In August (2011), we stayed in Key West for 4 days first, then came back up to Hawks Cay for 3 days. I have to say that the overall resort is really very nice, but we did have some issues. As others have mentioned it is very expensive and we were not blown away by the food (lunch and breakfast were at best very average). I have to say that we did have one of our favourite Key Lime pie experiences in the main dinning room, but at $10,00 each they should be good, that was about double most other places we went and we went to quite a few places for Key Lime pie :). We loved watching the dolphins and I liked walking along the boat canal at the back of the resort where you could see lots of fish without a snorkle (can't swim in the canal anyway). There was lots of standing water around the resort which meant lots of Mosquitos - especially at night. Being in the pool was the only tolerable place to be (under the water). My son and I played tennis for a an hour or so, but we needed to use lots of bug spray. Just after we got home my son had a severe ear infection (punctured ear drum) which we assume came from the relatively shallow salt water pool where he spent much of his time. I do not blame the resort, but I do think that is where he caught it. The staff were always very nice. I am glad that we went, but I would likely not go back as I prefer to get better value for my money.

This place is fantastic, however, very pricey food and drinks. Room had a fridge so you can bring snacks in. Be prepared to drop $25 on 2, yes TWO cocktails, breakfasts averaged $35 for 2 every day, and it just goes on up from there for lunch and dinner. Food was great but not that exceptional for the price. We will go back and do it a little different next time. Dolphin Experience pricey, but I'm glad I did it. Also went parasailing, Sunset Cruise, and spa - all great experiences. Loved the adult only pool right off our room.

My family including our 9 and 11 year children recently spent 2 nights at Hawks Cay and had a very nice stay. The room was clean and quite nice with a great view from the balcony. The hotel really has a lot of offerings for kids from their own pools, junior tennis clinics, playgrounds, etc. but the dolphin programs were just fantastic. They're a bit on the expensive but seeing the smiles on the faces on our kids while they were in the water with the dolphins were just priceless and the trainers were just as good with the kids as they are with the dolphins.

The only drawback to Hawks Cay for us was that lunch was quite an adventure. The only spot open for lunch was the Beach Grill and we were literally dive bombed with seagulls the entire time! One landed in my daughters first plate of mac and cheese. The second one the staff brought out was promptly flipped onto the ground by the birds! It made for an incredibly unpleasant time as the kids were on the verge of tears. In all fairness to the staff the waiter and waitress working felt awful and were even standing at the table trying to shoo the birds away. All three groups at the beach grille while we were there underwent the same problems. Our lunch was comped which was good but we'd rather have been able to eat in peace and pay for it!

Overall though a fun experience.

Myself and 3 other singles in our 40's stayed at Hawks Cay in the beginning of December, 2011, and had a wonderful time. The resort is gorgeous! The grounds and pools are beautifully maintained and the staff couldn't do enough to make us comfortable. We stayed in one of the villas in the "Sanctuary" section of the resort and it was perfect; couldn't have hoped for more. With the spa (which I would give 4 ½ stars), the lagoon, the pools, the adults-only pool!, the dolphin encounter, the store, and all the restaurants we didn't even have to leave the resort.

When we did venture out, we found that Marathon is a hop, skip and a jump away and we visited there often. We also went to Key West for a day; it only took us an hour and 10 minutes to get there. Of course it was off-season then, but I HIGHLY recommend going at that time. We practically had the Keys to ourselves. Traffic wasn't terrible and there was a lot of individual attention wherever we went.

Oh, and I wouldn't be doing this review any justice if I didn't mention the food. We had delicious food in the Keys. I swear we didn't have a single bad meal. We ate at the restaurants at Hawks Cay (they were ALL good), we cooked at home, and we ate in Marathon, Islamorada, and Key West. Really, the food in the Keys is outstanding! I don't know if it's because of the air, water, or what down there, but mmm-mmm... everything was delicious. Especially the Key Lime Pie! It's absolutely A MUST when you're there.

I highly recommend Hawks Cay Resort if you're looking for a centrally-located, peaceful, clean, beautiful place to go where you and your family and/or friends will be treated well. Service (customer service, housekeeping, etc.) was excellent.

Good luck, and have a great time at Hawks Cay!