Disney Addict Junkie: RESORT TOUR | Playa Largo Resort & Spa

Playa Largo Resort & Spa

It's vacation time! Well let's back up a bit. This is our trip for our 10-year wedding anniversary and we were looking to do it big. However with the pandemic it made things a bit hard to do. Originally we were supposed to be spending the week in Cancun in over-the-water bungalows, that didn't work out as planned. Our next option was somewhere local, Disney. Then we thought about it more and more and it just wasn't worth a 10-year celebration for us. So after looking and looking we came across Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo.

We researched like crazy, places to eat, things to do, sights to see, reviews of the hotel, you know the normal. So finally the day comes and we hit the road and head south to the Keys!

Getting to the resort we checked in and then parked our car. Most of our first day was waiting for our room to be ready. During that time we grabbed lunch at the pool bar and just hung out for a bit. Originally we booked a window room, since we booked kinda last minute and we were going during spring break. We mentioned prior and at check in that it was our anniversary and to see what they could do on their end. Well our wish was granted, somehow since the resort was fully booked. A beautiful room with a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Really great spot in the lobby tower.

Onto things to do, well not a ton really, some activities here and there but overall you're there to relax and enjoy. Some nightly sunset celebrations which we were at almost every night. Other than that we spent a lot of time out of the resort. We headed to the Islander Resort in Islamorada and went with the Islander Girl Tours with our Sand Bar and Snorkel excursions, both amazing and highly recommend them. We also went to a few sites in the Keys. Amazing time!

Onto the food at the resort, well food was good, better at times. I'd give overall food a high 7. However service was absolutely terrible, I'll give that a 3 at best. The thing is, the resort already charges a standard 20% to any food and beverage purchase. So the staff doesn't need to work any harder to get that, with high food prices already, they are getting a decent payout. So service is terrible, so expect that. We ended up eating off property quite a bit, mainly we were out anyways and also wanted to try the local hot spots.

Like I mentioned we had an amazing room, look beautiful, spacious and very enjoyable. Location was great. Wouldn't change anything in the room at all.

Overall the resort isn't the largest, but seriously a perfect size. Pools and the beach were cramped at times with the chair hogs, but overall both amazing. The pool was huge, there is only one. The beach is kind of like a sandbar depth for the most part, very enjoyable. One thing we really appreciated was the vast selection of sitting areas throughout the resort. Every type of chair and hammock you can think of. Truly relaxing.

Big question, would we stay here again? Well normally we don't like to repeat resorts, however it would be a big yes for us on coming back another time. The service we know and it is what it is. We wouldn't be coming for that. We'd come for the overall fun we had while staying here. If I had to complain about one more thing, it's that we did not stay here longer. A week was surly not enough time to fully enjoy and relax at this amazing resort.

We're going to do this blog as a general trip review and tour, rather than a separate section for each. Mixing in both the resort and the places we visited throughout our entire trip.

Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)

One of our stops was a Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key. We went early in the morning, to ensure we had parking and a great spot on the beach. The state park is setup into different sections, they have the bayside beach area as well as the Atlantic beach area, along with a shop and some other things to do. We did a walk around from one beach to the other, put our stuff down and enjoyed our time. After we were done swimming in the bayside, we headed over to check out the Atlantic side a bit more and headed up to the top of the bridge. Some amazing views from there. Overall we had a great time here, would come back again. Parking was still plentiful, even in the afternoon hours, we went during the week, during spring break. Both sides didn't get too crazy with people, so it was pretty enjoyable.

There is a small entrance fee, make sure to check their site or call for current pricing. Also must be exact cash.

This is the bayside area beach, a bit calmer and less crowded while we were here.

This was the Atlantic side beach. In the afternoon it got so beautiful, but busier.

View of the Atlantic side from the top of the bridge.

View of the bayside from the top of the bridge.

Walkway of the bridge. There is a path in between the parking lot and the Atlantic bridge.

Bayside Grill (Key Largo)

One of our dinners was over at the Bayside Grill. This was a pretty solid dinner overall. good service, great views and delicious food. Would be a place we come back to.

Our view for dinner, beautiful!

Started off with bread, pretty basic, nothing great.

This was the Tuna Nachos, which was Raw Tuna, Seeweed Salad, Wonton Crisps, Sriracha Aioli and Wasabi Crema. Let me start by saying, A TON OF PLACES in the Keys will offer this exact same dish, however it will slightly differ with an ingredient or two as well as the presentation. I wanted it more of the traditional nacho style. Overall it was very nice flavor, tuna was great, good dish.

This was the Crab Bisque, I was not a big fan of this, for me it tasted more like a Con Queso, than a bisque. My wife, really did enjoy this on the other hand.

I went with the Whole Fried Snapper topped with a Key Lime Caper Garlic Butter Sauce and served with Island Rice. Rice was great, snapper was amazing, so tender and so flavorful. I always wanted to try a whole fish and knew coming to the Keys I'd get it at some point. Just watch for the bones, I accidently hurt my mouth in a few spots. Couple weeks later still dealing with some pain. But, I'd do it again!

Beach Area (Playa Largo Resort)

I loved our beach so much at this resort. It's not the typical zero-entry beach, but more of a stair accessible beach, stairway to heaven. The beach for the most part isn't overly deep, kind of like a sandbar, which was great. The water during our stay was a bit chilly, the day before we left it was amazing. Loved it so much. Overall the beach didn't get to crazy, at times we felt like the only one's in the water, never got too crazy. Beach chairs (also pool chairs) were not too plentiful, plenty of chair hogs early in the morning, making it difficult at times to get a spot. Just keep that in mind. Overall we loved the beach so much, totally a memorable one!

Rooms right on the beach.

One of the cabana views.

Such an amazing view art sunset.

These are super big, just look at the chairs on the right.

We looked these up when we got home, just because we wanted them! Loved these chairs so much. I had a day where my back was hurting, sat in one of these, fixed that right up!

One of the firepits, right on the beach.

This is the beach, crystal clear, and amazing.

This had to be a part of Sol by the Sea for larger groups.

Another view from the cabana.

Can't get any better than this!

Calusa at Baker's Cay Resort (Key Largo)

For our anniversary we had such a hard time trying to figure out somewhere to go for a nice dinner. In the Keys you're not going to find the finest of restaurant's, but we were determined to find a nice one. Originally we had Ziggie & Mad Dogs, however switched (luckily) to Calusa. Baker's Cay Resort was right down the road from our resort, could have probably swam if we really wanted to. It was empty for the most part, which was great. Service was good and food was great. Wished we had another night in the Key's, would have came again for sure!

The view from our table. Not too bad!

For our entree's I went with the Surf & Turf. Exactly what I wanted. Perfectly cooked steak and lobster was one of the best I've ever had.

These were the Peruvian Roast Potatoes. Not bad, good flavor.

My wife went with a different type of Surf & Turf, this was with shrimp and risotto. Another really tasty dish.

For dessert I wanted to go with the White Chocolate Bread Pudding, nothing amazing. Both of us were not impressed with it.

I went with the Blackstrap Molasses Old Fashioned, delicious!

Also tried the Key's Sunset, also really good.

Caribbean Watersports & Pier (Playa Largo Resort)

Down near the dock is Caribbean Watersports, here you can book some excursions. You can also just hang on the dock and see what you can find. We heard spotting of manatees and we saw dolphins as well.

Plenty of places to sit and relax.

Such beautiful sunsets.

This is our beach area at the resort.

Courtyard Areas

There are two courtyard areas at the hotel. One being near the pool with the chess set, the other being near Sol by the Sea with an awesome gazebo.

This is where we saw a few weddings being held. Plenty of room here.

The beautiful gazebo. There are also a couple of rocking chairs, behind me is the ocean and a view of the sunset at night is great from here.

See, I wasn't lying!

This is the second courtyard.

Doc's Diner (Key Largo)

A little hole in the wall was we ended up at, and it paid off! Great food with great service. Really good spot.

This was the Strawberry Waffles, why not have something like a dessert for breakfast?!? Very good.

I went with the Great Breakfast Skillet, this had all the breakfast options wrapped up in one. Delicious!

Gym & Spa (Playa Largo Resort)

Here is the gym at the resort.

Hobo's Cafe (Key Largo)

Another local spot that we found in Key Largo. Another spot with great food!

I went with the a fish sandwich, can't go wrong with something like this in the Keys.

This was the Island Seafood Sampler, Conch Fritters, Blacked Mahi Mahi Fingers, Coconut Shrimp and Wahoo Dip. Amazing!

Local beer.

Islander Resort & Islander Girl Tours (Sandbar & Snorkel)

Cannot recommend Islander Girls enough. They were great! Easy to work with, very professional and just the best. Will use them again for sure, also recommend them to everyone. Sandbar was so much fun! Nothing better than drinking an ice cold beer on a hot day. Snorkel was also a lot of fun, it was our first time doing it, I'm not a fan of it, but they really went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and was there every step of the way. As for the resort. It was really nice, large beach area, didn't see many swimming spots around though, I think they have them along the coast. Either way, book your trip with Islander Girls, also more adventures you book, the better the deal!

Lunch at the resort. Nothing crazy, but it took care of an empty stomach.

La Marea (Playa Largo Resort)

Service, much like the rest of the restaurant's was not the best. Food options were decent, nothing crazy it was just dinner for that night. Restaurant looked much better.

Bread option. It was decent, nothing crazy.

This was the Pistachio Crusted Grouper, not terrible, a little over cooked.

Here is the very doughy pizza. Give it a 6.8.

Las Olas (Playa Largo Resort)

One place we did not get a chance to dine at. It was a sushi lounge, never saw too many people ever in here at all. Usually if that's the case with sushi, we stay away. Just a personal thing.

Lobby Area (Playa Largo Resort)

Welcome to the resort, here you will find, a lot more of comfy chairs!

Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar (Islamorada)

Another spot when you're looking for an easy good lunch, which is what most spots are down here, very enjoyable. Kept it light on the food options.

I went with the fish sandwich, I probably got this every chance I got. Really good flavors, the mix on top was great!

Wife went with the clam chowder, it was good, not our Town Tavern, but nice.

Marina on site, watch out for the little sharks.

Mrs Mac's Kitchen (Key Largo)

Nothing better than a small local spot on the side of the road for breakfast. No thrills, just basic and good.

This was the Texas Benedict, really good flavor.

French toast, basic, but good!

Ocean Garden (Islamorada)

Just a fun, fun shop on the side of the road!

Pool & Bar Area (Playa Largo Resort)

Personally the most beautiful pool in the Key's and one reason to book. It did not disappoint. Great! Chair availability was hit or miss, even early on. So be aware. Also service was terrible at the bar with food. Had to keep going up to see where they were at with our orders everytime.

Robbie's (Islamorada)

We watch this camera all the time on YouTube. You can actually feed the tarpon here, or they can eat you. Also food wasn't bad here at all.

This was the Cowboy combo, steak was nice, hashbrowns were good. Enjoyed this!

Basic steak and eggs. Not bad.

Room (Playa Largo Resort)

Loved our room, view was not bad, but size worked great and the setup I did for our anniversary came out amazing!

It was our 10 year wedding anniversary. So I decided to decorate for my beautiful wife.

Sol by the Sea (Playa Largo Resort)

My favorite restaurant at the resort was here, service was not good but the food was AMAZING!! Loved it!!

Can't beat the view!

Seafood mac and cheese. Really flavorful and cooked to perfection!

This was the Wasabi Tuna burger, AMAZING!!!!!! Loved this burger so much, unbelievable flavors!!

This was the Caribbean Jerk Chicken. May look basic but the flavors in this was INSANE!!! Sauce was probably the best BBQ sauce I've ever had, not too sweet or tangy, perfect balance, chicken was very good.

This was the rib-eye steak, really good!

Wahoo's Bar & Grill (Islamorada)

Most of these spots in the Key's are the same, and it works, outdoor patio with fish on the menu and amazing views. What can be better!?!

Mahi sandwich, really good flavors, loved the chips!

Fried seafood platter, wahoo bites, calamari, popcorn shrimp and chips. Really good, not too greasy.

Ziggie & Mad Dogs (Islamorada)

Probably the worst restaurant on the list from our trip. Service was decent, very small restaurant. Heard it was one of the best restaurant's around, not in our opinion. Food was too charred for our liking, so be aware. Wouldn't come back again.