Catching Up with Island House Key West

By Tony Adams

Photos Courtesy of Tony Adams

As difficult as it would seem, the venerable gay men’s resort, Island House Key West, has found a way to remain open for business, providing its loyal customers with the enjoyment they expect balanced by the safety they need.

Island House knows that when you throw a gay man into a clothing-optional tropical paradise with a likeminded international crowd of men escaping the pain of 2020, he is apt to think with the smaller of his two heads. Not to worry, Island House has made careful decisions and adjustments throughout the property while honoring and surpassing all requirements.

In addition, staff is vigilant and not shy about enforcing rules put into place for the health of all. Unless your behavior is stupid, the risks you assume upon check-in are no greater than those you accept at a supermarket, gym, convenience store, or restaurant. Social distancing and masks prevail. Room services and food service have been carefully adjusted. Again, anyone breaking the rules is swiftly brought into compliance by the staff. To be clear, you will miss some aspects of the Island House experience, including their fabulous Sunday and Wednesday pool parties and crowded happy hours, but thoughtful socializing will still have you laughing with new and old friends. I am told weekends are sold out, so expect a crowd. (Contact Island House for the specifics about what facilities are either open, closed, or restricted when you want to check-in.)

Maybe Island House knows the difference between prudent and prudish, between sensible and senseless, between respectful and reactionary. Maybe it’s just that they want their customers to stay healthy, and to return again when Key West is back to (never) normal.

I have enjoyed my twelfth annual Island House visit. As always, I never left the property!