A Classic Tiki Bar in the Keys Gets a Glow Up
The home of the Rum Runner gets a new lease on life at Three Waters Resort and Marina
Since the mid-20th century, the Florida Keys have been one of the country’s premier resort destinations. The island chain, connected by a series of bridges, was beloved by artists, writers, and musicians who flocked here for the romance of the blue waters and laid-back, carefree attitude. Both Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett were inspired to write some of their best work in Key West, and Bogie and Bacall fell in love in Key Largo.
In 1969, a small tiki bar in Islamorada became famous for a brand-new drink. Made with dark rum, blackberry liqueur, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine, this drink was the perfect sundowner — a blend of sweet and tart juices blended with potent dark rum from the Caribbean. The drink, combined with Islamorada’s clear waters and reputation for some of the best fishing in the country, made it one of the most sought-after destinations.
For decades, people have flocked to its adjoining hotel, Holiday Isle, for a weekend of fun in the water by day and hanging at the Tiki Bar when the sun sets. In 2018, Hurricane Irma, a powerful Category 4 storm, ravaged much of the Florida Keys, damaging both the Tiki Bar and the hotel, renamed the Postcard Inn. The hotel did reopen after much-needed repairs.
Now, the hotel — and the beloved Tiki Bar — have had a total glow up.
The newly dubbed Three Waters Resort and Marina, Islamorada, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, recently opened under the Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio umbrella, joining sister Keys properties Amara Cay Resort and La Siesta Resort & Villas (which are all connected via a complimentary water taxi). The refreshed resort offers a variety of activities (mostly water-based), from fishing or SCUBA, with boats accessible from the on-property marina to lazing by the pool.
Where to Eat and Drink
The resort has several restaurants (and that famous bar). Here are some favorites.
The Tiki Bar
The most treasured activity at Three Waters, however, is the one it’s most famous for: cocktailing at the Tiki Bar.
For decades, people have traveled to the Tiki Bar for the weekend for drinks and to take a picture with the famous giant Rum Runner — once the backdrop for hundreds of thousands of happy photos — from Polaroids back in the day to iPhotos most recently. Sadly, the iconic Rum Runner statue was damaged in Hurricane Irma, but like a phoenix rising from its ashes, the Tiki Bar has been given a lovely transformation. As you approach, you’ll be greeted by tiki gods with glowing eyes.
The new version is revitalized and more sophisticated with a retro vibe that’s Mad Men cool. The drinks are the same, if not better. A Rum Runner — the drink that put the Tiki Bar on the map —gives the same exquisite brain freeze as it did back in the ‘60s. The bar also makes a plethora of warm weather favorites such as Painkillers and Mai Tais. In addition, there’s a good selection of local beers, including offerings from two neighboring breweries — Islamorada Brewing Company and Florida Keys Brewing. The Tiki Bar also serves bar snacks such as calamari and edamame hummus. Opt for more traditional “tiki” offerings like the sticky beef skewers, sweet and spicy chicken wings, and coconut tempura shrimp.
Islamorada Pizza Co.
Located on the property, the Islamorada Pizza Co. has some really good pies. Purists will love the Red, White, and Green — a margarita pizza with a touch of basil — but if you’re looking for a Keys experience, go with the Islander, topped with white sauce, Scotch Bonnet Pepper sauce, conch, and tomato-cucumber.
Little Limón
There’s something about eating fresh seafood while you hear the tide rolling in that’s just so satisfying. This second-floor raw bar offers super fresh oysters, ceviche, and crudo with an ocean view.
Kindler Wood-Fired Fare
The resort’s more upscale restaurant, Kindler features wood roasted meats and seafood, cooked in an open kitchen. The restaurant also offers a “catch and cook” service, where the chef will prepare the bounty you caught that day.
Lucky Twist
The best way to cool off from a long day of sun worshipping is with a Rum Runner. The second best way to cool off is with some delicious soft serve. Lucky Twist offers soft serve in both traditional and tropical flavors (everything from vanilla to key lime) conveniently next to the resort’s pool and beach. The soft serve flavors are all vegan and dairy-free so everyone can enjoy them.
Rum Tastings
Three Waters offers complimentary rum tastings for guests, featuring local rums distilled in the Florida Keys, by reservation only. Reserve your spot at the front desk.
Things to Do
MoradaWay Arts & Cultural District
The MoradaWay Arts & Cultural District is the heart of art in the Upper Keys. This six-block walkable corridor is filled with galleries, artist studios, and restaurants. Grab a beer at the Florida Keys Brewing Company and listen to live music in its beer garden or stroll the galleries. The district offers a monthly art walk, held the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring visiting artists, live music, craft beer, and more. If you’ve admired the murals at the Three Waters Resort, visit artist Jul Jankowski’s studio — located behind the brewery.
The Sandbar
Islamorada’s sandbar is legendary. Just a few miles offshore, the sandbar is a gathering place for locals who anchor their boats and hop off to enjoy walking on water (literally). What is there to do at the sandbar? Hang out, drink a beer, and even grab a snack from the floating "food truck”. Wild Dolphin Tours offers snorkeling and sandbar excursions daily. You can also rent a floating tiki hut called the “Tropic Like It’s Hot” from Spray Watersports.
Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder Exploratorium
This newly opened museum and gift shop teaches how we can interact with dolphins safely. The Exploratorium is also building a first air responder tank for injured dolphins on site. There’s also a great gift shop that includes a “zero waste” collection of soaps and cleaners where you can fill your own containers with product (you can purchase refillable containers).
Sunset Celebrations
For most, when the sun sets, it’s simply the mark of the end of another day. In the Florida Keys, it’s a full-blown celebration complete with music and drinks. Nearly every bar celebrates sunset, but the most popular one in Islamorada is Lorelei, located at MM 82 — just look for the giant Mermaid (also painted by artist Jul Jankowski). Come before sunset for the daily happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm — which will also ensure you a prime sunset viewing spot (sunsets get crowded). Then, just sit back and let nature put on her show for you. Wait until the sun takes its last final dip into the ocean and watch for the green flash — the elusive phenomenon that occurs when the sun sets with a sudden and intense green flash.