Islamorada isn’t exactly a secret. If you’ve driven down US-1, you’ve seen the tiki bars, the giant lobster statue, and the bait shops. But there is a specific spot on a former coconut plantation that feels like it’s in a different timezone—or maybe just a different country entirely. Honestly, The Moorings Village Hotel is the kind of place that makes you want to turn off your phone and throw it into the Atlantic.
It’s quiet. Really quiet.
If you’re looking for a Marriott-style lobby with a frantic concierge and a gift shop selling overpriced sunscreen, you’re in the wrong place. This is a property that spans 18 acres but only houses 18 cottages. Do the math. That’s an insane amount of space per guest. Most Florida resorts try to pack humans in like sardines to maximize the ROI on beachfront property, but The Moorings does the opposite. It’s expansive. It’s lush. It feels like a private estate because, for a long time, that’s basically what it was.
The Reality of Staying at The Moorings Village Hotel
Most people know this place because of Bloodline. Netflix filmed a huge chunk of that moody, sweaty family drama right here. The "Rayburn House" is actually one of the villas. Because of that show, a lot of people think the resort is just a film set or some high-end tourist trap. It's not.
When you arrive, you aren't greeted by a massive check-in desk. You’re usually met by someone who walks you to your cottage. These aren't "rooms." They are homes. Some have full kitchens, wrap-around porches, and that specific Caribbean-plantation aesthetic—think white shutters, dark wood floors, and a lot of natural light.
The beach is the real kicker.
Florida beaches are often a bit of a letdown if you’re expecting the Maldives. They can be rocky, or the seagrass can be overwhelming. But here, they’ve managed to maintain a private stretch of sand that feels manicured without feeling fake. There’s a long pier that stretches out into the turquoise water. Walking to the end of that pier at 6:00 AM is a religious experience, even if you aren't religious.
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Why the location in Islamorada matters
Islamorada is the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World." That's the brand. But The Moorings Village Hotel exists in a little bubble away from the charter boat madness. You’re close enough to eat at Lorelei’s or Pierre’s—which is right across the street and owned by the same folks—but far enough away that you don't hear the highway.
It’s tucked away.
Actually, the transition from the noise of US-1 to the silence of the property is jarring. One minute you're dodging traffic and boat trailers, and the next, you’re under a canopy of palm trees that have been there for decades. It's a 110-mile drive from Miami, but it feels like a thousand.
What People Get Wrong About Luxury in the Keys
We’ve been conditioned to think luxury means marble bathrooms and 24-hour room service. The Moorings doesn't really do that. It’s "barefoot luxury." It’s the luxury of not having to see another human being for three hours if you don't want to.
- No massive pool parties. There’s a pool, but it’s hidden in the foliage.
- No loud music. The soundtrack is basically just wind and the occasional iguana falling out of a tree.
- Privacy is the currency. This is why celebrities (who shall remain nameless, though the guest book is legendary) hide out here.
If you need a "vibe" and a DJ, go to Key West. If you want to actually hear your own thoughts, you stay here.
The cottages themselves—names like Bluepoint, Tides, and Ebb Tide—vary significantly. Some are tiny, perfect for a couple trying to escape their kids. Others are sprawling houses that can fit a whole family. They all have this "lived-in" feel. It’s high-end, but nothing feels like you can’t touch it.
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The Pierre’s and Morada Bay Connection
You can’t talk about this hotel without mentioning the food scene right across the street. The Moorings itself doesn't have a big internal restaurant, which is a bit weird at first. But then you realize Pierre’s is right there. It’s an old two-story plantation-style house turned into a French-fusion restaurant.
It’s expensive.
Is it worth it? Usually, yes. Sitting on the porch at Pierre's watching the sunset over the Florida Bay while eating yellowtail snapper is a cliché for a reason. It’s beautiful. If you want something more casual, Morada Bay Beach Café is right next door. You can sit with your feet in the sand and eat fish tacos.
Technical Details for the Meticulous Traveler
Let’s talk logistics because that’s what actually matters when you’re booking.
The property is located at MM 81.6. If you aren't from Florida, "MM" stands for Mile Marker. Everything in the Keys is measured by how far you are from Key West (which is MM 0).
The Moorings Village Hotel isn't cheap. Rates can fluctuate wildly depending on the season. During "Stone Crab Season" or the winter months when New Yorkers are fleeing the snow, prices spike. If you go in the middle of August, you’ll melt, but you might find a better deal. Just be prepared for the humidity. It’s the kind of humidity that feels like a warm, wet blanket is being pressed against your face the moment you step outside.
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The amenities are surprisingly robust for such a small guest count:
- Tennis and Pickleball: They have courts that are actually well-maintained.
- Fitness Center: It’s small but functional.
- Kayaks and Paddleboards: These are basically mandatory. The water is shallow and clear for a long way out.
- The Spa: It’s more of a boutique experience than a sprawling destination spa.
The Hurricane Factor
It's worth noting that this place has been through hell and back. Hurricane Irma in 2017 did a number on the Florida Keys. The Moorings had to do significant restoration. The fact that it looks the way it does now is a testament to the landscaping team. They’ve managed to keep that "old Florida" soul alive even when the Atlantic tries to reclaim the land every few years.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re actually going to pull the trigger and stay at The Moorings Village Hotel, don't just wing it. The Keys require a bit of strategy.
First, book the right cottage. If you want the Bloodline experience, you’re looking for the Bluepoint cottage, but be prepared to pay a premium for the nostalgia. If you want privacy, ask for something further back from the main beach area.
Second, provision before you arrive. While the cottages have kitchens, the local grocery stores in Islamorada (like Publix) can get packed. Stop in Key Largo on your way down to grab high-quality groceries and wine. Having a slow breakfast on your own porch is 50% of the reason you stay here.
Third, rent a boat. You can't stay in the fishing capital of the world and stay on land the whole time. Even if you don't fish, getting out to the Alligator Reef Lighthouse for some snorkeling is essential. The water is a shade of blue that doesn't look real in photos.
Fourth, understand the "Limited Service" model. This isn't a place where people are going to be hovering over you. If you need constant attention, you might find it frustrating. If you want to be left alone, it’s paradise.
The Moorings Village Hotel remains an anomaly in a state that is rapidly becoming one giant strip mall. It’s a preserved slice of what the Keys used to be before the cruise ships and the mega-resorts took over. It’s expensive, it’s quiet, and it’s unapologetically slow. For the right kind of traveler, that’s exactly the point.