Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
- YOUR Williamson
- Mar 31, 2024
- 5 min read

Situated discreetly off the fabled Florida Keys coastline, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is the only private island resort in the United States, and is accessible only via seaplane or boat. This four-acre, adults-only property is never inhabited by more than sixty guests at any given time, delivering the utmost privacy and anonymity. Surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the azure ocean, Little Palm Island provides thirty luxurious thatched roof bungalow suites that combine a sense of the Caribbean with a modern British West Indies aesthetic. With no in-room telephones, televisions or alarm clocks to distract - as technology is taboo here - guests are able to truly unplug and unwind to ignite their senses, restore their wellbeing and reconnect together.
Once known as Little Munson Island, the island has a long history itself - from being a fishing camp (President Harry S. Truman fished here), a smuggler’s retreat, a private escape and a training facility for Peace Corps workers. In 1986, Ben Woodsen - a businessman out of Memphis - and a team of partners invested more than eight million dollars into the island, which became a private retreat for notables and celebrities. From 1995 through the present day, Noble House Hotels & Resorts has managed Little Palm Island and created an exclusive experience for every guest, pairing luxurious amenities with the utmost seclusion. The resort motto is ‘Get Lost;’ encouraging guests to unplug and disconnect from the outside world and fully immerse themselves into this stunning piece of paradise.
In 2017, the resort was unfortunately impacted by Hurricane Irma and was temporarily closed until its multi-million-dollar renovation. In 2020, the resort reopened and announced its re-imagination. Steve Rossi, of Rossi Architecture out of San Diego, is behind the design elements, while AvroKO, a New York-based concept and design firm, spearheaded the interior design. The materials chosen are reflective of three main elements that inspired Little Palm Island’s new design: British West Indies Architecture - controlling the tonality to emphasize the natural surrounding landscape and blurring the boundaries from indoor to outdoor; The Era of the thirty-third President, Harry S. Truman and the socialite scene on the island during the 1940’s with nods to 1940’s antiquities, furnishings and fixtures; Flora-Fauna - natural plant and animal life on-island is also expressed through textures, materials, patterns and architectural applications like hidden pathways of crushed seashells.
Private Island Experience
Situated on a four-acre private island in the Lower Florida Keys, this discreet enclave is a favored escape for luxury travel enthusiasts, CEOs and Hollywood’s elite. Its ambiance is intentionally romantic, with surreal vistas during the day and, after a breathtaking sunset, guests are covered by a blackened sky dotted with twinkling stars.
With just thirty thatched-roof bungalow suites, the island is never inhabited by more than sixty guests at a time, offering anonymity for the affluent. Intimate dinners for two, romantic walks along secluded beaches and sweet plunges into the tranquil surf are daily occurrences. Most every whim, from a sunrise massage to a mangrove kayaking adventure, is realized by guests on demand.
While located less than thirty miles from Key West’s hustle and bustle, Little Palm Island remains the essence of exclusivity and tranquility.
Rooms & Suites
Indulge in island isolation where champagne is poured by mid-morning, the sea sparkles in the sun and the only decision is whether to wake up for an early morning snorkel or to lounge in a hammock on the beach.
Island Escape Suites: A sense of the Caribbean with modern British West Indies flair will be found in these accommodations. Thatched roofs and vaulted ceilings add island authenticity to this approximately 550 square foot suite.
Island Romance Suites: These approximately 550 square foot suites feature a large, terraced deck that includes a copper outdoor tub and a couples’ lounger. The luxurious bathroom includes a deep soaking tub.
Island Grand Suites: These approximately 1,000 square foot suites enjoy two luxurious bathrooms, a large private deck, a romantic hammered copper tub and a dreamy four-post bed.
Island Premier Suites: The island’s finest. A stately four-poster bed and decadent hammered copper tub offer a romantic respite, while vaulted ceilings accentuate the approximately 1,020 square foot of luxury living.
Dining
Fantastic views and savory culinary masterpieces set the scene for an unforgettable experience. The resort’s world-renowned chef sources seafood, produce and spices from the islands to create a menu worthy of paradise. Intimate indoor and outdoor seating is available along with dreamy beachside tables. For those desiring a private experience, the resort’s award-winning service redefines in-room dining.
SpaTerre
SpaTerre is a refuge that exists solely to promote health and wellbeing for mind, body and soul. Here, exotic Balinese spa treatments and Thai body rituals are custom designed to replace the weight of the world with utter relaxation, incorporating ancient spa traditions once reserved for royalty.
The 3,800 square foot spa features a two-story, open air atrium, a hand-set tile fountain, five indulgent treatment rooms and a salon. The healing properties of flowers and spices are used liberally to enhance each unique spa experience. Services include: global rituals, massage, body excursions, ritual bath experiences, facial indulgences, salon services, yoga, meditation, personal training, acupuncture, life coaching and color/sound therapy.
Activities & Adventures
If guests can tear themselves away from the on-island options, the resort offers an insiders’ list of things to do in the Keys. No matter how guests choose to spend their days, they’re certain to discover a personal paradise on Little Palm Island.
Kayaks: Explore the crystal blue waters surrounding the island in a kayak or on a paddleboard. Double kayaks are perfect for a truly unique and romantic experience.
Backcountry Flats Fishing: The backcountry of the Florida Keys is the perfect stage for any sport-fishing enthusiast or beginner. While silently polling across the beautiful, expansive waters, guests will look for the elusive “BIG 3” – tarpon, permit and bonefish. Imagine the thrill of hooking one of these legendary fighters among other species depending on the time of the year.
Looe Key Reef Scuba Diving Trip: Outings to Looe Key Reef afford guests the opportunity to float weightlessly among all the colorful creatures that make this beautiful reef their home. Because of its relatively shallow depth, the reef is a great dive site for divers new to the sport, experienced divers and those who have been out of the water for some time. Professional scuba instructors guide every dive to maximize guest experiences.
Snorkeling: Little Palm Island is encompassed by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which includes the world’s third largest barrier reef. Looe Key Reef, which is consistently rated as one of the best places to snorkel or scuba dive in the U.S., is located just a short boat ride from the island.
Dolphin Encounter: Meet a family of dolphins and sea lions at Dolphin Research Center, a non-profit research and educational facility that allows guests to swim with dolphins, witness daily demonstrations of the dolphins’ high-flying athletics, learn about dolphin fun facts and much more.











