A taste of the keys: Little Palm Island, once the haunt of US presidents Kennedy and Truman, is now an oasis of quiet, privacy and superb culinary creations. No TVs allowed

Latin CEO: Executive Strategies for the Americas, July, 2001 by Johanna Marmon

TODAY'S VISITORS TO LITTLE PALM ISLAND are greeted by a very different atmosphere than when former US President John F Kennedy went there in 1962 to watch the filming of PT-109, a movie based on his war experiences. For one thing, the island now has electricity and running water. It's also home to 28 lavishly appointed thatched-roof bungalow suites and two 900-foot grand suites, a pool shaded by drooping hibiscus and sea grapes, and a gourmet restaurant with outdoor dining that faces the golden sunset.

The 5.5-acre island, tucked into the glittering Atlantic off the Florida Keys, is a 15-minute boat ride from the resort's welcome station on Little Torch Key - about two hours by car from Miami. On the island, luxury and nature go hand-in-hand, as guests are treated to the amenities of a world-class hotel while surrounded by lush tropical foliage and native wildlife. And it's quiet -- telephones, televisions and alarm clocks are banned, making Little Palm Island a true escape. The only noise is the occasional buzz of a passing boat or the far-off cries of heron.

A typical day on Little Palm Island: After waking to the sound of chirping birds and the ruffle of exotic palm fronds, room service arrives -- maybe a breakfast of lobster hash and an asparagus and caviar omelet. You might sip a flute of chilled Veuve Cliquot "Yellow Label" Champange or perhaps a Bloody Mary. After breakfast, slip into your private, bamboo-enclosed outdoor shower. Then head to the pool or sparkling white beach, where the attentive staff are on hand to cater to any whim, from arranging a deep-sea fishing trip to serving you a frosty pina colada. As the sun begins to dip behind the palms in the afternoon, head to the Island Spa for a volcanic clay body mask or a massage with Frangipani-scented oil.

The best is yet to come. Little Palm Island -- which has been affiliated with the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel association since 1990 -- is home to one of the finest restaurants in the Florida Keys. Chef Adam Votaw is known for impeccably prepared "Floribbean" cuisine that's flecked with Asian and French influences. He also makes use of delicacies from the warm Florida waters, including bountiful stone crab (when in season) and a variety of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. Guests can dine indoors, on their outdoor verandas, or even on the sand, to enjoy one of the most romantic atmospheres anywhere.

While there are an array of activities available on Little Palm, from kayaking and canoeing to complimentary scuba and snorkeling trips, the resort is a place to unplug. Doing absolutely nothing on Little Palm Island is exactly what you should do -- lazing the day away in a gently swaying hammock or spending an entire afternoon lounging on a king-sized, British colonial-style four-poster bed in your secluded bungalow. At night, Little Palm is mostly dark, the island awash in silver moonlight. It's also when the timid, gentle Key Deer swim over from neighboring islands. They can be seen crunching on the thick flora that buffers Little Palm Island -- and its guests -- from the outside world.

Little Palm Island, 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, Florida 33042. Tel: 1-305-872-2524. Rates from US$3,000 for a minimum three-night stay for two.