Island House in Key West: The best Gay Resort in the World | Review

Karl Krause

This is our gay couple hotel review of the Island House in Key West, Florida. “Gaycation at the Island House means vacation with the full package.” With these words, we were welcomed by Jeff and his partner James at the counter of this popular gay safe space in the Florida Keys. For about a week, the clothing-optional gay resort was our home in gay-friendly Key West. Gym, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, bar, café, and a pool surrounded by juicy big palm trees – What else do you need to know about the best Gay Resort in the World? Enjoy our story and photos of our Couple of Men Hotel Review of the gay-friendly Island House in Key West!

– in collaboration with Island House in Key West –

Welcome to the world’s best gay resort

The Best Gay Resort in the World – That’s what it says on a sign in the lobby of Island House. We left our luggage next to the counter and followed the gay couple for a quick tour around the property. In tropical temperatures, and with the sun shining through the palm leaves, we walked past the outdoor jacuzzi and across open hallways draped with colorful pictures. Here we got our first glimpse of the outdoor pool and the Islands House 24-hour cafe & bar.

This spacious but cozy outdoor area has plenty of seating options with sunbeds around the pool and an extra sunbathing location on the sun deck upstairs. We instantly got checked out by the guys hanging in the pool, and some smiled or greeted us two newcomers. After hearing only the best stories from travelers, colleagues, and followers, we were very excited to finally find out for ourselves why Island House is “the best gay resort in the world”.

Road Trip Florida Keys

Wake up to the crowing of free-range roosters. Eat key lime pie for breakfast. Sunbathe naked by the pool. Snorkel the world’s third-largest tropical coral reef, and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Keys archipelago is considered one of the most fantastic, LGBTQ+, and gay-friendly destinations in the USA.

Florida Keys & Key West Article >

Clothing optional: be naked and feel gorgeous!

Island House is a clothing-optional resort, meaning you can be naked wherever you go. You don’t have to, but we’ve noticed that after half an hour of feeling a bit awkward, all those feelings fade away, and being nude feels very natural. And don’t worry, if you want to keep on a T-shirt or swim pants, nobody will judge you. We noticed many different body types hanging out at the pool, bar, or darkroom. The atmosphere was fun, sexy, and relaxed but always friendly. That’s how we like it!

“Gay, straight, FTM, bisexual, married, single, coupled, in an open relationship or totally monogamous, all men are welcome here. Island House is what you make of it. We truly are a sanctuary for all men.” Island House

Our Room: The Owner’s Suite

We stayed in a Key West suite named The Owner’s Suite in the upper-right corner of the resort’s first floor. We felt very fancy with our poolside view and a private porch facing Fleming Street. It even had an out-of-sight outdoor space featuring two “maritime-themed” slings. The room has a kitchen corner with a fridge, a combo oven, kitchen utensils, and enough space to put our snacks and drinks. There was also a sitting area with a leather sofa and blossoming orchids on the coffee table. And let’s not forget the many pieces of gay art that were scattered around the room and the rest of the resort.

The King Bed was just huge, comfy, and located next to the door to the private porch. Two mirrors hang above each of the bedside tables. The deluxe bathroom has a big walk-in shower, two sinks, and a Japanese-inspired water toilet — just everything we need for our gay holiday in Key West.

Trip Planning: All room types and suites >

Island House Cafe & Bar

One of the reasons many of the Island House guests do not feel the need to leave the resort during their stay is the 24-hour cafe & bar. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dishes, the Island House offers vegetarian-friendly meals all day and night. But let’s start with our morning ritual:

Fresh coffee, pancakes for Karl, fresh smoothies for both, and a vegetarian omelet for Daan. For lunch, we can recommend a veggie burger with fries and salad. And for dinner, some fresh seafood for Karl and some delicious vegetarian options for Daan. Since many restaurants on the island are not the most vegetarian or vegan-friendly (Key West is a real seafood paradise), we definitely recommend dining-in once in a while and enjoy the view ????

Gym, Sauna, Steam Room, Video Room, and Play Area

In addition to the bar and outside pool area, Island House has a gym. Here, guests and local club members who like to work out can use the free weights and cardio/weight machines. Instead of the gym, we spend our time checking out the spa area. Here, many guests and locals come to blow off some steam in the indoor jacuzzi, steam room, dry sauna, and 5-man shower space. There is enough room and opportunity to unwind… or wind things up.

In line with the downstairs spa area, upstairs on the first floor, Island House houses its own adult playground. We entered a small cruising maze through a dark hallway that ended in a more extensive video lounge showcasing adult gay movies. The cool thing is that all these facilities are open 24 hours. So, there is no rush and plenty of time to explore and find yourself walking into the perfect vacation frenzy.

Good to know: You don’t have to be a registered resort guest or local club member to experience Island House. We met several guys staying elsewhere and bought an Island House day pass. Especially during the Pool Parties on Sunday and Wednesday, and whenever a gay cruise hits the Key West harbor, you want to make sure to plan a relaxed day at the pool and spa.

Events at Island House Key West

Another reason to spend time at the resort is the daily Happy Hour. As a registered guest, you get up to four free drinks per person between 5-6:30 pm (top shelf included). On Wednesdays and Sundays, the Happy Hour from 5-8 pm is part of the well-visited Hot Naked Hump Day Pool Party. These are the moments when the gay resort, especially the outdoor pool and bar, is the busiest and… extra fun.

This is also the time to meet the local guys who come by to check out who is visiting the island. We met some lovely men who gave us great tips on what to do and where to go during our visit. And otherwise, feel free to ask one of the handsome waiters or friendly staff at the reception about your trip planning.

Do you want your Key West experience to be even gayer? Look at the Island House event schedule and book your trip during Bear Weekend, Fantasy Fest, Tropical Heat, or Pride!

Trip Planning: Gay Key West main events >

Gay USA Travel Guide

LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, spectacular attractions, and our favorite restaurants: Explore the USA together with our gay travel guide! California, New York, Oregon, Illinois, Nevada, Utah, and Florida – We’ve got you covered!

Let’s go!

Please note: This trip was made possible in close collaboration with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Key West, and the Island House. Nevertheless, our photos, our videos, our opinions, and our writings are our own and authentic, as always.

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