The Only Private Island Resort in America
Accessible only by sea or air, Little Palm Island is a luxury adults-only resort where privacy reigns and indulgence is second nature. Thatched-roof bungalows, world-class cuisine and a serene island setting create a destination reserved for those who seek the extraordinary.
Our Story
Tucked away in the Lower Florida Keys, Little Palm Island has long captured the imagination of those in search of true escape. Once the favored hideaway of presidents, celebrities and dreamers, the island’s legacy began in the 1950s as a private retreat known for its untouched beauty and seclusion. Over the decades, it evolved into one of America’s most exclusive heritage island resorts — and today, Little Palm Island remains a place where time slows, privacy reigns and every moment is wrapped in quiet indulgence. A luxury sanctuary where stories are written in the salt breeze, and memories linger long after the journey home.
From “The Little Palm Island Storybook” written by Margit Bisztray.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the Little Palm Island storybook, feel free to email us at [email protected].
Gallery
Location
An Arrival Like No Other
Begin your stay with a cinematic descent onto the island via seaplane, or arrive by boat at our private marina. The only question is: our boat or yours? Either way, arriving at Little Palm Island is as much an unforgettable experience as staying here.
Amenities & Services
Let your island rhythm unfold as you wish — sail at golden hour, dive into technicolor reefs, or kayak through quiet mangroves. Each moment is curated to stir wonder and welcome moments with meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
View All FAQsLittle Palm Island is a private island resort in the Lower Florida Keys, reachable only by boat or seaplane. It is adults-only, welcoming guests 18 and older, with 30 bungalow suites in a British West Indies style set across a single small island. The resort is a member of Relais & Châteaux and has been recognized with a Condé Nast Traveler World’s Best Award. The feel is barefoot and unhurried, with no televisions in the suites. The suites have vintage phones that reach resort outlets only.
Yes. As an adults-only private island resort, Little Palm Island welcomes guests 18 years of age and older, and that applies in every setting on the island including all dining. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted on the island. Guests are required to be at least 21 years of age to check into a room. The policy preserves the atmosphere the island is known for, and it is applied without exception. Pets are not permitted on the island either.
The resort holds MICHELIN Guide Three Keys for 2024 and 2025, the guide’s highest hotel rating, and is the only hotel in the American South with Three Keys. It has been a Relais & Châteaux member since March 2024, admitted after evaluation across 300 criteria, and is a Forbes Travel Guide Star Award winner and recommended hotel for 2023 through 2025. Travel + Leisure readers named it the number one Resort Hotel in Florida in 2023 and 2024, and Condé Nast Traveler readers have placed it in the Top 10 Resorts in the Florida Keys every year since 2016.
Yes. A full island buyout gives you all 30 oceanfront bungalows and exclusive use of the island for up to 60 guests, with an appointed professional event planner assigned to the booking. Inclusions are a welcome cocktail on arrival, valet parking, motor yacht transfers to and from the island, a welcome bottle of chilled champagne, gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner for up to 60 guests, non-alcoholic beverages including minibar options, water sports amenities, dockage for up to five yachts and evening turndown service. Contact the meeting planner at 305.680.8578 or [email protected].
The island's life as a retreat began in the 1950s, when it was a private hideaway known for its untouched beauty and seclusion, and over the decades it became one of America’s most exclusive heritage island resorts. President Harry S. Truman used the island as a fishing retreat in the 1940s, and the resort’s motor yacht, The Truman, is named for him. The resort opened in 1988. Hurricane Irma destroyed it in September 2017, and a $34 million rebuild designed by AvroKO reopened the island in March 2020. The full story is told in The Little Palm Island Storybook by Margit Bisztray.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a private island resort in the Lower Florida Keys, off Little Torch Key, reachable only by boat, seaplane or private yacht. It has 30 thatched- roof bungalow suites, caps occupancy at 60 guests, and is adults-only. It is owned and operated by Noble House Hotels & Resorts. – Welcome Station: 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, FL 33042, Mile Marker 28.5; reservations 800.343.8567 – Motor yacht: runs 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; guests arriving outside those hours can request a transfer by calling the front desk – Age policy: guests 18 and older are welcome; children under 18 are not permitted on the island; guests must be at least 21 to check into a room – Recognition: MICHELIN Guide Three Keys 2024 and 2025, the only hotel in the American South with Three Keys; Relais & Châteaux member since March 2024; Forbes Travel Guide Star Award winner 2023 to 2025; Travel + Leisure number one Resort Hotel in Florida 2023 and 2024; Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Top 10 Resorts in the Florida Keys, 2016 to 2025 – Dining: The Dining Room, Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence 2021 to 2024; reservations 305.422.4236 – Wellness: SpaTerre, daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; appointments 305.422.4235 – Private events: island buyouts and weddings for up to 60 guests; 305.680.8578 – Rebuilt after Hurricane Irma with a $34 million investment designed by AvroKO; reopened March 2020
We adhere to a very strict cancellation policy. Cancellations made within 30 days of arrival are non-refundable. All deposits are non–transferable to alternate dates; however, you are welcome to send someone else in your place. Should it be necessary for you to depart earlier than your confirmed date, you will be responsible for the full amount of your intended stay.
We do not permit children under the age of 18 on the island. Guests are required to be at least 21 years of age to check into a room.
We do not permit pets on the island.
While we are island casual, when in The Dining Room gentlemen are asked to wear a collared shirt. Swimsuits are not allowed in The Dining Room and, for your safety, shoes are required.