Hawks CayPress Coverage

South of Miami, the Florida Keys are known for their laidback charm, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Orlando’s theme parks. Midway through the island chain is Hawks Cay Resort, a classic Florida beach retreat surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery. This cheerful tropical resort features standard rooms, suites, and spacious villas ideal for family vacations.

The resort is debuting its new Coral Cay Adventure Park in summer 2026, complete with waterslides, splash pad, sports lawn, and arcade. Kayaking, fishing, and tennis are additional activity options. And when it’s time to refuel, head to the resort’s signature restaurant Salt + Ash helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Ford, which offers elevated farm-to-table and fresh-from-the-sea American cuisine.

Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Ford, of Salt + Ash at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, joins TODAY’s Sheinelle Jones and guest co-host Willie Geist to share his recipe for crispy pressed chicken thighs with spring pea salad for a simple and fresh meal. Get the recipe!

Just a short drive away from Miami lies the majestic, clear turquoise water of the Florida Keys. On the secluded island of Duck Key, home to the 60-acre tropical retreat and recently reimagined Hawks Cay Resort, guests can enjoy recently enhanced amenities and a new restaurant helmed by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford.

ith its love for happy hour and sprawling beaches, the Florida Keys is perhaps the best embodiment of rest and relaxation in the United States. Each hotel that graces the chain of islands feels like it’s been designed to ensure that travelers’ expectations of a restorative vacation are met.

From coast to coast and lake-filled Orlando to way down south in the coral cays of the Florida Keys, this southern state excels at resorts that feel purpose-made for making memories—and if you have kids in tow, family memories in particular.

Keys got a publicity boost when Miami chef Jeremy Ford opened his restaurant Salt & Ash in March 2025 at Hawk’s Cay Resort on Duck Key.

For three days at Hawks Cay Resort, my life got pretty simple. Wake up, grab my fly rods, walk to the marina, and go fishing. Tarpon, redfish, mangroves, clear-water flats—This is the trip I’ve imagined since I was a kid.

Still at loose ends for Labor Day weekend? Point the car south. Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key is giving Miamians one last excuse to stretch out summer with a weekend of live music, waterfront festivities, pool time, and fireworks, all without getting on a plane.

There is nothing quite like an exceptional getaway that not only makes you feel worlds away from reality while you are there but will leave you reminiscing about it for weeks after you have returned home.

Michelin-starred chef and partner at Salt + Ash at Hawks Cay Resort Jeremy Ford says to blend miso into butter to amplify the butter’s salty, umami flavor. However, he cautions, “Taste before adding more salt, since miso is naturally well-seasoned.” That butter is great on corn, but also adds great depth to roasted vegetables and caramelized mushrooms, he says.

Hawks Cay Resort will honor active military members, veterans and first responders with a weekend of running, music and family-friendly festivities during its Heroes Salute celebration on Sept. 4 and 5.