Key West Wellness: Seeking Sunshine at the Southernmost Part of the U.S.

December 21, 2025

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Whether you are a wellness warrior or simply a snowbird seeking sunshine in a warmer weather state, consider Key West. Home to the Southernmost part of the United States, Key West is known for its easy-going vibes, endless sunshine, and a slice or two of its famous key lime pie. If you are interested in planning a retreat or your next wellness weekend, consider Key West, Florida.

Why Wellness in Key West?

Why wellness in Key West? Both an island and a key, Key West’s natural pace of slow living complements the very foundation of a wellness mindset. With abundant sunshine (260 days of sun, to be exact), fresh ocean air, and walkable streets, Key West is a treasure trove of natural mood boosters. The blend of outdoor adventures and relaxation also supports holistic well-being, not to mention the cultural vibes of acceptance and community giving Key West its “come as you are” attitude, ideal for a mental reset.

Where to Stay: The Southernmost Beach Resort, a Wellness Hub

Okay, so where does one stay when seeking wellness in Key West? The Southernmost Beach Resort has a reputation as being a calm, peaceful, upscale property ideal for restorative travel. Located at the south end of Duval Street, which happens to be the quieter end of the road, guests are still close to all of the action yet have an oasis of tranquility right along the beach away from the hustle and bustle of Duval Street.

Spread out across 6.5 sprawling acres, the property’s layout encourages breezy courtyards, ocean views, and open-air spaces. Comfortable cabanas, lazy loungers, and swaying hammocks provide guests with spaces that are conducive to true downtime. The property’s multi-pool setup allows guests to choose their ambiance: quiet, scenic, or social. Perhaps even all three.

Ways to Approach Wellness in Key West

#1 Create Mindful Mornings

If you are an early bird and prefer a mindful morning at a slower pace, head out to your private balcony or terrace and take in the sunrise coming up over the Atlantic Ocean. Use the early morning hours as a natural meditation setting. Savor and sip on a cup of coffee or a mug of hot tea, then head out for a morning walk along the beach. The property’s quiet pools and lounge areas are ideal spots for digital detaching, reading, and reflecting before starting the day.

#2 Enjoy Island-Inspired Eats

Conveniently located on the property, the Southernmost Beach Café includes a walk-up cafe that serves up fresh juices and smoothies perfect for breakfast. The on-site restaurant also focuses on health-forward dishes and serves up fresh local seafood as well as tropical fruits, carefully crafted cocktails, and mocktails for mindful indulgence. Consider this a boat-to-table experience with freshness, local flair, and flavors with a slight twist. I highly recommend the conch fritters and coconut shrimp for starters, followed by the ahi tuna and Key West-style Paella made with a subtle hint of Mexican flavors.

If you are looking for some island flair off property, venture to DJ’s Clam Shack, El Meson de Pepe, the best, most authentic Cuban food you’ve ever had, or stop by the Key West Cooking Show experience for a meal and a show. Well, a cooking show, that is.

#3 Foster Connection

One way to welcome wellness in Key West is through connection, and luckily for visitors, Key West is all about connection and forming bonds and ties with the community, locals, and other visitors alike. Spots like Duval Street are great spots to engage with local artists, historians, musicians, and writers. Simply pop into a local art gallery, boutique, or dive bar.

#4 Laugh with Friends

Laughter is a wonderful way to enjoy wellness; after all, they do say that laughter is the best form of medicine. If you enjoy a good laugh, sign up for team trivia conveniently located on the property. Hosted every Wednesday night by the lovely and hysterically funny host, Amy, team trivia at Dewey Deck is a fun way to eat some bites, enjoy a local libation, and challenge your knowledge on that night’s trivia theme. A good time and laughter are almost guaranteed to ensue.

#5 Learn Something New

Mental health is a part of wellness, and if your brain is craving something new while you are traveling, learn something new by exploring the local area. Pay a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s House and meet the property’s polydactyl cats (61 to be exact), some direct descendants of his very first polydactyl cat, Snow White. Afterwards, head over to the rum distillery fondly named in honor of Hemingway, Papa Pilar, and hop on a rum distillery tour. You can also stop by the Little Whitehouse, which was once the home of President Harry S. Truman. If you prefer to learn something historic with shades of haunted history, sign up for a local ghost tour, diving into the darker side of Key West’s history. (Key West is the fifth most haunted city in the U.S.)

#6 Movement

If prioritizing movement is important, head to the on-site fitness center or catch a morning yoga class on the beach sand bar or at one of the tranquility pools. The refreshing and restorative yoga practice is low-impact and designed for all ability levels. Plus, it is the perfect way to stretch out muscles after a long day of travel and flying.

If you want to get out and explore town more, ask the front desk for a bicycle and get in a leisurely morning ride down Duval Street before the crowds come out for the day. All of these options are great for travelers who value movement-based wellness.

#7 Partake in Sunset Celebrations

If you are more of a night owl than an early bird, head to the daily sunset celebration at Mallory Square and savor the beauty and magic of a Key West sunset. Head out about an hour or so before sunset and enjoy the multicultural arts and festival right along the ocean’s edge. Grab some local eats from a food cart, shop for some local arts and crafts made by Key West artisans, and watch a fun street performance.

#8 Sign Up for Outdoor Island Experiences

One of my favorite ways to wellness is through outdoor experiences, and what better place to embark on an outdoor adventure than Key West? The Key West state of mind is all about letting go of to-do lists, while the idea of slow travel suggests visiting beaches, gardens, and other outdoor spots.

For instance, take a stroll over to the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory and learn why this spot is known as the “Best Attraction in Key West”. This tropical paradise is home to over 50 species of butterflies, various exotic birds, and two flamingoes, so what’s not to love?

If your heart lies with the water, hit the waves with Lazy Dog Adventures. Grab a kayak or paddleboard and embark on a two-hour eco tour. This aquatic journey will have you paddling at a peaceful pace through exquisite blue-green waters where you will explore the mangrove tunnels in the backcountry of Key West. Don’t worry, an expert guide is included.

If you prefer to stay close to the property, join the weekly Eco-Discovery Walk on South Beach. This educational event is led by a Key West local marine biologist and will have you leaving with a wealth of beach and ocean wellness knowledge. (The environment also enjoys wellness, too, you know.)

#9 Spa Time

Although wellness is way more than spa services, The Southernmost Beach Resort offers an on-site spa, including body treatments and massages that highlight tropical-inspired therapies and wellness rituals rooted in the island environment, which helps guests really embrace and relax into the island vibes.

#10 Witness the Holiday House

The holidays are probably one of the busiest times of the year, and if you need a dose of wellness before the beloved holiday chaos ensues, you are in for a real treat. The Southernmost Beach Resort puts on a Holiday House every holiday season November through December. This magical tradition transforms the property’s Avalon Guesthouse into a winter wonderland. Yes, holiday decorations and sparkling twinkle lights do count as winter wellness.