These Key West Rentals Are Known For Their Spectacular Waterfront Views And Free Concierge Service

Craving a summer vacation? Same. But fewer Americans are planning to take one this year, according to the results of a spring 2025 survey by the consumer finance company Bankrate. About 46% of respondents confirmed they planned to travel this summer; down from 53% in 2024.

Money was the main reason cited, but another very popular response to the “why aren’t you traveling?” question: it’s a hassle. About one in six people noted that they felt it was a nuisance to plan and take a trip. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Book a stay at a brand-new vacation home community in Florida, and you can outsource all the logistics to your concierge for the just-right price of $0.

14 Resorts In The Florida Keys For The Ultimate Beach VacationCredit:

Courtesy of Lunara Bay

Make Traveling With A Group Hassle-Free

There are dozens of stunning and worth-the-splurge hotels in Key West. But if you’re traveling with a group, such as a family or girls’ trip, a vacation home is often a more cost-effective and comfortable option. That said, these often come with fewer amenities (such as no complimentary breakfast or spa) and more guest effort. But a new kid on the block is on a mission to change that.

Why Lunara Bay Might Be the Easiest Florida Family Vacation

Welcoming guests who are 18+ now, with all 26 homes set to be completed in July, Lunara Bay's waterfront properties range from 4 to 8 bedrooms and 4 ½ to 8 baths. There’s a chef’s kitchen, a private pool, and plenty of indoor and outdoor space to make yourself at home—and very little you need to do to make the most of your time away.

That’s because when you book a stay, you’re assigned a Guest Experience Manager (GEM) at no additional cost. For folks who dread planning every last detail of a trip and wish you could just press an “easy” button and get to the good part, a GEM might just be your answer.

“Our goal is to blend the privacy and comfort of a luxury home with the elevated service and design of a five-star resort,” says Mackenzie Barrios, lead Guest Experience Manager at Lunara Bay in Key West, Florida. “Every stay includes a dedicated GEM, your own concierge, who handles everything from pre-arrival planning and in-home experiences to local recommendations and group coordination. It’s a fully-tailored escape you won’t find anywhere else in Key West.”

What Exactly Is a GEM?

The GEMs are hand-selected for being intuitive, detail-oriented, and genuinely excited to help guests make the most of their time in Key West, Barrios tells Southern Living. One of four on-staff GEMs are assigned to your home, and you have that same point of contact for the entire stay.

So what can your GEM do for you? Nearly all of the “hassle” parts of the trip. Here are a handful of examples:

• Plan your itinerary and book activities, hard-to-snag restaurant reservations, and exclusive excursions
• Stock the fridge with your favorite snacks and drinks prior to your arrival
• Arrange in-home massages
• Book a private chef for a multi-course dinner in your chef’s kitchen
• Organize a private cocktail hour by the pool
• Coordinate a surprise birthday party
• Aid in planning retreats and weddings
• Offer directions and secure transportation
• Assist with any unexpected hiccups
• Share advice about how to make the most of your stay

(It’s worth noting that while the GEMs services are free, you’ll still have to pay for those groceries, experiences, and services.)

“They genuinely love curating special moments and taking stress off your plate,” Barrios explains. “Nothing is too small or too big to ask.”

Communication with your GEM begins right when you book a stay. Before and during the adventure, guests can call, text, or message their GEM through a dedicated app, Barrios says.

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