Set on the northern tip of Key Largo, Fla.—about a 10- mile drive through dense Everglades from town proper— the member-owned Ocean Reef Club is a city unto itself, and as cities go, this is one exclusive ZIP code. But it’s also an address that’s open for meetings business.
Like many of its proudly self-made members, Ocean Reef Club had humble beginnings, founded as a modest 40-acre fishing camp in the 1940s. While angling for big sport fish is still the primary attraction—these days from the decks of multimillion-dollar vessels staffed with a professional crew—the Club now boasts two of the five championship golf courses available in The Keys, along with its own medical center, a 4,000-foot airstrip that can handle Stage 3 jets, a library, a spa, a town hall, a conference center, a performing arts venue, and even its own fishing village.
According to Bill Hackelton, director of communications at the sprawling 2,000-acre enclave, new facilities seem to spring up on the whims of its rarefied membership, such as when the Town Hall was built because a number of members had daughters that needed a suitable wedding facility.
“Many times they will be at a cocktail party and someone says, ‘I’ve got an idea’—that’s when you know it’s time to get out your checkbook,” he jokes.
Purchased by its members after Hurricane Andrew blew through in 1992, Ocean Reef Club can accommodate groups of up to 600, and offers approximately 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The Club recently spent $16 million improving its Buccaneer Island, which offers two swimming pools, its own salt-water lagoon, casual dining at the Palm Court patio and Beach Bar (and two other casual eateries), and a variety of semi-private enclaves for events.
In all, Ocean Reef Club has invested about $50 million in renovations over the past three years, including a thorough modernization of its two-level Marlin, Pompano, Dolphin and Amberjack guest room blocks, which are richly appointed with flat-screen HDTVs, wireless and wired Internet, ceiling fans and in-room Jacuzzi tubs, among many other upscale amenities.
To sweeten the deal for meeting planners, the club recently announced it is waiving cancellation and attrition penalties for new groups that book a midweek (Sunday through Thursday) meeting with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 50 guest rooms per night, based on availability over select dates.
At Ocean Reef Club, even non-membership—in the form of meetings groups—has its privileges.
ForMore Info:
Ocean Reef Club Tel.: 305.367.2611 Toll Free: 800.843.2730 www.oceanreef.com
