Our duplex suite overlooked the resort's beach and sprawling dual pool area. But these luxuries paled in comparison to the pleasure we had from the Casa Marina's cats. We dubbed this luxury hotel a five-paws resort. Each of the five cats in residence has a special place and plate to call its own. Lucy, a slender black outdoors-only cat, weaves confidently around guests' legs during poolside breakfast buffets.
Chickens are a Key West fixture too.
Though none strut around at Casa Marina, their ubiquity elsewhere is the equivalent of New York pigeons. At Blue Heaven restaurant on Petronia and Thomas streets in an area known as Bahama Village, they cluck their way around with impunity and even jump onto patrons' tables, so feeding them is discouraged. But more than feathers and fur made our vacation memorable. Seeking as much time as possible under the tropical sun, we hooked up with Sharon Wells, a town historian who led us on a walking tour of the island's historic cemetery. He served as our navigator of the spirit world.