Florida Keys' Islamorada - Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina Review

Florida Keys’ Islamorada – Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina Review

One of Florida’s biggest treasure is of course, its ocean. So what better place to take in its beauty than the Florida Keys? A string of islands stretching off the southern coast of the US. Entirely surrounded by sea, making the perfect destination for beach mutts and water lovers. Key Largo, home to the second largest artificial reef, is a fascinating stop for underwater explorers. While those looking to keep dry and take in historic American Caribbean views can head to Key West’s funky and boozy Duval Street. This time we ventured to the relaxing Islamorada, a short 90 min drive from Miami. After seeing my first sunset, I wonder if the color of the sky has anything to do with why the early Spanish explorers named it “Purple Island”.

Stay: Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina

Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina Double Queen Oceanfront Guest-room

Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina offers newly renovated beachfront accommodations. With spacious guest-rooms, suites, cottages, balconies, eateries, bars, pools, and private beach. We stayed in a guest-room with two big queen beds. The retro nautical decor and marina view winning us right over. If you can manage to take your eyes off it, there’s a big TV for entertainment. It also comes equipped with a Keurig, coffee and tea, mini-fridge, iPod Docking station, and Wi-Fi. The bathroom is stocked with toiletries and a hair dryer for your freshly washed locks. We loved enjoying our morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the boats.

The entire property features lush gardens and swaying palm trees throughout its 14 acres. With occasional visits from friendly iguanas and colorful butterflies… Making the walks a tropical treat to the eyes. Along with the stunningly vivid murals by artist, Amanda Valdes. Blending fantasy, mermaids, nymphs, aquatic life and making it larger than life- at least enough to tower over us. Even the lobby decor is worth mentioning, getting creative with classic books about the ocean and DIY’ing it into the furniture. Make sure you don’t get distracted by the complimentary champagne during check-in and give it a look.

Splash

Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle has its own private beach, complete with a water trampoline and floaters to lay on. But the best part are the non-motorized water sports included in your stay. A much more budget-friendly and hassle-free option than going the hourly rental route. A heaven for lovers of kayaks and SUP boards, and they even have bikes! For less salty, but equally refreshing fun, there’s two pools to choose from.

For a tranquil oasis, nestled by ornamental banana trees, head to the Little Basin Pool just a short walk from the lobby. A relaxing spot for tanning out in the pool chairs, or getting shady on the comfy loungers. I hate shallowness of all sorts, so this one impressed me with a depth of 8 ft. For a more lively experience and beach-front views, we’d go to the Ocean Pool. There’s two private beaches on either side, one featuring a mermaid. But we’re not telling if she’s real or not. Though even more fantastical is the swim-up Kokomo Poolside Bar. ‘Cause no tropical getaway is truly complete without a few Pina Coladas. Or in their case, a Killer Colada ( bacardi superior rum, cream of coconut, fresh pineapple and pineapple juice, topped with bacardi oakheart spiced rum ).

Wander-lusting for more sunny Caribbean destinations? Click here to check out our travel guide of the One Happy Island, Aruba.

Eat + Drink

We adore hotels and resorts with amenities and services that make us never want to leave. But as foodies, our absolute fave is when they can fulfill our relentless appetites. Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina did just that with its on-site eateries and bar. For breakfast and grab-and-go snacks throughout the day, Starbucks awaits with the fresh aroma of coffee.

For lunch, dinner, libations and socializing head over to Holiday Isle Tiki Bar. Home of the world famous Rum Runner (bacardi superior rum, blackberry brandy, banana liqueur, lime juice and grenadine). Complete with marina and ocean views. A must try are the Tiki Fish Tacos made from local blackened mahi on warm tortillas and crisp iceberg lettuce, pineapple chutney, salsa fresca, queso blanco, smoked chipotle aioli. There’s even a Raw Bar under construction, expected to serve fresh seafood and breakfast. Though, we’ve yet to try the food, the location alone seems worth a visit. Surely to give you dazzling views of our so beloved ocean.

Ciao Hound Kitchen & Bar

A highlight of our experience had to be this excellent classic Italian dinner restaurant. We use to come to the Keys for the infamous Key Lime Pie. Key word, use to. The Cannolis stole our hearts and I’m already dreaming of the next time I’ll get to bite into those crunchy crusts and creamy centers. The bar serves Italian-inspired cocktails, beers and wines – my fave is the White Wine Sangria. But to be honest, I’m no wine connoisseur so I loved that they took care of pairings. The perfect compliment to fresh caught seafood and quality meats. Though I’m sure the whole menu satisfies, I wouldn’t leave without biting into the delicious Brick Oven Flatbreads.

Ciao Hound Offers Pooch Patio Menu With Canine Cuisine

As the name implies, no need to leave your fur baby at home! Ciao Hound welcomes man’s bff and even offers a Pooch Patio menu. Complete with Bowser Beer (non-alcoholic brew) and Canine Cuisine. Featuring dishes like Happy Puppy (6 oz of fire seared steak served with cannellini beans).

Overview

Known as Sports Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada offers endless water activities and relaxation. Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina giving us the perfect accommodations to enjoy this paradise. We’d love to give more tips on the surroundings, but this resort became a destination of its own. Between tanning on the beaches/pools, sunset viewing on my balcony, playing life-sized games, sipping cocktails, kayaking out to sea and chillin’ the true island way. Already delighted, we can’t wait to see the completed renovations and get a taste of Raw Bar! If you’re also looking for adventure and relaxation at the same time, Key West Yacht Rentals can take you to spots you can enjoy on your way to the Postcard Inn.