KEY LARGO, Fla. — February 5, 2019 – Carved into Key Largo’s most lavish and secluded area of the island, Baker’s Cay Resort opens today in South Florida. As the newest addition to Curio Collection by Hilton and the first in the Florida Keys, Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo is designed to be a timeless property with contemporary appeal for guests drawn to the area’s natural splendor and charm.

“Curio Collection is pleased to add Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo to our global portfolio of nearly 70 hotels and resorts, providing an ideal getaway for every trip occasion,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “From relaxing on the beach to the vast property experiences inspired by nature, Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo is a destination not to miss in 2019.”

The 200-room resort spans 13 acres of lush tropical groves and provides exclusive access to one of the most secluded white sand beaches in the area. Situated on a former pineapple plantation owned by the hotel’s namesake, Captain Ben Baker, the resort pays homage to the historical notion that pineapples serve as a symbol of hospitality and elegance through its sophisticated touches and amenities.

“We’ve curated an experience where travelers can find the true, undiluted pleasures of a natural island setting complete with a tropical landscape, white sand beaches, intimate waterside groves, and unparalleled access to nature’s calming, restorative, and rejuvenating power,” said Joy Boyd, general manager, Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo. “Our bay is your playground away from it all – whether wading on the beach or sipping a cocktail at our tiki bar, each moment is filled with the authenticity and beauty that make the Florida Keys such a beloved destination.”

Design

The exclusive beachfront resort embodies a casual, upscale aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the Florida Keys’ natural splendor and charm. Designed by California-based Powerstrip Studios, Baker’s Cay Resort boasts compelling design integrations, including hand-carved wood furnishings, wicker seating, timeless metalwork and textured white finishes. The 200 nature-inspired guest rooms and suites feature handcrafted furniture, eclectic artwork, private terraces and custom-tile bathrooms.

Amenities

Guests can rejuvenate at the resort’s Green House, an Aveda exclusive salon at Baker's Cay, or relish in an extensive list of amenities, inclusive of two swimming pools enhanced by a waterfall grotto, a library with reading nooks and a hammock-lined path.

Resort Programming

Outdoorsy travelers will enjoy programs that span across wellness, sustainability, informational workshops, watersports and more. Activities include a children’s eco-educational camp, seaplane rides, beach golf with bio-degradable golf balls, fishing charters, parasailing, diving and more.

Elevating each guest’s experience, Baker’s Cay Resort launched inclusive programs designed to involve family members and pets during their stay, including:

  • Cay-1: Designated experts curate site-specific guest activities like a sea plane ride to Key West for the day or helping restore the only live coral reef in the United States.
  • Cay-9: Boasting an onsite husky as the Director of Pet Relations as well as a slew of canine offerings such as beachside tikis, custom lifejackets, marriage ceremonies, and Paw Happy Hours complete with bacon flavored yappetizers, Dog Perignon Champagne and FetchMe Noir.
  • Cay-11: The Kids Camp offers nature immersion experiences, including snorkeling to learn about the area’s coral reef, ‘trashion’ arts and crafts, scavenger hunts identifying Bakers Cay Resort’s natural elements, culinary classes and more.

Keeping the authentic Keys experience at the forefront, the resort has partnered with sustainable and local businesses such as Lather® with Keez-Beez®, Samba Sol, Aloha Collection, artist Michelle Nicole Lowe, Maaji, Jade Yoga and Kind Traveler.

Dining

Under the leadership of Executive Chef Andy Papson who brings a dash of New Orleans soul to the eateries, the Baker’s Cay Resort culinary team leverages the abundance of local ingredients from the island and its rooftop garden to create dining and craft cocktail experiences with fresh, flavorful menus.

Calusa, an indoor/outdoor Caribbean-Creole restaurant, boasts panoramic views of the bay, turquoise tinged décor and approachable yet intricate dishes like Johnny Cakes and a Creole Skillet. Guests can enjoy an upscale beach atmosphere at Dry Rocks, complete with live music, fire pits and certified tequila connoisseurs who will teach guests to craft their own cocktails using signature Baker’s Cay Patron Reposado and Anejo. To round out the dining varieties are The Pool Bar and food truck offering fresh-from-the-grill favorites and a beach Tiki Bar with ice-cold cocktails.

Sustainability

In its commitment to an eco-consciousness lifestyle, the property was the first resort in the Florida Keys to commit to Reef Relief’s “Skip the Straw” campaign in March 2018, and has partnered with The Everglades Foundation, Coral Reef Restoration Foundation and Dolphin Plus Marine Mammal Responder for responsible community support and educational programming. Through these efforts, the property will help bring Travel with Purpose, Hilton’s corporate responsibility strategy, to life and contribute to achieving Hilton’s 2030 Goals to double its investment in social impact and cut its environmental footprint in half.

“The Keys are experiencing such a resurgence this year and we’re honored to bring a concept like Baker’s Cay Resort to the mix whose focus will be tied heavily to supporting the local environment through interactive guest experiences and thoughtful partners,” said Thom Geshay, COO at Davidson Hotels & Resorts. “From its unparalleled location with private shoreline to a sustainable and luxurious design, our whole team is eager to welcome new and returning visitors to the newest addition of our portfolio.”

Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo is also a part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 16 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit Baker’s Cay Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. For more news on Curio Collection by Hilton, visit newsroom.hilton.com/curio.