It’s no secret that most all-inclusive resorts require a passport — there are only a handful in the U.S. — and therefore require a bit more than a weekend to fully enjoy the experience. But Bungalows Key Largo requires only a quick, one-hour drive south from Miami and a willingness to unwind for 48 hours — a challenge that I was more than willing to take on.
Set on 12 acres of botanical gardens edged by 1,000 feet of ocean shoreline and just a few miles from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, this adults-only property is the only true all-inclusive resort in Florida. Here’s how I made the most out of a 48-hour stay and how you can, too.
Related: The best resorts in Florida for a relaxing vacation in the Sunshine State
Day 1: Arrive, unwind and eat well
1 of 3
LAUREN WASSUM/THE POINTS GUY
Upon arrival, the staff took care of my luggage and whisked me to my 900 square feet Bungalow via golf cart, which automatically set the tone for the level of service I received during my stay. Each bungalow has beautifully decorated indoor and outdoor living spaces, a private deck, an outdoor garden shower and a soaking tub — I chose to grab my welcome drink and relax on the patio before doing anything else.
Once I was a bit more settled, I strolled over to the Sunset Tiki Bar on Tranquility Beach, which had some of the best views of the water. The menu offered plenty of frozen drinks and an icy selection of local brews. I opted to keep it simple with a Pina Colada while I watched the sun go down over the water. It was the best seat in the house for golden hour.
Since I was a bit tired from my travels, I kept dinner casual at Fish Tales, an eatery overlooking the ocean and infinity pool. The vibe is relaxed, and the menu leans into the tropical flavors of the Florida Keys, which is exactly what I needed to end my long day.
Day 2: Making the most of activities, the spa and a memorable last dinner
Since this was my only full day on the property, I wanted to start early. Daily yoga classes take place on Tranquility Beach, so you can practice to the soundtrack of ocean waves — I reserved my spot with the concierge the night before, and all I needed to do was show up. After class, I grabbed breakfast at Fish Tails before heading to the pool.
What I loved most about this property is that it accommodates both adventure-seekers and relaxation-seekers. Paddleboards, snorkel gear and kayaks are available on-property and are included in your all-inclusive package. So you can spend a few hours on the water before retreating to one of the two pools mid-afternoon. The resort also offers a slew of activities couples would love: catamaran sunset sails with charcuterie and cocktails, and Everglades kayak tours. Select excursions like these do cost extra and book up fast, so be sure to reserve at check-in.
If you’re like me, then a visit to the spa is high up on your list, so I blocked off two hours to enjoy an afternoon at the Zen Garden Spa. I booked a Bungalows Signature Massage ($195), which left me feeling completely relaxed and restored, but the spa amenities alone are worth the visit. I spent equal time unwinding in the Himalayan salt room and the eucalyptus steam room.
1 of 2
LAUREN WASSUM/THE POINTS GUY
To cap off my incredible day, I dined at the resort’s upscale steakhouse, Bogie and Bacall’s, which offered locally inspired seafood alongside premium steaks with a sommelier-curated wine list. I started with a predinner cocktail included in the all-inclusive rate at the adjacent Hemingway Bar and ordered the Purple Sunset — a lychee liqueur, pineapple and lime cocktail finished with an Empress Gin float. The service was fantastic, and the filet mignon I ordered was phenomenal. Guests staying four nights or more get one complimentary reservation, while guests staying three nights or fewer need to purchase Bogie and Bacall’s experience separately for $300 per two-person reservation, and let me tell you, it’s worth every penny as a send-off meal.
Getting there and checking in
From Miami International Airport (MIA), the resort sits about 50 miles south on US-1, so you can opt for a ride-hailing service or do as I did and book a rental car for a scenic drive through South Florida. I used my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which gets me Hertz President’s Circle status*, meaning guaranteed upgrades, no counter stops and bonus points on Hertz rentals, so my ride pick-up was quick and easy.
The resort offers two bungalow categories: Garden Bungalows, which are tucked among lush tropical landscaping with a private veranda, soaking tub and outdoor shower; and Waterfront Bungalows, which face the sunset directly over the water and come with a private sandy area out front. The bungalows are largely the same in layout and amenities. The main upgrade in the Waterfront category is a direct sunset view, plus sand in front and two chairs and an umbrella outside your door. Rates start around $1,349 per night for a Garden Bungalow and climb from there for Waterfront, and they vary by season, so be sure to check the resort’s website for current pricing and any minimum-night requirements.
It’s also important to note that Bungalows Key Largo is also an independent property not affiliated with a major hotel loyalty program, but I did make sure to book my stay with my Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which earns 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, to help me earn toward my next trip.
Check-in is at 4 p.m., but early access is also available for $300 plus taxes, which gets you resort access starting at noon — a worthwhile add-on if you want to squeeze in a few extra hours out of your all-inclusive stay.
Know before you go
The all-inclusive rate at the Bungalows Key Largo covers unlimited meals, premium beverages, nonmotorized water sports, daily yoga, use of the fitness center and bikes, and live entertainment. Gratuity is not included, but allows you to tip exceptional staff individually. You can charge gratuity to the card on file directly to your room (they add suggested tips to the check you sign to make it easy), or you can use one of the property’s ATMs if you prefer to tip in cash.
If you’re a Florida resident, you can also score a discounted rate on their Garden Bungalows with a valid Florida ID. If you’re booking far in advance, the advance purchase promotion requires booking at least 14 days out with a three-night minimum and is nonrefundable.
Bottom line
The Bungalows Key Largo delivers a true all-inclusive experience without requiring international travel. The service was warm, the food was great and the bungalow-style properties made me feel like I was in my own little paradise. It’s not the cheapest weekend, but between booking on the Venture X to earn miles on the stay and leveraging Hertz President’s Circle status on the rental car, there are smart ways to handle the cost. And if you only have 48-hours or a long weekend, I can confirm it is easy to enjoy to the fullest.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note that enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold+ Rewards enrollment process (e.g., at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program, and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
