When my extended family of six arrived at Mermaid Cove, we found a beautifully decorated, airy, and spacious three bedroom home, with a decided island kick-back vibe.
The kitchen was well-equipped with every manner of pan and gadget, and the propane grill could easily cook for a crowd. There are stools at the bar in the kitchen, a full dining room, or dine al fresco waterside. A covered, screened porch is a draw for coffee in the morning, a quiet spot to watch the world go by, or for a cocktail, while the grill is heating up.
The house is spotlessly clean, with every amenity provided. The two bedrooms on the second floor are large and filled with light, each with a good-sized hot, steamy bath/shower. The master suite is a delightful hideaway upstairs, with a luxurious Jacuzzi, and roomy, tasteful accommodations.
There is high-speed Internet and an enormous flat-screen television, and a sound system that pipes music throughout. The double set of double doors facing the water open fully to add to the "bring the outdoors in" feel, on this perfect weekend in February. The mornings were a crisp 70 degrees, rising to 78 by midday. There is central air conditioning throughout, though we never felt the need to turn it on; ceiling fans throughout the house and porch were perfect.
It is a beautiful retreat in a friendly canal-laced neighborhood on the Gulf side of Islamorda. Bayside, you have access to a private beach with cabanas and grills. It’s a great place to grab some rays, relax and watch the sunset. Oceanside, Anne’s Beach, a favorite with the kite boarders, is just a mile up the road.
We rarely felt the need to leave the neighborhood but, at mile marker 74, it is an easy hour drive from Miami or to Key West and a vast array of restaurants and nightlife.
The location is central to Islamorada water sports: fishing, diving, boating, kayaking, kiteboarding, and paddle boarding. You can even swim with dolphins (or so I am told) nearby. If you bring your boat, there is dockage on the canal behind the house. I love to bike and enjoyed the dedicated bike paths in the Keys. They go on for miles
Although there are some good restaurants in the area, the best meals we had, we prepared. There is seafood market nearby, Mr. Lobster. They sell fresh lobster, fish, shrimp and stone crab. It’s daily catch right off the boat. There is a Publix supermarket in Islamorada where you can purchase supplies.
It was a relaxing refuge and we left recharged and invigorated.