“It’s quirky and fun and one of the more affordable places to stay in Key West, the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. The resort has rather unusual touches, including a welcome parrot, two giant tortoises, a kangaroo (not real) and weekly “dive-in” movies shown on a 20ft screen beside the swimming pool. The rooms are small and basic but bright and cheerful thanks to tropical murals by local artists and the owner’s personal collection of bits and bobs – surfboards, fishing rods, and anything else that catches his eye. All but a few of the rooms have adjoining hammocks and some back on to a little manmade beach. To expand the sunbathing space, the resort has recently added a large wooden sundeck stretching over the water. Hire one of its jetskis to explore the nearby island, a sanctuary for the Ibis bird, or for nighttime viewing take one of its new glass-bottomed kayaks, fitted with LED lights. Oh, and if you have time, don’t forget to check out Key West too!
• ibisbayresort.com, + 1 305 296 1043, rooms from $109″

Read the Article at Guardian.co.uk

“At the end of the island chain, Key West spreads out into a relative metropolis. But before you reach the heart of the island, lined in clapboard “conch” cottages, shade trees and captain’s mansions, the new Ibis Bay Waterfront Resort welcomes drivers with a bright neon sign at the island’s entrance. New owner Chris Holland gussied up the 1956-era motel with buckets of pastel paint, staked picket fences around the buildings, strung hammocks between the palms and installed a restaurant dockside. A stable of jet skis, paddleboards and kayaks encourages guests to explore the island rookery just offshore where ibis, namesake bird of the hotel, roost.

‘The ibis is considered the bravest bird,’ said Holland, explaining the resort’s name. ‘They are the last one to leave when a storm is coming. When the ibis leave, you need to go.’

The advice seems to echo the ghosts of islands past captured at shipwreck and maritime museums, and bail out the beach-blissed or the Duval drinkers: Where logic fails, nature provides. Yet another fitting description of the Keys.”

Read the Article on Chesapeakehome.com