One of the
most bike-friendly cities in the world, its 2017 circulation plan drastically
reduced car through-traffic and prioritized cycling infrastructure.
I PRESENTED ON "THE JOY OF INCLUSION" AT TOP 15 RANKED FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY PROGRAM
Honored to guest lecture on Universal
Design to 33 Master of Landscape Architecture students at Florida International
University this week.
“The Joy of Inclusion” shared my
images and research on design that creates a better built environment for all.
I am gratified to be part of FIU’s
top 15 ranked Architecture and Built Environment U.S. Public Universities.
I lectured on Universal Design based placemaking to the FIU master’s class of Ebru Özer, PhD, FASLA, Professor & Chair, Landscape Architecture + Environmental & Urban Design.
PERFECT TRANQUIL UPPER FLORIDA KEYS HIDEAWAY
RIGHT ON THE WATER WITH OUTSTANDING AMENITIES
Mugshot Coffee Company is open 8 a.m.
till noon, Friday-Tuesday (closed Wed-Thur) for java and breakfasts of croissants,
wraps, avocado toast, banana bread, cinnamon rolls and yogurt parfait.
The Tom Thumb gas station has a large
convenience store with tons of snacks, beverages, some microwave meals and a
few cereal choices for breakfast.
Kona Kai was developed in 1956.
Its 1.6
acre site has been greatly upgraded over 70 years.
It now is a botanical garden and
features a small art gallery at the check in area.
The bayfront property is the perfect
place to catch the famous Florida Keys sunset.
The rooms and main grounds are 100%
smoke free.
If one wants to enjoy a cigar, smoking
is allowed way out on the sunset pier – far from the main grounds.
https://www.sippinmugshot.com
PERFECT TRANQUIL UPPER FLORIDA KEYS HIDEAWAY
RIGHT ON THE WATER WITH OUTSTANDING AMENITIES
There is a small pool and a hot tub.
The pool never felt crowded because
there are only 13 total rooms and suites (some with kitchens) on the
adults-only property.
Kona Kai also gets high marks for
being quiet.
Let's face it.
A ton of people equate
a day or weekend in the Florida Keys with drinking and loud music.
There are generous quiet hours at
Kona Kai and it is secluded away from noisy bars with live music.
Sal's Ballyhoo's Seafood Restaurant (open roughly noon to 9 p.m. every day but Wednesday) is an institution with Keys roots back to the 1930s.
It is directly across the street from Kona Kai.
It has simple and upscale seafood and
other offerings -- perfect for lunch inside or on the patio.
https://ballyhoosrestaurant.com
PERFECT TRANQUIL UPPER FLORIDA KEYS HIDEAWAY
RIGHT ON THE WATER WITH OUTSTANDING AMENITIES
I took the smallest kayak out and
covered about 90 minutes of coastline.
During your arrival tour of the lush, tranquil grounds -- you are advised that a resident crocodile lives in mangroves not far from the property.
But they are solitary creatures and
present no real danger.
The protected cover is created by a
sunset pier.
It has covered areas to sit under.
It
also has plenty of clean, well-maintained lounge chairs.
Kona Kai is managed by https://hphospitality.com/portfolio
PERFECT TRANQUIL UPPER FLORIDA KEYS HIDEAWAY
RIGHT ON THE WATER WITH OUTSTANDING AMENITIES
A lush tropical garden runs from the
road to the sea.
Wisely, the tennis/pickleball court
and parking are by the road, creating a sound buffer.
The grounds are nothing short of a
tropical oasis.
Everything is immaculate -- no trash,
overgrown trees, etc.
There are nearly a dozen areas to sit
under a table and enjoy a meal, snack, or beverage.
It gets even better.
There is a protected cove where you
can use free kayaks and paddle boards.
Paddles, life jackets are in a
storage space that also holds tennis-pickleball supplies.
It also has a station for filtered
water and ice -- so you can go easy on the environment while saving money on
bottled water.
PERFECT TRANQUIL UPPER FLORIDA KEYS HIDEAWAY
RIGHT ON THE WATER WITH OUTSTANDING AMENITIES
I arrived before noon. Check in is
officially at 4 pm. and check out at 11 a.m.
I was upgraded to a room that was
already freshened up. It was not only an upgrade, but also ready 4+ hours
early!
The room had a super comfy bed,
sizeable fridge, ceiling fan, air conditioning, sitting area with a large sofa,
outlets by the bed, modern bathroom and walk-in shower.
Luxury soap, shampoo, conditioner,
hand cream etc. were plentiful.
At night, the room and property were
super quiet.
