Summary:
Picture the first morning: you open the balcony door, coffee in hand, and look out over the palms and the heated pool to the ocean beyond, with nothing on the day's schedule. This updated one-bedroom condo at Royal Plum Club in Marathon was made for two people who want to slow down, and it sits in a quiet, residential corner of the Middle Keys, a few steps from Coco Plum Beach.
The Space:
The days take care of themselves. Walk down to the beach after breakfast and claim a spot under the tiki hut, with sun loungers and beach essentials ready so there's nothing to buy or pack. Come back for lunch, then spend the afternoon by the pool, which is heated, so a cool January morning is still a good morning for a swim. The shaded gazebo is there when you'd rather read than swim, and an outdoor shower means the sand stays at the beach.
The balcony is the heart of this place. Being on the second floor gives you a better view and more privacy than a ground-floor unit, away from the coming and going below. It's where the day starts slowly and where it ends, with dinner from the grill and a glass of wine as the light fades over the water.
Inside, the condo is bright and breezy, with a kitchen that has everything you need to cook properly, a dining area that catches the sea breeze, and a bedroom built for rest. The plush king bed is the detail guests keep coming back to, and because the complex is calm after dark, the nights are quiet and the mornings start rested. A bathtub waits for a long soak after a day in the sun.
If you're here to fish or explore, you've chosen a good base. Marathon's sportfishing charters and boat rentals are minutes away, Curry Hammock State Park is close by for kayaking, and when you bring back the day's catch, the BBQ grills and full kitchen turn it into dinner on the balcony. Free parking and an EV charger on site make the drive down the Overseas Highway simple, and laundry facilities let you stay a week or more without overpacking.
Whether you're coming for a long, peaceful winter stay, an anniversary or a few romantic days away, or a week on the water, this is a place where the beach, the pool, a good night's sleep and long evenings on the balcony are always close at hand.
The Neighborhood:
Royal Plum Club sits on a quiet stretch of Coco Plum Beach in Marathon, right in the middle of the Florida Keys. It's a residential corner of the island chain rather than a resort strip, so the evenings are calm, the beach is never packed, and you hear the water more than the traffic. It's the kind of place where you settle into a slow rhythm within a day or two.
Nature is close at hand. Curry Hammock State Park is just up the road, with calm water for kayaking and paddleboarding, shaded trails and some of the best sunrise views in the Keys. Sombrero Beach, a short drive away, is a favourite for a change of scene, and Bahia Honda State Park, with its famous beaches and clear water, makes an easy half-day trip across the Seven Mile Bridge, a drive worth taking for its own sake.
Marathon is also one of the great fishing towns in the Keys. Sportfishing charters, boat rentals and dive and snorkel trips leave from marinas a few minutes away, so a morning on the water fits easily around a lazy afternoon at the pool. Bring back your catch and many local restaurants will cook it for you, or grill it yourself back at the property.
For gentler days, The Turtle Hospital offers a moving look at sea turtle rescue, Crane Point Hammock has nature trails and a small museum, and Aquarium Encounters lets you get close to reef life without getting wet. Dining runs from waterfront fish shacks and tiki bars to relaxed seafood restaurants, with plenty of places to watch the sunset over the Gulf side.
When you want more energy, Key West is close enough for a day trip, so you can enjoy Duval Street, the galleries and the sunset celebration, then drive back to a quiet night in Marathon.
Getting Around:
A car is the easiest way to explore, and parking is free on the property, with an EV charger on site. Marathon is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Miami International Airport, and Key West International is about an hour away. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants are all a short drive away.
Other Things to Note:
Expect a quiet, laid-back vibe—no loud parties or pets allowed. Please note: there are stairs to access the unit, and the space is best suited for adults or mature guests. Free parking and laundry facilities are available onsite.