Every now and again even we locals need a little pampering. Being whisked through Key West Harbor to the exclusive Sunset Key for a day “off the rock” on the ferry Island Time starts the day off right. The Carpe Diem spa package is the way to go.
Including a welcome at the door by the spa’s Svetlana and Shannon, the package allows guests to “stay the day” on the island, and includes a customizable package with two 50-minute spa treatments, lunch at either the award-winning Latitudes or at the exclusive pool bar, day pass to the beach and the usually guest-only pool area, locker room access stocked with towels and amenities, and complimentary parking at the Margaritaville garage close to the ferry launch.
For 50 minutes, one of the island’s five masseuses can work magic on bodies from head to toe. Sarah Bell, a 2014 graduate of Key West High School, was excited to join the team at Sunset Key. “I don’t think I could ever get tired of this view,” she said of the island and her commute via the boat to the island.
Each treatment room includes a private, stocked bathroom with a private, tropical patio to enjoy.
For the second treatment, a facial, body scrub, or hydrating wrap can be chosen. Esthetician Linda Fryer assesses her client’s skin and creates a customized facial treatment using Hawaiian and Italian combinations depending on the skin type presented. The Key West-born and -raised esthetician’s passion is for helping clients’ skin glow to its best potential.
The wraps are perfect to help with sunburned skin, or dehydration, especially after a long night of doing the “Duval Crawl.”
Spa manager Svetlana Van Hove, who has been at Sunset Key since 2008, said the team brainstormed the package to add a little flair to the island. Usually a day pass to the beach is offered, but the pool has always been off-limits to non-island guests. “This package gives guests a way to experience the whole island, without having to book a room,” she said.
The pool is quiet, complete with a waterfall and plenty of space to lounge. The bartender will take great care of you, and you can choose to eat the included lunch by the pool in bathing suit or in casual dress overlooking the ocean at Latitudes restaurant. Server Eddy at Latitudes suggested the gorgonzola steak salad with perfectly seared steak over a salad with a white balsamic vinaigrette – he didn’t go wrong.
The day-cation Carpe Diem special runs through the end of September and is $325 ($390 with gratuities.) To make a reservation, call 305-292-4369.
