The Bungalows Key Largo: A Surprise Escape to Florida’s Luxe All-Inclusive

Our adventure to the Florida Keys started with a twist—I assumed we were staying in Miami. But after landing and hopping in a rental car, we just kept driving. My husband was navigating on his phone, carefully hiding the destination from view, which made for a very suspenseful (and slightly nerve-wracking) ride. An hour and a half later, we pulled into the lush entrance of The Bungalows Key Largo, and I was blown away.

Welcome Experience

Check-in was warm and personal. We were greeted with drinks, a mention of “other guests” (which had me convinced friends were hiding nearby), and a golf cart escort to our private bungalow. It was clear right away: this wasn’t just a hotel, it was a retreat.

Our Bungalow: Waterfront Luxury

We stayed in a Waterfront Bungalow, and it was absolutely stunning. Coastal-chic interiors, a private outdoor veranda, luxurious soaking tub, and uninterrupted water views made it feel like a slice of paradise. We loved the outdoor shower and lounge area, which felt secluded, relaxing, and totally indulgent.

All-Inclusive, with a Twist

This was our first all-inclusive experience in the U.S., and it was surprisingly comprehensive:

• 5 dining options

• Premium alcoholic beverages

• Poolside service

• Daily yoga and wellness activities

• Watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling

However, despite the all-inclusive label, we still had to wait for checks and sign at every meal, which took away from the seamless convenience typically expected at this tier.

Dining & Drinks

The food was consistently high quality—from casual bites to more upscale options. While Bogie & Bacall’s required an additional fee, everything else was included. We enjoyed the variety and service, though the wait for checks at each sitting slightly dulled the “true all-inclusive” vibe. Still, cocktails by the pool and fresh meals by the water hit the mark.

Pools & Atmosphere

There are two pools:

• The Zen Pool, connected to the spa, with beds and a tranquil ambiance

• The Sunset Pool, more lively and social, with a huge hot tub and festive energy

Both offered poolside refreshments and comfortable lounging, though seating could fill up fast. There’s no traditional walk-in beach, but our bungalow had a sandy shore just outside, which gave us the beach vibe without needing to venture far.

Spa, Fitness & Activities

The spa and wellness amenities were well done. From group yoga classes to cruiser bikes and water trikes, there were plenty of ways to stay active, or not. The on-site Fitness Tiki Hut provided the essentials for a quick workout, and the spa treatments were top-tier.

Final Thoughts

The Bungalows Key Largo was elegant, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed. It struck a unique balance between all-inclusive convenience and boutique charm. While a few operational quirks kept it from a perfect rating, the location, bungalow design, and inclusive offerings make it a top contender for a luxury stateside getaway.

Pros & Cons Chart

Pros	Cons
Private waterfront bungalow with stunning views	No walk-in beach
All-inclusive meals and drinks included	Required to sign checks at each meal
Secluded outdoor bath and veranda	Beach area is rocky (not swimmable from shore)
Two pools with distinct atmospheres	Lack of international-level polish or “it factor”
Variety of water and fitness activities	Limited poolside seating at peak times

Final Verdict

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Bungalows Key Largo delivers tranquility, romance, and premium service in a lush Florida setting. While it doesn’t quite have the sparkle of a full 5-star international resort, it’s a fantastic U.S.-based option for couples looking for a high-end escape without leaving the country.