the bay is too warm or your legs have already done enough work. The private beach adds sun loungers and hammocks, with an open view of Islamorada's sunsets. After your shower, you can simply settle outside and stay there until the light fades. It is a perfectly reasonable plan.

If you still want to get out on the water, the hotel provides kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles and snorkelling equipment. Fishing is available from the resort's dock on a catch-and-release basis, and the concierge can arrange guided trips with local captains, including backcountry fly-fishing and deep-sea fishing. Wildlife-watching, including manatees, adds another option on the water.

The bicycles also let you explore the surroundings without getting straight back into the car. Entertainment and live music are among the activities on offer, while the beach, garden and outdoor furniture provide a much quieter way to finish the day.

You reach the resort via Overseas Highway, directly in Islamorada. Private on-site parking is free and does not need to be reserved. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and a concierge service can help you organise outings. The resort also has boat slips suitable for skiffs up to 25 feet, available by booking with the property.

Check-in is between 4 pm and 8 pm, with photo identification and a bank card required. You must provide your expected arrival time, particularly if you are arriving after the usual reception hours. Check-out is between 9 am and 11 am. The minimum check-in age is 21; pets are not allowed and cash payments are not accepted.

Cots and extra beds are not available. Children of all ages are welcome, but children aged 6 and over are counted as adults under the stay conditions. The reservations service can be contacted daily from 8 am to 8 pm. If you require a ground-floor room, contact the resort directly before arrival.