Staycation: Ocean Key Resort, Key West, FL

KEY WEST– Key West is the outer perimeter of our Republic. I've heard people say that Texas is like its own country, but that sentiment comes to hold new meaning in the Conch Republic. This former haven to outlaws, pirates and smugglers is more unique in culture than any slice of land we have, and it's a tropical paradise to boot.

Gone are the (relatively recent) days of infrequent electricity, cisterns and overgrown beaches, but the island has nonetheless managed to keep a great deal of its exotic charm. It's a seven-hour ride that takes you a world away and before visiting that strange and beautiful land for the first time, Floridians would be best served to know the layout.

Key West is like nothing else in the otherwise sleepy string of islands that precede it along the way to the U.S.'s southernmost point. It's lively – a tropical New Orleans is always the best description to my mind. Duval Street is like Rue Bourbon with palm trees and just like NOLA, Key West graces its guests with a truly world-class assortment of food, fun and washed-out beauty.

Duval Street is at the far end of the island and location is an important part of enjoying your trip to Key West. You'll want to be close to Duval, but positioned so that you can still enjoy some peaceful tranquility. Because space is at a premium, especially at that end of town, one often ends up paying a premium price with a great deal of disparity. That is to say, two relatively expensive rooms along the Duval Crawl might vary significantly in appointment, while remaining closely priced.

In my experience, there is one place on the island that surpasses all others in both regards – Ocean Key Resort at the famed Mallory Square. The first time I visited the island, I watched the sunset from the renowned vantage point at Sunset Pier, a lively stretch of boardwalk that includes upbeat live entertainment, food and a large Tiki bar. Turning back toward Duval after watching the beautiful recess of the sun, I noticed that there was a property adjacent to the pier itself, and that my friends is Ocean Key Resort. It became perfectly clear at that moment, who owned the best geography in town. On a recent trip, I had occasion to stay at the resort and learned that there was more to it than just a perfect view with a pretty face.

Ocean Key Resort is literally at the dead end of Duval. It backs up to the ocean itself and stares across toward Sunset Key and Christmas Tree Island and is constructed in a way that nestles its pool area in such a manner that one might not ever believe they were but a few feet from the crowds of Duval, while lounging in a cabana while a waitress brought frozen towels, tropical drinks and even a bite to eat if one were so inclined.

The rooms are the epitome of tropical ambiance that's neither loud nor tacky. The muted tones of vibrant colors positioned against the rustic wooden planks on the ceilings and richly-appointed beds compliment comfort with cozy. There's a perpetual sense of refreshment as you pass through any enclave and the convenience of exiting right into the heart of the town. Once the car was parked by the valet, it didn't see the light of day until I left, as every point of interest was close-by, though I enjoyed the surprisingly thrift bicycle taxi twice when I wished to lounge along the charted course in shaded comfort from the midday heat.

The luxurious confines infect each and every service like the pampering at SpaTerre, where their menu of creature comforts provide an ample supply of opportunities for spoiling yourself with some manner of healthy indulgence. And while Key West is deep with dining delights, you don't have to leave the property to find world-class cuisine. Chef Brendan Mica will enthuse you with a menu of rich, Latin-inspired cuisine that puts a classy spin on many island standards at Hot Tin Roof, named for frequent Key West resident Tennessee Williams' best known play.

From the impeccable lobster Benedict at breakfast, to the delicious ceviche that is the perfect cool and light treat, so well received in the thick, sticky air, Mica wows you long before you've sampled an entree. The Filet on a bed of chimichurri is to die for, and their reputation for the island's best paella and lobster tempura are well-earned. Needless to say, the key lime pie is exquisite, but I'll go one step further and say it's the best I've had in 10 years visiting the island – and I’ll admit to having sampled nearly all of them.

Once the sun sets, you can enjoy the nearby entertainment on the pier or catch the wonderful assortment of legendary street performers at Mallory Square. Wander down Duval and grab a cocktail at famed haunts like Captain Tony's where Hemingway once held court on a regular basis, join the sing-a-long at Irish Kevin's, or whoop it up with the locals at the Green Parrot Bar. The Hemingway House gives tours daily and you'd be remiss not to take in the fascinating history at the Truman Little White House.

There's plenty of excursion packages available at the many street-side kiosks, everything from snorkeling to jet-ski's, to all day cruises and even thrill boats that allow a dozen passengers to live the excitement of a speed boat race. But when the sun gets ready to set, you'd notice a slow, mass meander down toward Sunset Pier. Once there, looking over your shoulder you'd spot the lucky few who get to watch the spectacle from the balcony of a room at Ocean Key Resort and if you're weren't one of them, you'd surely wish you were.