I am absolutely stoked that – just about an hour away – a brand new refuge from Miami’s urban jungle has just come online.
Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo just celebrated its grand opening, and I had the opportunity to broadcast the most recent Fried On Business show from this wonderful facility.
A project of Prime Hospitality and Shaner Hotels, Playa Largo Resort truly has something for everyone. First up, Capt. Darrell McCullough, Director of Watersports, told me about the parasailing, environmental tours into Everglades National Park, Hobie Cat sailing, sunset cruises, ocean diving, fishing and more.
Basically, all of the stuff on my bucket list.
By the way, there’s nothing like sailing a Hobie, especially when the wind picks up. As McCullough likes to say, Playa Largo is a great place to “raise hull.”
Then, Executive Chef Gregory Lopez, gave me a rundown on the resort’s dining venues. If you’re eating at Playa Largo Resort, he recommends making it an experience by:
– visiting the Las Olas Ceviche Bar for cocktails,
– then partaking of appetizers at Sol By The Sea restaurant on the beach,
– followed by a fantastic steak at La Marea steakhouse, which features dry aged beef by Larry Klein Meats,
– and then returning to Las Olas Ceviche Bar for a nightcap.
“Everyone vacations on their stomach,” said Lopez.
Now, the food at Playa Largo Resort is awesome, but I have to tell you the food service staff is just outstanding. I had a chance to meet a few of them, and they are wonderful people.
“We tell the people there on the beaches in Miami that we’re only an hour away – but it’s a world away,” Lopez said.
Of course, Jason Roma, Director of Restaurants, wouldn’t pass up a meal at any of the Playa Largo dining venues, but he’s a huge fan of Chef Carlos Ponce at Las Olas Ceviche Bar. He came to the facility from Peru, and Roma calls him an “artistic master.”
And Chef Donna Crouch Sol By The Sea makes some fantastic cocktails and Florida-fresh entrées, Roma said.
A vacation is all about relaxation. Caroline Wilmot, Spa and Wellness Director for the Ocean Spa, is well aware of this, and she runs a “tropical spa experience” that embraces the facility’s unique location and delivers the island experience.
The spa uses fruit-derived oils and mineral treatments sourced from the sea, providing four signature services among many others.
Not to be left out, there are plenty of options for men, too. Wilmot recommends the steamed facial to detoxify and cleanse the face, followed by the sun rescue treatment and men’s sports massage.
All products are natural and organic, Wilmot said.
I had an awesome time at Playa Largo Resort grand opening, and you can click here to listen to the entire broadcast.
