Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
airy rooms and suites (with full kitchens) are all bright and comfortable, with good natural
light and linoleum floors. Kona Kai also houses a lovely art gallery.
Guided tours of the extensive gardens are offered for nonguests Tuesday through
Saturday for $25 (if you're staying, the gardens are free, because they're your backyard).
Jules' Undersea Lodge
HOTEL
( 305-451-2353;
www.jul.com
;
51 Shoreland Dr, MM 103.2 oceanside; group of 3-4 per person $350,
s $675)
There's lots of talk about underwater hotels getting built in Dubai and Fiji, but as of this
writing, Jules' Undersea Lodge is still the only place in the world outside of a submarine
where you and your significant other can join the 'five-fathom club' (we're not elaborat-
ing). Once a research station, this module has been converted into a delightfully cheesy
Keys motel, but wetter.
In addition to two private guest rooms, there are common rooms, a kitchen-dining room
and a wet room with hot showers and gear storage. Telephones and an intercom connect
guests with the surface. Guests must be at least 10 years old and you gotta dive to get here
- plus, there's no smoking or alcohol. If you just want to visit, you can pop in for a three-
hour visit (with pizza!) for $150.
FLORIDA KEYS FOR CHILDREN
Check out some of the following options to entertain the kids:
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Get an understanding of the region's environment.
Glass-bottom boat tours at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Your own window to
the underwater world.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Pretty flying things.
Turtle Hospital
Save (or watch) the turtles.
Conch Tour Train
Kitschy, corny, enjoyable tour.
Ghost tours
Only slightly spooky; younger kids may find this one a bit scary.
Key-deer spotting
Kids go crazy for cute mini-deer.
Key West Cemetery
Get Gothic with these often humorous tombs.
Robbie's Marina
All sorts of activities, including the ever-popular tarpon (giant fish) feed-
ing frenzy.
