Amara Cay Resort – Islamorada Resort Review
Last updated: August 28, 2026
Choose Amara Cay Resort if...
- You want a contemporary waterfront resort with live music and a social poolside scene
- Complimentary breakfast and modern rooms at mid-range rates appeal to you
- You're a foodie wanting on-site dining near Islamorada's restaurant corridor
Skip Amara Cay Resort if...
- You want a private beach — the waterfront here is pool-focused, not sand
- You're a boater needing marina access — consider Three Waters or Cheeca Lodge
- You want a quiet, secluded retreat — the live music keeps it active
AskTheKeys Traveler Match
How well does Amara Cay Resort fit your trip?
Before you book — the one trade-off
Amara Cay is social and pool-centered, not beachy — you get live music and energy, but no private beach or marina.
AskTheKeys Decision SummaryAmara Cay Resort is best for couples, social travelers, and weekend visitors wanting a contemporary waterfront resort with live music, complimentary breakfast, poolside bar, and a social atmosphere in Islamorada at mid-range rates. It is not ideal for beach seekers, boaters wanting marina access, or guests wanting a quiet, secluded retreat.
Choose Amara Cay if you want a contemporary waterfront resort with live music and a social poolside scene. Skip it if you want a private beach or marina, or a quiet, secluded retreat.
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Before You Book
The details that matter after you've narrowed down your options.
Best for
- Couples wanting a contemporary waterfront resort with live music, poolside bar, and social atmosphere
- Social travelers who enjoy curated resort programming without Key West's party density
- Weekend visitors looking for complimentary breakfast, modern rooms, and waterfront pool at mid-range rates
- Foodies drawn to on-site waterfront dining and Islamorada's restaurant corridor
Not ideal for
- Beach seekers — Amara Cay does not have a private beach; the waterfront is pool-focused
- Boaters wanting marina access — no marina on-site; consider Three Waters or Cheeca Lodge
- Guests wanting a quiet, secluded retreat — the live music and social programming create an active atmosphere
Quick facts
| Address | 80001 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (305) 664-0073 |
| Check-in / Out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Parking | On-site (complimentary) |
| Pets | No |
| Beach access | No |
| Pool(s) | Yes |
| Spa | Yes (limited) |
| EV charging | No |
Location & nearby
Amara Cay Resort is located in Upper Matecumbe Key within Islamorada.
What's nearby
- Theater of the Sea(1.5 mi, 30 min walk)
- Robbie's Marina (Tarpon Feeding)(5 mi, 100 min walk)
- History of Diving Museum(2.5 mi, 50 min walk)
- Founders Park(2.5 mi, 50 min walk)
- Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park(2 mi, 40 min walk)
- Islamorada Brewery & Distillery(3.5 mi, 70 min walk)
- Anne's Beach(7 mi, 140 min walk)
- Islamorada Fish Company(2 mi, 40 min walk)
Amenities overview
Property highlight features
- Waterfront pool with cabanas and poolside bar
- REELburger waterfront restaurant with nightly live music
- Complimentary breakfast buffet
- Contemporary rooms with water or garden views
- Fitness center
- Water sports equipment and kayak rentals
Pricing positioning
Typical nightly pricing tends to fall in the $$$ range, depending on season and room type.
contemporary mid-range waterfront resort
Compare current room availability and secure member-only pricing.
We handle our lodging checks through Expedia's network engine so you can lock in hidden seasonal discounts and stack your One Key™ rewards points across different island brands.
Independent Decision Engine
Florida Keys Resorts operates as a fully objective, crowdsourced review system. We do not accept paid placements from hotels to alter their scoring records. Instead, we use standardized API connections to provide transparent third-party rate checks for our community.
How Amara Cay Resort Compares to Other Islamorada Resorts
Amara Cay Resort vs Cheeca Lodge & Spa
- Amara Cay Resort wins:contemporary social resort with live music, complimentary breakfast, and waterfront pool at lower rates
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins:flagship luxury resort with private beach, spa, golf, marina, and comprehensive family amenities at premium rates
Amara Cay Resort vs Three Waters Resort & Marina
- Amara Cay Resort wins:social-forward resort with live music, complimentary breakfast, and contemporary boutique feel
- Three Waters Resort & Marina wins:largest IRC property: 214 rooms, 72-slip marina, three beaches, nine dining venues, swim-up bar, and The Cove adults-only retreat
Amara Cay Resort vs Islander Resort
- Amara Cay Resort wins:contemporary hotel-style resort with live music, breakfast, poolside social scene, and modern design
- Islander Resort wins:24-acre beachfront resort with bungalows, four dining venues, seaside sports, and complimentary water sports
Amara Cay Resort vs Ragged Edge Resort
- Amara Cay Resort wins:contemporary mid-range resort with live music, breakfast, and social waterfront pool scene
- Ragged Edge Resort wins:quiet micro-boutique with fewer than 10 units, ocean-access dock, and budget-friendly rates
FAQs
Does Amara Cay have a beach?
No. Amara Cay Resort does not have a private beach. The waterfront features a pool with cabanas and a poolside bar. Guests seeking beachfront access should consider Islander Resort or Cheeca Lodge, both nearby on Upper Matecumbe Key.
Does Amara Cay have live music?
Yes. Amara Cay features nightly live music at REELburger, the resort's waterfront restaurant. The live music program is one of Amara Cay's signature amenities and contributes to the resort's social atmosphere — unusual for Islamorada, which is generally quiet in the evenings.
Does Amara Cay include breakfast?
Yes. Amara Cay offers a complimentary breakfast buffet for all guests — one of the few Islamorada resorts to include breakfast in the rate. The breakfast is served at REELburger.
Is Amara Cay good for couples?
Yes. Amara Cay's contemporary design, waterfront pool, live music, and dining-forward atmosphere make it well-suited for couples. The social energy is a draw for those who want more evening activity than typical Islamorada properties offer.
Does Amara Cay have a marina?
No. Amara Cay does not have a marina. Guests wanting marina and fishing access should consider Three Waters Resort & Marina (1 mile) or Cheeca Lodge (2 miles), both of which offer on-site marina facilities.
How does Amara Cay compare to Cheeca Lodge?
Amara Cay is more contemporary and social than Cheeca Lodge, with live music and complimentary breakfast. Cheeca Lodge is larger and more amenity-dense with a private beach, full spa, golf course, and marina. Amara Cay is less expensive and appeals to social travelers; Cheeca appeals to luxury and family travelers.
Is Amara Cay pet-friendly?
No. Amara Cay Resort does not allow pets. Pet-friendly alternatives in Islamorada include Cheeca Lodge & Spa and Islander Resort.
Do you need a car at Amara Cay?
Yes. Islamorada is car-dependent. Amara Cay provides free on-site parking. The on-site restaurant and complimentary breakfast reduce the need for off-property dining, but a car is essential for attractions, additional restaurants, and exploring the Keys.