Remarkable experiences are said to be uncommon and extraordinary. And after spending so much time planning a family vacation — not to mention a good chunk of cash to pull it off — we all want our vacations to be just that.

But think back on your family vacations. Alas, young and old alike will forget many of them as the years pass by. All those trips to the beach begin to merge together. So do the grueling hours spent in line at theme parks.

Then there is Hawks Cay. This small island in the Florida Keys is filled to the rim with remarkable, unforgettable experiences awaiting your family.

Hawks Cay is the complete Florida Keys experience —  your own little island paradise.  It is conveniently located midway down the Florida Keys, thus easy to reach by car, boat or plane. In fact, Hawks Cay is the only island resort you can drive to.

Hawks Cay is located on the island of Duck Key. This island is very small, secluded and holds a vast array of remarkable features. Sunrises and sunsets off the balcony of your resort room or villa will make the best Facebook update anyone has seen for a while. Status updates about your experiences at the resort will have your friends commenting with envy.

Here are a few REMARKable experiences at Hawks Cay Resort in Florida

Adventure awaits:  Hawks Cay is your one stop shop for amazing adventures right out your resort front door. Here, you can fish, dive, swim with dolphins, go kiteboarding, play tennis, jet ski, kayak, paddleboard or parasail. Other resorts may offer these types of activities, too, but they are rarely onsite. At Hawk’s Cay, you literally never have to leave the island once you arrive. Well, not until the sad day you have to go home! To keep everything simple and convenient, your room key card is your ticket to anything adventurous on the island.

Arrival amazement: Your entrance to the resort will be your first chance to revel in just how amazing Hawks Cay can be.  Even before you check in, as you approach the entry at dusk or night, the lighting creates a luxury oasis.  The speed of the check-in is unheard of in the hospitality industry, which leaves more time to explore the lobby.

Visions of island delight dance in your head, as you definitely feel like you have arrived at an island paradise. The lobby fans are West Indies-inspired and sure to delight those young and young at heart. The lobby has treasures all of its own, including a touch-screen information display.  Also, for those diehard coffee lovers, there is a Starbucks right in the lobby. For many, that alone will make their vacation remarkable!

Village life: While luxury rooms are available, the villas will transform your experience from great to remarkable. Groups of all sizes and needs will find the villas accommodating. The villas really need to be experienced, since there are not many ocean-front villas in the Florida Keys so reasonably priced.

The villas are right on the water, which makes them even more suitable for those embarking on fishing or scuba journeys. For those who enjoy luxury travel, the villas will exceed your expectations. Families relax and pass footballs on the grass out front. Early mornings, young boys still in their pajamas drag fishing poles out the back door, eager for the day’s “big catch.”

The villas are conveniently located to all the resort’s amenities. Guests may walk, or ride a complimentary shuttle around the resort. Most enjoy the strolls through the lush landscaping, while heading to their next activity.

Pool plunge: Hawks Cay has six pools. The Resort Pool is close to music and food, but also allows for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from your lounge chair or while wading in the pool. Opting for a more low-key approach will take you to the Tranquility Pool. This adults-only paradise even has its own cabanas to reserve for additional privacy and luxury. This pool is strictly reserved for those age 21 or older.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the Pirate Ship Pool. Kids make their own adventures here, amid slides and water cannons. The Pirate Ship Pool is found outside the Indies Club for kids.  Also at the Indies Club, you will find the Indies Pool for families. Family fitness classes are held here.

Tucked away in Hawks Cay Sunset Village is the Sunset Pool — just the perfect place to sneak away to finish your newest novel.

The final pool needs a section all of its own.

Lagoon living:  The Saltwater Lagoon lets you enjoy the ocean water outside of the ocean. This enclosed lagoon is fed with water straight from the ocean.  This unique type of lagoon is found exclusively at Hawks Cay and is dotted with chaise lounges and thatched huts.

Families enjoy gathering here to relax and gaze at the passing ocean vessels on the nearby Atlantic. Or it the urge devours you, you can swim in the Lagoon, too, along with the fish.  Key lime mojitos for the adults and frosty smoothies for the younger set makes this lagoon, encircled by a sandy beach, a top place in the Florida Keys to relax!

Bonfire bonanza: The fireplace pit at the Resort Pool is the top spot for those looking to meet new people — or just for people-watching.  For those relaxing evenings, the bonfire fireplace persuades guests to gather and enjoy the ocean view, surrounded by the sounds of music and the aroma of food from the restaurants nearby. Families enhance the nights here with s’mores!

Dolphin connection:  Hawk’s Cay is the only U.S. mainland resort that offers free public viewing of trained dolphins. If you would like to jump in the water to learn more about the dolphins, many types of programs can be reserved. “Trainer for a Day” is one of the most highly coveted reservations at Hawk’s Cay. Be sure to call as soon as you confirm your hotel reservations to experience this possibly once-in-a-lifetime remarkable event.

Ocean oasis: For those looking for real adventures, join up with Hawks Cay’s partner, Dive Duck Key, right onsite. Dive Duck Key offers scuba and “Snuba” trips daily. The professionals there will safely take you to explore the only living coral reef system in the continental United States. You will be able to encounter sea turtles, tropical fish, eels and possibly a harmless nurse shark or two.

Beginners will want to opt for Snuba, which allows you to go out immediately, without any courses. For those certified and more experienced, Dive Duck Key can bring you to probe both shipwrecks and coral reefs, by way of their boat, the Seafari.

Refresh yourself: There are many of ways to refresh yourself at Hawk’s Cay. For a true Zen moment, escape to their Calm Waters Spa.  Remember that key lime mojito from the lagoon? At the Calm Waters Spa, you can indulge in a full-body key lime mojito experience, with their signature body treatment.

Many find the couples suite to be the perfect spot for a mother-daughter spa day. Show your daughter how important it is to relax and refresh with a facial and massage combo. As you leave the Calm Waters Spa, you will be ready to discover more REMARKable ways to experience Hawks Cay!

Hawks Cay is more than just a traditional family resort. Yes, it has the typical family extras, like a kid’s club and complimentary swim diapers by the pool. But Hawks Cay appreciates family experiences, as well. No matter your age, Hawk’s Cay will encompass your desires for memorable, luxury island vacation.

Hawks Cay offers endless opportunities for long-lasting, REMARKable family memories. These don’t have to be on an itinerary. They just tend to happen at Hawks Cay! Your family will be talking about these memories for years to come. And isn’t that how it is supposed to be?

Make your own REMARKable memories this year at Hawk’s Cay!

Hawks Cay, 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, 33050 Phone: 305-743-7000, www.hawkscay.com

Ava truly enjoyed her REMARKable trip to Hawks Cay and www.SpaTravelGal.com wants to thank them for such a lovely luxury family adventure!

Hawks Cay for your next Luxury Family Adventure Vacation!