
Amara Cay Resort
Best for families and active-water travelers who want a compact oceanfront resort with included paddleboards/kayaks and a zero-entry pool.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Amara Cay Resort is a 4-star, family-friendly oceanfront resort in Islamorada with a zero-entry pool, private sunning beach, on-site water activities, and direct access to local Keys excursions. Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection is a higher-profile, upscale beach resort in Key Largo with roughly 178 rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, and larger meeting/event space — read this if you’re choosing between a smaller Islamorada beachfront stay and a bigger resort experience in Key Largo.
Updated · about 20 miles apart

Best for families and active-water travelers who want a compact oceanfront resort with included paddleboards/kayaks and a zero-entry pool.

Best for travelers who want a resort-with-everything experience — more rooms, more restaurants/bars, a full-service spa, and larger conference/wedding facilities.
When Amara Cay Resort wins: pick Amara Cay if you want a smaller, family-friendly oceanfront property in Islamorada with direct reef/snorkel access, an easy water-activity program included in the resort fee, and a relaxed poolside Tiki Bar scene.
When Playa Largo Resort & Spa wins: choose Playa Largo if you prefer a higher-profile Autograph Collection property with more rooms, more restaurants and bars, an on-site full-service spa, marina/dock access, and larger meeting/wedding spaces.
Bottom line: Amara Cay is the simpler, activity-focused Islamorada option for families and small groups; Playa Largo is the larger, upscale Key Largo alternative if you want more dining choices, spa services, and meeting/event capacity.
| Category | Amara Cay Resort | Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Laid-back, family-friendly waterfront resort | Upscale, high-profile beach resort |
| Location | Islamorada (Mile Marker 80) — Atlantic/oceanfront | Key Largo (Rock Harbor) — beachfront |
| Size (rooms) | 110 rooms | 178 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages welcome; primary guest must be 21+ | |
| Pools & water access | Zero-entry oceanfront pool + private elevated sunning beach and stairway for snorkeling | Outdoor pool(s), 1 hot tub, beach cabanas (surcharge), dock and water activities nearby |
| Restaurants & bars | ReelCatch, Tiki Bar, Coastal Cup & Lounge (onsite; some shared with sister properties) | 4 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges including a beach bar and pool bar |
| Spa & wellness | Ooh la la at The Collection offers massages, beach yoga, and spa services (on-site provider shared with sister properties) | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments, and facials (on-site) |
| Known for | Direct reef snorkeling access, included nonmotorized water sports, Rum Runner water taxi to sister properties | Marriott Autograph branding, larger meeting space and full spa, marina/dock access |
| Event & meeting space | Multiple indoor/outdoor venues (Glass Bowl, Reef Lawn, Lighthouse Tiki) and roughly 16,886 sq ft total meeting space | Conference space ~6,997 sq ft, 6 meeting rooms (sizable meeting/wedding offering) |
| Parking & transport | Parking and local shuttle/water taxi included via resort fee; no airport shuttle | Self- and valet parking (surcharge); Miami Intl recommended airport |
Amara Cay sits on Islamorada’s Atlantic side at Mile Marker 80 with views toward Alligator Reef Lighthouse.
Choose Amara Cay if you want a compact Islamorada base with immediate oceanfront access and local Keys activities.
Playa Largo is an Autograph Collection resort in Key Largo with direct beach access and marina/dock features.
Pick Playa Largo if you prefer a larger Key Largo resort with beach and marina access plus more on-site amenities.
Amara Cay has 110 rooms across four floors and a range of oceanfront and partial-ocean-view suites and rooms.
Amara Cay is compact with a clear focus on oceanfront rooms and suite options suited to families and groups.
Playa Largo offers 178 guestrooms with a wide set of room categories including bayside suites and accessible rooms.
Playa Largo’s larger room inventory and suite mix suit guests who want more room-type variety and bayside or balcony options.
Amara Cay’s dining is focused and casual, centered on seafood and a lively Tiki Bar.
Amara Cay’s dining is straightforward and family-friendly, strong on seafood and poolside cocktails.
Playa Largo lists four restaurants and three bars, offering more on-site dining variety.
Playa Largo is better if you want several on-property dining and bar options without leaving the resort.
Amara Cay’s signature public amenity is its zero-entry oceanfront pool and private sunning beach area.
If you value a dramatic oceanfront pool plus easy nonmotorized water activities included, Amara Cay is set up for that.
Playa Largo features outdoor pool facilities, hot tub, and beach access plus marina and dock amenities.
Playa Largo suits guests who want beachside lounging plus marina access and more staffed beach/pool services.
Amara Cay offers on-site wellness experiences, live music and a compact set of event venues focused on waterfront events.
Amara Cay works well for couples and families seeking on-site wellness plus small- to mid-size waterfront events.
Playa Largo offers a full-service spa and larger meeting/wedding facilities alongside lounges and bars.
Playa Largo is a stronger pick for travelers who prioritize an on-site spa and more formal meeting or wedding capacity.

Amara Cay: resort fee includes paddleboards, kayaks and access to multiple pools/beaches; family-friendly programming and suite options for groups.

Playa Largo: full-service spa plus four restaurants and three bars for more on-site dining and wellness choices.

Amara Cay: a compact property with a zero-entry pool and a private elevated sunning beach with reef/snorkel access.

Playa Largo: larger guestroom inventory and multi-room conference/wedding facilities make it better suited for larger events.
Amara Cay is set up for families with included nonmotorized water sports, a zero-entry pool, family-sized suites, and family-friendly dining/happy-hour times.
Both properties offer spa/wellness services; Amara Cay lists Ooh la la at The Collection (shared provider) and Playa Largo has a full-service on-site spa.
Playa Largo has more on-site restaurants and bars (4 restaurants, 3 bars). Amara Cay’s dining is smaller but focused (ReelCatch, Tiki Bar, Coastal Cup & Lounge) and shares collection options via shuttle/water taxi.
They’re roughly 20 miles apart (Islamorada vs Key Largo); choose based on the Keys location you want to stay in rather than proximity between the two.
Explore how Amara Cay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·