We had a crazy 2006 to say the least. I started researching prices on a quick getaway for my wife and I. I found some really good airfare to Ft Lauderdale, and a great rental car rate too.

I booked our trip for January 5th to the 8th. We flew out early on the 5th, and were in Florida by early afternoon.

We immediately drove to Dania beach in Ft Lauderdale just to get our feet wet and to feel the sand between our toes, then it was off to sitting in Friday afternoon traffic on the Florida Turnpike for 2 hours on our way to Key Largo (this was the only negative on our trip along with some airline delays).

I surprised my mate with 2 nights at the amazing Azul Del Mar boutique hotel in Key Largo. Took the money we saved on the airfare and put it into a few nights at the nicest place we have ever stayed at. It may cost a few dollars more than what would be an 'average at best' hotel stay, but it is somewhere that one has to experience. I think they should change the name to Azul Del Mar-velous!

Our key was convieniently left outside for us by the office staff at Azul Del Mar since we were going to be arriving late. We checked into our amazing room (suite really), and then it was off to Bayside Grille for dinner overlooking the water. Excelent meal, I had the Pasta with Shrimp and Chicken, she had a great Steak and salad.

Next morning, it was off to a private snorkeling charter with Morning Star Charters. Captain Rick had actually called me on our way down Firday nite on my cellphone to let me know that he thought it would be to rough to snorkel on Saturday. We were bummed as we were really looking forward to it, but I appreciated his call and the fact that he did not want to waste our time, or money on a trip that would not be very memorable.
However, Sayurday morning we awoke to calm winds, and after a call to Captain Rick of Morning Star Charters, we were both in agreement to give it a shot. It turned out to be great!
We had a blast, and the weather was great, and Captain Rick was a truly awesome host. We had the fortune of being the only ones on the 50 foot sailboat he uses to charter only 6 at a time on. We made some great memories!

After our snorkel trip, it was back to Azul for a trip to our private in room whirlpool bath, and then some relaxing on the Azuls private deck. It was pretty cool that evening when at the resort right next to the deck, a couple got married! It was amazing, they even had a live Saxophone player! They had the reception right there on the deck facing the bay! Cool! We watched for awhile, and then left for our own special night at Morada Bay Restaurant about 20 miles south in Islamorada. Another one of the highlites of our trip, having Dinner literally on the beach by tiki torchlight with a live lite singer/guitarist playing. Another amazing time together for us, and the food was to die for also. Best Prime Rib with glaze ever.

Sunday morning we slept in and then got ready to check-out. After we drove to Key West and spent the day on a rented scooter exploring the town. We had lunch at Pat Croces Rum Runners amongst a bunch of Eagles fans prior to the big game that afternoon. That was cool since I am originally from Phily, and a die-hard Eagles fan. We ate dinner at the Outback Steakhouse in Tavernier on the way back to Ft Lauderdale for our hotel stay prior to leaving Monday morning.

Our trip back was a long one after some airport delays again in Atlanta, but we had so many grat memories tro while the time away by. I would reccommend the Azul Del Mar in Key Largo to anyone, and also Morning Star Charters for snorkeling, sailing, or anything else water related. Our meal at Morada Bay was a great highlight too.

Our day trip to Key West was good, and if you've never been there before like we hadn't, then it's a must see, but if it's relaxing you want with your mate, then Key Largo is the best place to be as far as we're concerned.