Hawks Cay Resort Chosen as One of 2009 Top 50 Resorts in US & Canada by Readers of Travel + Leisure

Florida Keys resort named #32 top resort in US and #2 in state of Florida

Hawks Cay has been honored as one of the "2009 Top 50 Resorts in the US & Canada" by readers of Travel + Leisure in the magazine's 14th annual readers' survey. The private-island resort in the Florida Keys was named #32 of the top resorts in the US & Canada and second in the state of Florida.

The annual World's Best Awards, whose 14th iteration appears in the August 2009 edition of Travel + Leisure, is held in high regard throughout the travel industry. Hotels are ranked based on ratings in the following categories: rooms, facilities, location, service, restaurants and value.

"We couldn't be more pleased to have been named to Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards,"said Sheldon Suga, Managing Director of Hawks Cay. "The magazine's discerning readers know the best in the travel industry and this award is a testament to our exceptional staff who work tirelessly to provide our guests with an outstanding experience."

Re-opened in February 2008 following a $35 million renovation, Hawks Cay has been upgraded with luxurious services and amenities such as redesigned guest rooms and villas, a new lobby area, a striking veranda and sun terrace, and numerous unique dining options. The ultimate water sports destination, the resort features a full-service, 85 slip marina offering everything from fishing to diving, to kayaking and jet skiing, as well as the Offshore Sailing School and Dolphin Connection program.

Hawks Cay was also recently awarded "Best Family Getaway" and "Best Kids Program" but the readers of Miami Herald in their Best of South Florida poll.

The 2009 World's Best Awards readers' survey results are online at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest now and will be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands July 24.

For more information or to reservations, please contact Hawks Cay at (888) 443-6393 or visit www.hawkscay.com.

Hawks Cay is the ultimate water sports destination located on the 60-acre private island, Duck Key, in the Florida Keys. The casually elegant resort features world-class fishing, a full-service marina, Dolphin Connection program, Calm Waters Spa, and kid and teen clubs, as well as a myriad of spectacular water-based activities, including sailing and diving. In February 2008, Hawks Cay revealed its dramatic transformation after a $35 million renovation. In addition to redesigning all 177 guest rooms and 100 two- and three-bedroom villas, the resort offers a new lobby area, striking veranda and sun terrace. Unique dining options include signature restaurant Alma, featuring Nuevo Latino cuisine; The Terrace serving classic breakfast and brunch; The Bar at Alma featuring a selection of the world's finest rums; Beach Grill, serving fresh seafood, sandwiches and salads with a stunning oceanfront view; and classic Keys-style dining at Tom's Harbor House. Five pools, including one exclusively for adults and a Pirate Ship pool for children, accent the resort's water's-edge location on the Atlantic Ocean. As the title sponsor for the Saltwater Experience Cable fishing show and the host of the Sunrise-Sunset Tarpon Tournament, the Mercury Redbone Tournament and the Sailfish Open as part of the Sailfish Pro Series, Hawks Cay's full-service, 85-slip marina is the premier destination for fishing in the Florida Keys. Hawks Cay is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

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