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For the festival-minded, there are some great choices in Key West. Tropical Heat Key West (http://www.tropicalheatkw.com), now in its fourth year, is a men-only, four-day festival that features a wide assortment of activities including underwear parties, foam parties, gay guesthouse tours, tea dances, and naked shopping (which seems like a real time saver if you’re trying on clothes). Meanwhile, Womenfest Key West (http://www.womenfest.com) features an amazing assortment of women-only activities. A few of the highlights of the myriad of activities featured during this year’s weekend included “Isle Style Shopping & Mimosas”, Jet Ski Tours, plenty of parties and dancing, bikini contests, and street fairs.

When it comes to accommodations, the recently renovated Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa (601 Front Street. Tel: 305-809-1234. http://www.keywest.hyatt.com) provides an open, inviting atmosphere the moment you step through the gate. The 118 rooms are equipped with high speed Internet service, king-size beds, and a luxurious bathroom that boasts a shower you will never want to leave. The intimate Jala Spa with its water theme is an added attraction for visitors in search of a little pampering. You can also choose to have your treatment in one of the three poolside cabanas. For the ecologically-minded traveler, The Hyatt has recently become the third “green certified” resort on Key West.

Part of discovering what’s new is taking the time to revisit the classics. One of Key West’s best-known retreats is Big Ruby’s (409 Appelrouth Lane. Tel: 800-477-7829. http://www.bigrubys.com), which offers a special kind of gracious hospitality that has made it one of the island’s most popular gay guesthouses. Lush and quiet, Big Ruby’s is all about escape with 24 beautifully appointed rooms with hard wood floors, a brand new, in-ground hot tub, and an expanded fitness center. Happily, they still serve their signature over-the-top breakfasts each morning, and an open bar is at your disposal all day long. Just footsteps from the heart of Duval Street, Big Ruby’s, with all its upgrades, remains a cozy, sexy, and relaxing escape in this city of stray cats, wandering roosters, and Jimmy Buffet.

For the traveler looking for a resort that is just a tad sassier, you could try The Island House (1129 Fleming St. Tel: 800-890-6284 http://www.islandhousekeywest.com), which has also recently been under the knife and freshened up. Local couple Jon Allen and Martin Kay have worked with all local designers and contractors to create a 2.5-million-dollar renovation on this playful resort. All-male and clothing optional, the resort gives additional credence to the theory that a Key West vacation can be sexy and fun. The friendly, all-male staff can help you plan local activities or an afternoon in the sun by the pool with its open bar. The café at The Island House has been hailed as one of Key West’s finest, with food now served 24 hours and the bar serving until 4 A.M.

For foodies in paradise, the Shor at The Hyatt Key West (601 Front Street. Tel: 305-809-1234. http://www.keywest.hyatt.com) provides locally-influenced appetizers, simple, healthful entrées, and fresh, indulgent desserts. The space is beautiful and the menu is fantastic; truly capturing the laid-back feeling of the resort. Shor has indoor/outdoor dining and an impressive selection of local fresh fish and lobster. A typical lunch may start with a fritto misto, chock full of calamari, shrimp, fish, and vegetables all encrusted in a light batter and dusted with fresh parmesan. For a main course, try the macadamia-crusted yellowtail, served with fresh asparagus and coriander basmati rice. Don’t miss the amazing grilled mahi-mahi sandwich, served with what might be the best French fries ever. Service at Shor was smartly efficient and appropriately tranquil.

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