My Weekend Boating Was Straight Out of an A-Lister's Vacation Reel
If your dream beach getaway includes casting a line, savoring fresh dock-to-dish seafood, sailing to a secluded sandbar only reachable by boat, and participating in a sunset "Eventide Ceremony," Playa Largo Resort & Spa should be at the top of your bucket list.
Playa Largo is a true slice of paradise situated on 14.5 acres of stunning shoreline. Here you can indulge in a tropical taste of the island with a hands-on mixology class led by a master mixologist, or spend the afternoon in your own private poolside cabana, complete with a TV. Want to level up your lounging game even further? Book a floating cabana for ultimate water frolicking.
As if Playa Largo couldn't get better, the resort has an onsite dock where endless boating adventures begin.
Boating is one of the best ways to explore a new destination—especially when you're surrounded by the turquoise waters and vibrant aquatic life of Key Largo, Florida. It's no wonder so many A-list celebs—think Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Tom Brady, Billy Joel, Bradley Cooper, and Gigi Hadid—are hooked on the boating life. And guess who recently purchased a house in the Keys? Fan-favorite, Sydney Sweeney.
No Yacht? No Problem
The best part? You don't need to be a seasoned boater or own a sleek vessel to join in on the fun. I explored Key Largo with Discover Boating, the "go-to resource" for all things boating and water adventures. Whether you're looking to charter a yacht, rent a speedboat for a few hours, or embark on an invigorating fishing expedition, Discover Boating helps make your dreams happen.
Once you've lived that luxe, wind-in-your-hair life on the water, you'll totally get why the stars keep coming back for more. I left Key Largo even more in love with boating than I was when I arrived, and I can't wait to get back on the water.
A soothing jaunt to Key Largo in the Florida Keys is truly unmatched. The vibe? Fully embracing that boating-in-a-bikini lifestyle. Think straw hat on, designer sunnies secured, and cruising the local waterways in a Robalo 246 Cayman center console—just like I did.
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Fishing, Sailing, and Sandbar Hangs
I spent one glorious (very sunny) day learning to fish and have some old-fashioned sandbar fun with Yamaha Boating and Robalo Boats as our entertainment. Five of us kicked off the morning catching live bait for our fishing expedition. Once we had enough, we set out to cast our lines and wait for bites, the sun glistening off the water surrounding us. My group and I unanimously decided that there was something incredibly serene about the sound of the water lapping against the boat.
The moment a fish tugged on my line, I snapped back to reality and learned just how much of an arm workout fishing can be. (Seriously, these fish are strong.) One of my group members even reeled in a massive barracuda—quite the thrilling experience to witness up close and personal before we released him back into the sea.
This was my first time fishing, and any level of experience is certain to have a spectacular time.
When we reached our destination, the white sands of Islamorada sandbar, we were able to take a refreshing dip in the tranquil blue waters, chat with the locals who make boating a daily lifestyle, and kick back to catch some much-needed vitamin D.
And that's just the beginning of the water-filled fun. You can learn to sail, spend an afternoon treasure hunting for gems, cruise on a pontoon boat, or spend a peaceful afternoon paddle-boarding or kayaking.
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Playa Largo's Signature Eventide Ceremony Is a Sunset Wellness Reset
After returning to shore and rinsing off the salt, sun, and SPF, I was greeted by live Caribbean music and the island energy that makes Playa Largo so special. I made my way down to the beach just in time for the most exquisite sunset, casting golden hour light over the beach bar. A friendly bartender handed me a fresh pineapple rum cocktail—served in an actual pineapple, of course.
Then, the resort's signature Eventide Ceremony began. Guests were invited to the Drift Table to jot down their worries on a piece of paper, set new intentions, and watch them go up in flames. It served as the ultimate wellness reset.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I capped off the evening with a delightful toes-in-the-sand, four-course dinner, complete with homemade key lime pie.
Catamaran Cruising and a Bubbly Start to the Day
The next morning, I boarded a spacious catamaran for a backcountry boat tour and snorkeling adventure. The contrast from the day before was striking—instead of the exhilarating speed of the center console, the catamaran offered complete and utter relaxation. I stretched out on the front net, and floated just above the water as we gently cruised along. After snorkeling in crystal-clear coves, we wrapped the journey with some mimosas. Because, let's be honest: Why not kick the day off with a bubbly toast?
