Lately, my passport has been working overtime. Between hopping abroad and planning my next trip back to Mexico, travel has been a constant theme. Yet, as much as I love faraway adventures, there’s something special about discovering treasures closer to home. Sometimes paradise doesn’t require a long flight—sometimes, it’s waiting just a few hours away.
For me, that little slice of paradise was found in Islamorada, tucked in the heart of the Florida Keys. Imagine this: a sanctuary framed by swaying palms, dotted with Bahamian-style bungalows that stretch toward a sparkling shoreline. Hammocks sway lazily between coconut trees, practically insisting that you slow down, breathe, and let time melt away. This isn’t the Bahamas—it’s The Moorings Village, a place that feels both worlds away and comfortably close.
A Star in Its Own Right
If the scenery feels familiar, there’s a good reason. The Moorings Village gained a burst of recognition as the filming location for Netflix’s acclaimed family drama Bloodline. But its fame doesn’t stop there—it’s been celebrated in the pages of Vogue, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and National Geographic.
Yet, despite its pop culture spotlight and media acclaim, the village has managed to hold onto its most important quality: a sense of tranquility. Walking the grounds feels less like stepping into a high-profile resort and more like discovering a secret retreat you want to keep all to yourself.
A Return After the Storm
Like many properties in the Keys, The Moorings Village faced its share of hardship when Hurricane Irma swept through the region. The damage was significant, and the resort closed its doors for repairs and restoration. But out of that challenge came something beautiful—the reopening of a refreshed and revitalized oasis in December. For the locals, visitors, and long-time admirers, its return was nothing short of a gift.
So, naturally, I had to see it for myself.
First Impressions
The moment I arrived, I knew this wasn’t just another beachside stay. First impressions matter, and The Moorings knows how to deliver. Guests are greeted by an almost surreal vision: 800 coconut palms (or, if you want to be precise, 42.1 palms per acre) standing tall and welcoming. The effect is more than just a tropical landscape—it feels like nature itself has thrown its arms open to embrace you.
Stepping into my bungalow only reinforced that feeling. The interiors blended breezy island charm with thoughtful design touches that made the space instantly feel like home. A full-size kitchen, inviting living spaces, and serene bedrooms created a sense of comfort so complete that I had to remind myself I wasn’t moving in permanently.
It’s clear that the owners of The Moorings Village designed it with a single intention: to make guests never want to leave. Mission accomplished.
The Moorings Experience
What sets this property apart is how it balances seclusion with connection. On one hand, each of the 18 bungalows offers privacy and quiet—perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers craving stillness. On the other hand, the shared shoreline, dotted with hammocks and loungers, invites guests to gather, unwind, and soak up the beauty of the Keys together.
Days here flow effortlessly. Morning walks along the sandy shore give way to afternoons spent in a hammock with a book, or perhaps a dip in the turquoise waters. Evenings can be as simple as cooking a meal in your bungalow’s kitchen or as indulgent as dining at one of Islamorada’s renowned restaurants nearby.
The pace slows, worries fade, and suddenly, you remember what it feels like to live in the moment.
Why Stay Here?
The Moorings Village is more than a vacation—it’s an escape into simplicity and serenity. Unlike sprawling resorts with endless corridors and crowds, here you’ll find an intimate scale that makes it easy to feel at home. Each bungalow has its own personality, yet all are bound together by the same essence: barefoot luxury.
And while the property itself is enough to keep you enchanted, Islamorada adds its own layer of magic. Known as the “Village of Islands,” this stretch of the Keys offers world-class fishing, stunning sunsets, and plenty of local charm. It’s the kind of destination where every corner reveals a postcard-perfect view.
A Slice of Heaven, Close to Home
As someone who often craves the thrill of international travel, discovering The Moorings Village reminded me of something important: paradise doesn’t always mean a passport stamp. Sometimes it’s about rediscovering the beauty that exists nearby and giving yourself permission to slow down.
Whether you’re a fan of Bloodline, a seeker of hidden gems, or simply someone longing for a place where hammocks sway and worries drift away, The Moorings Village is proof that heaven can be closer than you think.
So next time you’re tempted to book a flight to the islands, consider this: you might just find your island escape waiting in the Florida Keys.
