The Reach by Waldorf Astoria – Unending Summer

Giving the southernmost point of America a luxury allure, The Reach by Waldorf Astoria is charming and comfortable, without being intimidating
Giving the southernmost point of America a luxury allure, The Reach by Waldorf Astoria is charming and comfortable, without being intimidating
 
bedroom at the reach waldorf astoria key westImagine: a balcony. Palm trees aligned in symmetry. A pool right below. The waves of the Atlantic Ocean beyond it. And the soothing sound of those waves lulling you to sleep. This is one of the primary reasons why I fell in love with The Reach, a stunning oceanfront property by Waldorf Astoria in Key West, Florida.
 
A long, beautiful drive from Miami to Key West, with sparkling water on both the sides, set the scene for our short holiday in the southern most point of America. Waldorf Astoria takes advantage of that location to create not one, but two resorts, which not only have every creature comfort, but also a liberal sensory experience to enhance your stay. 
 
Covering the basics
Reaching the resort a little late at night after the drive, we were greeted by a smiling face, who very calmly and swiftly checked us in, and gave us quick direction on how to reach our room. The hotel is not a high-rise, but spread generously on the ground. So you might just take a bit of time to acquaint yourself with the routes in the hotel. 
 
Our Oceanview King Studio Suite on the topmost fifth floor was spacious, opening into a kitchenette with a highly-appreciated Nespresso machine, leading onto the sitting area. The bedroom overlooked the balcony and the ocean, ensuring you wake up with sunlight dancing on your face gently. The bathroom was elegant, though I would have been happier if the tiles and hardware had been a little more updated. But then, the Salvatore Ferragamo amenities supplied by the hotel do divert some attention!
 
The room décor was elegant, subtle and neutral, with all the colour radiating from sea-inspired artworks on the walls, created by local artist Alan S Maltz, who photographs and immortalizes Key West in its best shades. The high ceiling in the room gave an airy, open feel to the room, while our entertainment needs were taken care of by a flat LCD television and iPod docking station.
 
giant chess board the reach waldorf astoria key westThe hotel’s easy, resort feel, despite being a four diamond Waldorf Astoria property, charmed us throughout our stay. Overlooking the ocean, it has quirky elements, such as a giant chessboard and three jovial men playing cards, which add a joy de vivre feel to the hotel. Swing on the beach hammock, play a game of bocce or test your skills on the pool table. Giving access to the only natural sand beach in the town, there are unlimited options to relax or be adventurous!
 
A grand history
Their sister property, Casa Marina, has a formal, stately feel and is grander. Offering a classy experience, Casa Marina too has an enviable location, with the largest private beach right at its doorstep. 
 
Casa Marina has a wonderful history, having opened at the turn of 1921, by an entrepreneurial man Henry Morrison Flagler, who also built the first railroad from south of Miami to Key West. An impressive seaside resort, one of the first in the region, Casa Marina has no match for its extensive grounds, two pools, majestic halls and comfortable rooms with the same features and amenities as those in The Reach. An additional feature of Casa Marina rooms, however, which personally appealed to me, were the room types where you could straight away walk to the beach from your balcony, and the second where lounging beach chairs were placed on your balcony in case walking to the sand was too much to do on a holiday!
 
All that you need to do
The two properties aren’t very far from each other, with only a two minute walk separating them. Between these two, they share Spa al Mare, which has three treatment rooms with high-tech machines for micro-dermasion. With a retail area with Pevonia products, Young Living natural oils used in aromatherapy treatments and a smiling Spa Director Graziella Gaspari who lends an attentive ear to all your problems, Spa al Mare is a boon to stressed out individuals! Don’t miss that hydrating seaweed wrap or a water lily mask! And make sure you do reservations. Spa al Mare administered an astounding 60 massages on one Saturday!
 
One of the personnel at the hotel told us that many vacationers stay at the Waldorf Astoria properties for a week, and during that time, they take advantage of all the watersports they have to offer! Their jet skis, kayaks, ocean bikes, and more (at an added cost of course) are quite fun to do, while life changing experiences such as snorkeling and scuba diving lessons are available at the Casa Marina pier. In fact, most of the activities and amenities available at Casa Marina can also be accessed by guests of The Reach. 
 
balcony view the reach waldrof astoria key westThe Strip House restaurant is, by the way, an intriguing part of the resort. The American cuisine served there is certainly first rate. The décor, however, is what will delightfully scandalize most I am assuming. Photos of nude, or skimpily dressed women adorn the dining area, in a most aesthetic and classy way I assure you. Sand & Sea offers coffee, sandwiches and other snacks at the pool, as you munch away while looking at the sunset. 
 
In-room dining is prompt with good-sized portions presented beautifully! We ordered for a small breakfast in our room, calling for their bread basket, and cream cheese bagel. The basket was exquisite with a variety sweet and savoury breads, served with butter and jam. And the warm toasted bagel satisfied us to no end after a night of tiring revelry!
 
The location of The Reach also favours shopping and nightlife as the famous Duval Street of Key West is right around the corner. While there is no Walmart or Nordstrom nearby, you might be surprised to find Banana Republic and Coach in this quaint town!
 
The Reach has that perfect quality of being a secluded beach resort, yet near it all. A friendly staff is always ready to accommodate your requirements. A property which believes in beginning the experience even before you arrive, through their preference form, come here for the beach, for the sound of the wave, for the solitude and for the warmth.
 
Coordinates: 1435 Simonton Street, Key West, Florida

Ph: (305) 296-5000

SUGGESTED ARTICLES