Credits
From Daphne Miller
Sitting on the island’s only private natural sand beach, The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton elevates the breezy Key West lifestyle as the island’s premier resort steeped in the arts from unique pieces commissioned by local artists to Hemingway history—the island’s former resident and beloved “Papa.” Original artwork takes center stage in the open-air lobby from sculptural netting to colorful marine-life ceramics, all serving as a grand design gesture to Key West’s famed fishing community and maritime culture. Life-sized sculptures by Seward Johnson, the renowned American artist famed for his signature bronze statues, have created popularly photographed “scenes” for onsite visitors to step into such as “The Fourth Hand” where a group of three are playing poker around a table with an empty fourth seat.
Other artistic moments throughout the property include a mosaic-inspired giant chess set and a larger-than-life “Gypsy Chicken” mural honoring the island’s famed roaming chickens painted by local Cuban American muralist David “DaveL” Lavernia. New to the resort, guests will soon be able to create photo memories in front of a second interactive mural depicting a breezy beach landscape with a swinging chair illusion by local artist Kate Kowalski.
Named after the famous photo of Hemingway on a fishing trip in Key West, the resort’s Four Marlins Oceanfront Dining is a contemporary expression of tropical fishing lodges from Hemingway’s time on the island and serves the island’s freshest seafood and key lime pie.
The property overlooks an inviting Overwater Gazebo floating over the Atlantic Ocean with endless turquoise waters and cotton candy sunsets in the backdrop. Guests can explore the beaches via watersports and boat charters arranged by its on-site activity vendor and beloved local resident, Barefoot Billy, as well as sand sculpting workshops with the resort’s onsite master sand sculptor.