Bluegreen’s The Hammocks at Marathon is the Florida Keys at its best. The entrance road envelops you in lush tropical foliage and Caribbean music greets you at the door. The glass-enclosed lobby is impressive with its 60-foot cathedral ceilings and saltwater aquarium of a living coral reef.

With so much to do on site, you might not even want to venture out. The resort is bayside with a view you’ll never forget. Admire a menagerie of wildlife, from parrotfish, tarpon and lobster in the lagoon, to egrets, herons and pelicans among the mangroves. And don’t be surprised to see an iguana perched amid the resort’s dense vegetation. Palm trees, hammocks and tiki torches dot the landscape, while a sparkling pool and hot tub invite you to relax.

For an energetic atmosphere, turn to Barnacle Barney’s Tiki Bar & Grill, an open-air tiki bar and grill overlooking the on-site marina. The tiki bar and grill offers two TVs, beer, wine, frozen drinks and a full menu, including local favorites from both land and sea. Every evening, Barnacle Barney’s hosts a “sunset celebration” punctuated by a cannon salute as the sun touches the horizon. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for our monthly pirate invasions!

Both water sports and fishing are only steps away. You can rent kayaks, boats and jet skis on site or charter a fishing boat for a thrilling day at sea.

Accommodations
Vacation villas are as comfortable as the resort’s name suggests. Choose from studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, all beautifully appointed with the comforts of home including balconies and porches. Come home from a day out at sea, by the pool, or at Barney’s and relax on your balcony. Watch a DVD as the day winds down, prepare your own frozen cocktails or cook dinner in your full-kitchen. The following morning, wake up to the aroma of a fresh pot of coffee carried through your villa by mellow ocean breezes.

Area Info
As you’d expect, there’s more to the Florida Keys than just rest, relaxation, and tropical drinks. Located just 50 miles north of Key West, Marathon hosts an incredible array of scuba diving, fishing and sailing charters, plus a multitude of other outdoor activities. Although the Keys aren’t known for their beaches, you can still relax on the sand and enjoy the warm waters at Sombrero Beach, not far from the resort. Or, you can explore the all-natural beauty of Long Key State Park or Bahia Honda State Park. But if you have the time—you probably will—make sure to stop at the Dolphin Research Center to experience the thrill of swimming with the dolphins.