The Sanctuary in Key Largo: A Hidden Treasure Tucked Into the Trees

There’s a little place in the Upper Keys that I’ve loved for years. You won’t spot it from US1. In fact, if you didn’t know it was there, you’d drive right past without a hint of what lies beyond the gate. That place is The Sanctuary in Key Largo—one of the quietest, most peaceful communities in the area, and one that truly lives up to its name.

What I adore most about The Sanctuary is how hidden it feels. The moment you enter, the noise of the highway slips away and you’re surrounded by a sprawling 24-acre hardwood hammock. The buildings aren’t perched on top of the landscape; they’re tucked gently into it. You walk to the units along manicured wooden paths that curve through the trees. Sunlight filters through the canopy. Birds chatter overhead. Every step feels like a stroll through a private nature preserve.

And that’s really what The Sanctuary is—a tropical retreat wrapped in one of the most beautiful, untouched hammocks in the Upper Keys.

Why The Sanctuary Feels So Special

Beyond the peaceful setting, the community offers comfort and convenience at every turn. It’s one of those rare places where you can enjoy nature and still have every modern perk close at hand.

Here are just a few of the things that make The Sanctuary stand out:

• In/out boat service for carefree days on the water

• Gated parking for boats and trailers

• On-site boat ramp, boat basin, and fish cleaning station

• Pier dock with an observation deck and a tiki hut—perfect for sunsets

• Historic clubhouse full of local charm

• Fully equipped gym for morning or evening workouts

• Tennis courts and a basketball court

• Pool for cooling off on those warm island afternoons

• Dock privileges for boating enthusiasts

And the best part? All of this exists within a quiet, gated enclave that feels miles away from everything—yet it’s right in the middle of Key Largo.

Close to Everything, Yet a World Apart

Living in The Sanctuary means you’re only minutes from first-class dining, shopping, and every kind of aquatic adventure you can imagine. Paddle through mangroves, dive a reef, or enjoy a sunset sail—it’s all right here. And when you need to travel, Miami International Airport is only an hour away, though it feels like another world once you return home through the gates.

Why It’s One of My Favorites

I’ve walked those hammock trails more times than I can count, and every time they make me smile. There’s something special about how the community blends with nature instead of pushing it aside. The quiet. The greenery. The sense of being tucked away in your own peaceful world. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

If you’re looking for a home—or even just a slice of the Keys—that feels private, serene, and close to everything, The Sanctuary is a place worth exploring. It’s one of my favorite hidden gems in the Upper Keys, and one I’m always excited to share.

Click here to view available units at The Sanctuary