Butterfly Garden Retreat - Ocean View Hot Tub - Authentic Keys Charm
Welcome to The Butterfly Cottage – Where Nature's Magic Meets Keys Comfort Escape to a truly unique Florida Keys experience at our certified Monarch Butterfly Garden sanctuary! This charming traditional conch cottage offers families a peaceful retreat where butterflies dance through native gardens, ocean breezes meet hot tub relaxation, and authentic Keys living creates memories that last a lifetime.
OUR CERTIFIED BUTTERFLY GARDEN – A MARATHON RARITY The Butterfly Cottage is one of the few Marathon Garden Club-certified Monarch Butterfly Gardens in the Florida Keys. Watch butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds visit throughout the day as you relax in this flourishing Florida-friendly landscape. It's not just a backyard – it's a living nature sanctuary that transforms your vacation into an immersive eco-experience. Children (and adults!) are mesmerized watching these delicate creatures flutter through the garden throughout your stay.
OCEAN VIEW HOT TUB – YOUR PRIVATE OASIS Unwind under the stars in your private hot tub with distant ocean views. Whether it's morning coffee as the sun rises or evening relaxation under the Florida sky, this premium amenity elevates your Keys getaway. The combination of tropical gardens and hot tub creates an atmosphere you simply won't find in typical vacation rentals.
AUTHENTIC CONCH COTTAGE CHARM Built in traditional Florida Keys style, our home features beautiful tile and terrazzo floors throughout, a spacious fully screened back porch perfect for morning coffee or evening games, and thoughtful touches that make you feel instantly at home. The open floor plan and comfortable furnishings create the perfect space for families to gather, relax, and reconnect.
WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL: Marathon Garden Club-Certified Monarch Butterfly Garden – genuinely rare in the Keys - Private ocean view hot tub – soak under the stars - 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms – comfortable for families up to 6 - Traditional conch cottage architecture – authentic Keys experience - Fully screened lanai – enjoy the outdoors bug-free - Attached garage – protected parking and gear storage - 4 bikes included – explore Marathon like a local - Beach chairs, cooler, and gear – everything you need for beach days - Central Marathon location – minutes to beaches, dining, and attractions - Top-rated hosts – 10.0 rating on VRBO, 9.9 on Booking.com, 4.96 "Guest Favorite" on Airb&b
PERFECT FOR FAMILIES As parents of four children, we designed this home with families in mind. The butterfly garden provides endless entertainment for curious kids, the spacious layout gives everyone room to spread out, and the location puts you close to incredible family-friendly attractions. Many guests return year after year, making The Butterfly Cottage part of their family's traditions.
YOUR MARATHON HOME BASE The Butterfly Cottage sits in the heart of Marathon, giving you easy access to the best the Middle Keys have to offer:
Sombrero Beach (10 minutes) – pristine, family-friendly beach with playground
Coco Plum Beach (15 minutes) – shallow, calm waters perfect for children
Crane Point Hammock (10 minutes) – nature trails and natural history museum
Local restaurants and shops – walking or biking distance
EXPLORE LIKE A LOCAL Use our four included bikes to discover Marathon's hidden gems – from waterfront parks to local eateries to scenic paths along the ocean. The Keys are meant to be explored at a relaxed pace, and biking is the perfect way to soak in the island atmosphere.
ADVENTURES AWAIT While our home isn't on a canal, Marathon offers world-class access to:
Fishing charters – nearby marinas and launch ramps
THE BUTTERFLY COTTAGE EXPERIENCE Imagine waking to butterflies visiting your garden, spending sun-soaked days at pristine beaches, returning to soak in your private hot tub as the sun sets, and gathering on the screened lanai to share stories of the day's adventures. This is the vacation rhythm at The Butterfly Cottage – peaceful, restorative, and uniquely memorable.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU My husband and I have loved the Florida Keys our entire lives, and we've raised our four children here. We want your family to experience the same magic we've found in Marathon. We've thoughtfully equipped our home with everything you need and maintain it to the highest standards. Your comfort, safety, and happiness are our priorities.
BOOKING DETAILS 7-night minimum stay – immerse yourself in the Keys lifestyle
Self check-in – arrive on your schedule
Professionally cleaned – spotless before every arrival
Communication – responsive hosts available throughout your stay
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY "The butterfly garden was absolutely magical – our kids spent hours watching the butterflies and hummingbirds. The hot tub was the perfect way to end each day. We'll definitely be back!"
"This is exactly what we needed – a peaceful retreat with all the comforts of home. The location is perfect for exploring Marathon, and the home itself is beautiful. Highly recommend!"
"We've stayed in many Keys rentals, but The Butterfly Cottage is special. The garden is truly unique, and you can tell the owners genuinely care about their guests' experience."
COME DISCOVER YOUR SANCTUARY The Butterfly Cottage isn't just a place to stay – it's a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and create memories your family will treasure. Whether you're watching butterflies dance through the garden, soaking in the hot tub under the stars, or biking to the beach with your loved ones, every moment here is infused with the authentic magic of the Florida Keys.
Book your escape to The Butterfly Cottage today, and discover why our guests return year after year to this special place.
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Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Medium food bowls available
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No smoking on property. If guests smokes, or vapes there will be additional cleaning charges of minimum $250.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number VACA-22-423
About the area
Marathon
Marathon is home to this holiday home. Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center and Florida Keys Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Sombrero Beach and Curry Hammock State Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, snorkelling and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center - 2 min drive - 3.1 km
San Pablo Catholic Church - 3 min drive - 3.7 km
Marathon Visitor Center - 3 min drive - 3.7 km
Sombrero Beach - 7 min drive - 7.0 km
Getting around
Marathon, FL (MTH-Florida Keys Marathon) - 1 min drive
Restaurants
Brass Monkey - 4 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Circle K - 16 min walk
The Island Fish Company - 3 min drive
Wendy's - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Butterfly Garden Retreat - Ocean View Hot Tub - Authentic Keys Charm pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Butterfly Garden Retreat - Ocean View Hot Tub - Authentic Keys Charm?
As of 9 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Butterfly Garden Retreat - Ocean View Hot Tub - Authentic Keys Charm on 10 April 2026 start from NZ$309, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Butterfly Garden Retreat - Ocean View Hot Tub - Authentic Keys Charm?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Butterfly Garden Retreat - Ocean View Hot Tub - Authentic Keys Charm?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Butterfly Garden Retreat - Ocean View Hot Tub - Authentic Keys Charm?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Butterfly Garden Retreat - Ocean View Hot Tub - Authentic Keys Charm located?
Situated in Marathon, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Marathon Air Museum and Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center. Sunset Park Beach and Coco Plum Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Easy to get to/from, clean and well stocked with extra linens, towels, household items. For a family staying everything was great and was a definite plus to include beach essentials and bikes to explore. Enjoyed our time here.
We had a lovely six night stay in Marathon. The house was lovely and the location close to everything we wanted to do. Thank you for sharing this special home and garden.
Stayed at the Butterfly House for a family wedding we were attending. The house was clean and spacious. Everyone was easily accommodated. The home and ammenities listed were accurately described. We had an issue with one of the toilets. When we contacted the property manager, Marianna, addressed the issue in a prompt manner. Not only do I highly recommend, I would definitely stay again at this property if I was visiting Marathon.
The house was very clean and well stocked for your daily needs along with beach towels and chairs. Fishing poles and bicycles are there as well. We loved the variety of the different flowers and vegetation she has on the property which supports the butterflies. Everything was just starting to bloom but we still got to see a few of them. We spent a few hours in the jacuzzi which was wonderful as well. There is the airport just across the street that you can watch various airplanes as well as some helicopters fly in and out. Just a heads up, can get a little noisy at times! Do check out the various locations to enjoy the fabulous sunset there. We found a great little spot at a place called Sunset Park, I believe. Interacted to some wonderful residents there a few times! We made trips to several beaches and parks as well as to Key West while there. Overall, just a wonderful vacation and we thank you Erica for letting us stay at your home!!
Steven O.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
About the host
Hosted by Erika Susan Morris Barrow
My husband and I have enjoyed the Florida Keys our whole life. We have brought our 4 children to this beautiful part of the world their whole life and would love to share our home with you to enjoy.
Why they chose this property
We chose this neighborhood because it perfectly captures everything we love about Marathon – peaceful island living with incredible convenience! Our quiet residential street gives families the safe, relaxed atmosphere they need to truly unwind, while being just steps from local favorites. There's a waterfront park literally one block over with a covered fishing gazebo and dog park – perfect for morning walks. The air museum is directly across the street, and you can stroll to an ice cream shop and coffee shop at the end of our road. Within a 15-20 minute walk, you'll reach everything you need: Hardware store, Walgreens, Liquor Store, Pizza shop, authentic Cuban Cafe, Bealls, Dollar Store, and many more local shops. We love that guests can truly experience Marathon like locals – walking or biking to anything you could need! Marathon itself is why we call the Keys home. It's the heart of the Florida Keys – equidistant from Key Largo and Key West, making it the perfect base for exploring. Unlike crowded Key West, Marathon offers authentic Keys culture with friendly locals and family-owned restaurants. Yet unlike the quieter Upper Keys, we have world-class attractions just minutes away: Turtle Hospital (5 min), Sombrero Beach (10 min), and the Dolphin Research Center (15 min). The neighborhood also puts you close to boat ramps and marinas for incredible fishing and diving access – Marathon is the "Sportfishing Capital of the World" for good reason! Our favorite local traditions: watching sunset at Key Colony Beach's Sunset Park with the local crowd, playing pickleball, basketball or golfing at the public parks, and taking the kids to Captain Hook's every day at 4pm to watch the fish feeding in their pond - the kids are mesmerized. We've raised our four children in Marathon, and this neighborhood represents everything that makes the Keys special – natural beauty, genuine community, and that perfect balance of peaceful retreat and convenient access to adventure.
What makes this property unique
What makes The Butterfly Cottage special isn't just what it has – it's how it makes you feel.
This isn't a sterile rental where everything matches but nothing feels like home. It's a genuine Keys conch cottage with authentic character: beautiful terrazzo and tile floors, a layout designed for how Keys families actually live, and that ineffable quality of a home that's been genuinely loved.
The privacy is real. Unlike condos where you're stacked on neighbors or canal properties where boats idle past, our street is genuinely quiet. Families bike by. Neighbors wave. Soak in the hot tub under the stars without feeling on display. The screened lanai becomes your outdoor living room – morning coffee watching hummingbirds, afternoon card games, evening conversations stretching after sunset.
The layout just works. Parents cook while kids play, but bedrooms provide separation when needed. The garage isn't just parking – it's where beach gear gets rinsed, fishing rods stored, bikes wait for adventure.
What guests didn't expect: how the neighborhood becomes part of vacation. They walk to the waterfront park for coffee. Discover the Cuban cafe everyone raves about. Find themselves at Sunset Park with locals watching sunsets, feeling less like tourists and more like temporary islanders. Kids make friends at Captain Hook's fish feeding. Parents relax because it feels safe to let kids explore.
It's the difference between staying somewhere and belonging somewhere, even for a week.
Most rentals are functional spaces you tolerate between adventures. The Butterfly Cottage is where vacation actually happens – kids discover butterflies before breakfast, families linger over meals on the lanai, the rhythm slows to true island time. It's not flashy or trendy. It's authentic, comfortable, and exactly what the Keys are supposed to feel like.