
Reefhouse Resort & Marina
Best for families and groups who want on-site boating, diving and a marina-focused Key Largo base.
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Reefhouse Resort & Marina is a family-friendly, bayfront resort in Key Largo with a marina, private beach and a full-service spa; this guide is for families and active-water travelers deciding whether to stay closer to Key Largo attractions. Amara Cay Resort is a stylish waterfront resort in Islamorada with a private beach and 110 rooms; this guide helps travelers cross-shopping upscale Upper Keys stays who want a classic Islamorada address.
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Best for families and groups who want on-site boating, diving and a marina-focused Key Largo base.

Best for travelers who prefer a compact, stylish Islamorada resort with a private beach and direct access to Matecumbe attractions.
When Reefhouse Resort & Marina wins: choose Reefhouse if you want more on-site marine activity options, a larger property (153 rooms), multiple venues for groups and weddings, and a full-service spa plus extensive event space near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
When Amara Cay Resort wins: choose Amara Cay if you prefer staying in Islamorada (Matecumbe) in a smaller, stylish resort with a private beach and fewer rooms — it’s a simpler, walkable option for visiting local Islamorada dive spots and bars.
Bottom line: both are waterfront Upper Keys resorts with pool and beach access; pick Reefhouse for a larger family-focused resort with a marina and more on-site activities, or pick Amara Cay for a compact Islamorada stay with a private beach and a more intimate property size.
| Category | Reefhouse Resort & Marina | Amara Cay Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Family-friendly waterfront resort with marina and event space | Stylish Islamorada waterfront resort with private beach |
| Location (town) | Key Largo (near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park) | Islamorada (Matecumbe) |
| Size (rooms) | 153 accommodations | 110 rooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; main guest must be 21 to check in; children 17 and under stay free | All ages welcome; minimum check-in age 21 (property note in listing) |
| Pools | Heated-and-cooled outdoor pool (2 pool areas listed across sources) | Number of outdoor pools - 1 (supplier listing) |
| Restaurants & bars | Three venues: Gus' Grille, Breezer's Tiki Bar, Flipper's Pool Bar | Two restaurants and three bars/lounges listed; ReelCatch named as an on-site option |
| Spa & wellness | Full-service spa (By the Bay / Opal Spa) with scheduled hours and signature treatments | Fitness facilities listed; supplier listing does not name a full-service spa |
| Marina / watersports | On-site marina with dive shop, boating, fishing charters and parasailing | Boat tours nearby and on-site kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving listed |
| Private beach | Private beach for registered guests (small Key Largo beach area) | On private beach (supplier listing) |
| Event & wedding space | Extensive event space (multiple indoor/outdoor venues, ballroom and beach ceremony options) | Number of meeting rooms - 1 (supplier listing) |
Reefhouse sits in Key Largo on 17 waterfront acres near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Choose Reefhouse if proximity to Key Largo’s marine attractions and a larger resort campus matter.
Amara Cay is located in Matecumbe, Islamorada, within walking distance of local dive centers and food/drink spots.
Pick Amara Cay if you want to stay inside Islamorada’s dining and dive scene.
Reefhouse offers 153 rooms and suites, including bay-front rooms and multi-bedroom suites.
Reefhouse is better if you need larger suites or more room-type variety for families.
Amara Cay lists about 110 rooms with a wide range of standard rooms, studios and suites.
Amara Cay suits travelers who want a straightforward room selection in a smaller resort footprint.
Reefhouse has three on-site venues serving breakfast through dinner and family-friendly menus.
Reefhouse offers more on-site dining variety and event-friendly outlets.
Amara Cay lists two restaurants and three bars/lounges with a poolside bar and an on-site restaurant named ReelCatch.
Amara Cay provides the essentials for meals and drinks in a smaller, resort-style package.
Reefhouse has a private beach, loungers and a heated-and-cooled outdoor pool; two pool areas are listed in aggregated sources.
Reefhouse’s larger waterfront grounds and multiple pool areas favor families and activity-focused stays.
Amara Cay features a private beach and one outdoor pool according to the supplier listing.
Amara Cay fits travelers who want a compact beachfront property with on-site water activities.
Reefhouse provides a full-service spa (By the Bay/Opal Spa), a 24-hour fitness center and live music at the tiki bar.
Reefhouse is stronger for guests who want scheduled spa services plus on-site evening entertainment.
Amara Cay lists fitness facilities and multiple bars but does not show a named full-service spa in the supplier listing.
Amara Cay offers basic fitness and evening bar options but fewer spa details in published listings.

Reefhouse — larger property, kids-friendly menus and activities, kids stay free and family suites.

Amara Cay — smaller, stylish resort footprint in Matecumbe with a private beach and proximity to Islamorada dive spots.

Reefhouse — on-site marina, dive shop, boat charters and watersports vendor launch from the property.

Amara Cay — private beach, poolside bar, and fewer rooms for a quieter, compact beach stay.
Both properties list on-site snorkeling and scuba options, but Reefhouse includes an on-site marina and dive-shop connections that make booking charters and launches straightforward.
No — both resorts are all-ages properties. The primary booking guest at each property must be at least 21 to check in.
Reefhouse publishes a named full-service spa (By the Bay / Opal Spa) with detailed hours and treatments; Amara Cay’s supplier listing does not name a comparable full-service spa.
Yes — both properties list private beach access for registered guests in their published amenities.
Explore how Reefhouse Resort & Marina stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·