from the moment my car pulled up to the impressive security entrance at ocean reef club, i knew i was up for an exclusive, memorable experience. at the northern tip of key largo, this very private club and resort has a lot to boast about.

our opening reception was on the beach and the cool ocean breeze lent to a perfect setting - and sunset. our party was joined by pirates - and wild animals! a 'local' non-profit group brought in animals ranging from a snake, ant eater, cheetah, skunk, honey bear - and too many more to list. we could pet and play with these animals and we all had a great time doing so!

we toured the resort on wheels. with ocean reef club's vast fleet of golf carts, it's common to assign each group attendee their own cart which added a fun dimension. they have over 30,000 square feet of space (much is newly renovated and with wonderful outdoor areas) and an ideal group size is 275 people. being located in the top fishing and diving area of the world, along with key largo's inclusion of north america's only living barrier reef - what a perfect location for an incentive outing. corporate, social and association markets have frequented this fine resort - and love to come back.

the activities at this resort are endless. we enjoyed eco-kayaking, snorkeling and fishing (to name just a few of their nearly 50 activites!). activities range from golf, lawn and tennis, their own cooking school, fitness center, charters, vast aquatics, beach yoga, sailing clinics, shopping in their own village of stylish shops and convenient services, zumba, hunting, etc etc etc! options are endless.

the staff is warm and caring. i watched kids (after being in reef kids club) invite their counselor to join their families. i saw the banquet staff react ever so quickly to personal needs. i experienced housekeeping leave special little touches in my guestroom.

the clients enjoyed this buyer educational program so much that vivian's client, carol, actually wrote to the property to let them know that she "would be so comfortable placing her high-end clients in their capable hands and feel secure that their every need would be met!". she also went on to say "there is an exemplary attitude not only from the ocean reef management team but from every level of staff we encountered".

the staff alone is enough to make you want to return! yet this impeccable resort community leaves no stone unturned. the weather was unbeatable for 3 days, as was the culinary creations and yummy libations. fun describes the experience - wow describes the place!