Everyone knows that a pot of gold lies at the end of every rainbow. So it should come as no surprise that Rainbow Bend Resort on Grassy Key is, indeed, a treasure. Lying just 92 miles south of Miami and about 58 miles from Key West, the site that Rainbow Bend enjoys has long been the destination of the rich and famous.

Happily, today you do not have to be rich or famous to enjoy an escape to the Keys, where those seeking the sun and the sea can find a tropical refuge without leaving the country. It would be hard to imagine a more idyllic destination than Rainbow Bend.

Sheltered from the outside world by a low wall, lush foliage, and a palm-lined beach bordering the sea, the resort relaxes along the water’s edge like a lazy tourist caught between dazzling blue sea and sky. Accommodations inside each of the units are designed to meet the specific needs of guests, so you have a variety to choose from, each very private, each very comfortable, yet no two exactly alike. Like the resort itself, each of the 21 suites and three single units are unique.

If you are vacationing for a few days or a few weeks with your family, the two bedroom oceanfront suite with living room, one-and-a-half bath, kitchen and private patio would suit you very well. You can relax on the patio while keeping an eye on the kids as they fish off the two docks or try their hands at sailing. You get all this, plus all room rates include a full American breakfast and free use of motor boats, canoes, kayaks or sailboats.

While the youngsters splash in the ocean or the freshwater swimming pool, you can sit at a tiki hut bench or recline in a lounge chair with a cool drink and watch while the sea mirrors the sun painting the sky in shades of gold. After dinner, with the children tucked safely into bed in their own room, you can walk barefoot along the beach like kids again, with the warm waters of the Atlantic washing over your toes.

Rainbow Bend is also a great spot to come with your fishing buddies. It is a pleasant drive down the Keys, or if you fly in to Marathon’s new international airport, transportation can be arranged for the five miles to the resort. When you arrive you could check into one of the large sleeping rooms or maybe get one of the small efficiency apartments. The sleeping rooms have two double beds, a small fridge, coffeemaker, a breakfast table and chairs. You could have the resort staff arrange a charter for you with one of the professional fishing guides or, if you prefer, fish right off the resort’s docks. Better yet, take advantage of complimentary use of a motorboat, kayak or sailboat. Trained staff will provide you with instructions and charts for finding fishing, diving or snorkeling spots within a short distance from the resort.

If you go on one of the charter boats, the fishing gear is provided. On the other hand, since you brought your fishing companions with you, it might be more fun to do your own thing: sleep as late as you want, and go out and come back whenever you feel like it. The resort office doubles as a gift shop, plus there is a fully-equipped bait and tackle shop right at dockside.

All your fishing needs can be obtained right there, from bait and tackle to suntan lotion, caps, cold beer and snacks. Rods and reels are rented for a half or full day or for overnight fishing. Give the resort staff your grocery list and it will be delivered to you from town. When you return at the end of a great day of fishing, cook your catch on the beach barbecue grill in the covered picnic area and have your own picnic right on the beach. Truly, you will never have to leave the resort for anything. And when you get tired of each other’s cooking, there is a five-star gourmet restaurant right there on the second floor of the main resort building, The Hideaway Café. The chef will even prepare your catch for you or, if you’re tired of eating fish by now, there are over 30 delicious entrees on the menu to choose from.

What a gem of a little restaurant and resort! It is enough to make your mouth water; you won’t be able to resist.

So after a day in the sun, you will look forward to quiet evening activities. The casual beauty of Rainbow Bend Resort invites intimacy, a wonderful place to spend a honeymoon or to rekindle a romance. A mini-vacation at Rainbow Bend is a great idea and could do wonders for your peace of mind or for a relationship that needs renewing.

After your lazy or sporting getaway weekend wears on, plan your getaway evening. First, a therapeutic dip in the hot spa to chase away whatever tension has survived the afternoon. Then back to your suite. You dress to please no one but yourselves, then walk around to the stairs and climb, not to the stars, but to the five-star restaurant. You decide to dine on the porch overlooking the ocean.

You had selected the Jacuzzi Room for its privacy as well as for the Jacuzzi, which dominates one side of the pretty, tiled bathroom. You both decide that after relaxing in the Jacuzzi, you’ll wrap yourselves in robes and have nightcaps on the patio before turning in.

The resort staff provides the proper circumstances for romance and relaxation: privacy, politeness, great food, and great service in a perfect setting. Plus the total room package including full American breakfast and free use of motorboats, sailboats and canoes maximizes your vacation stay. It is a class act. Unspoiled, uncrowded, unbelievable. No wonder romance blooms, or is renewed.

This edited article courtesy of Timeout Magazine, written by Pat Lowe with Divina Yumol.