Cheeca Lodge & Spa is the iconic luxury resort in Islamorada, Florida that epitomizes the concept of “tropical paradise”. Award-winning Cheeca Lodge’s 1,100 foot palm-lined beach, lush landscaping, Tahitian-style lagoon and its waterfall have been the backdrop for numerous TV, film and fashion productions over the years including Netflix’s “Bloodline”; Victoria’s Secret; Food Networks “Cruisin’ the Keys with Bobby Flay”; and NBC Sports’ “Bass to Billfish”. The city of Islamorada is located in the Upper Keys and offers something for everyone – it is recognized as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, boasts gorgeous coral reefs to explore, as well as art galleries, breweries, museums, etc. Islamorada is only a 90-minute drive from Miami International Airport.
Cheeca Lodge is centrally-located to everything the area offers but you may not want to leave the property once you’ve arrived, as it’s a destination onto itself!
The Resort: The property is set on a 27-acre private estate, with 214 guest rooms, oceanfront suites and bungalows; water sports; tennis courts; a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course; a luxury spa, 2 family pools; an adults-only lap pool; poolside and beach cabanas; 2 Tiki Bars, multiple event spaces, 3 distinct restaurants, and their signature 525 ft. wooden fishing pier. The decor features naturally-weathered woods accented with rich dark walnut; earthy natural colors with touches of green and aqua colors. It’s all about refined elegance.
SUITES & CASITAS: The rooms and suites are spacious and stylishly-appointed and offer a a variety of views: ocean; resort, golf, and lagoon. Some feature vaulted wood beam ceilings, spacious living areas, large open air balconies with private soaking tubs, rain showers, breakfast bars, fully-equipped kitchens, and premium linens.
The Casitas: These private and exclusive 1 and 2-bedrooms are your home away from home – secluded yet only a few steps from the Cheeca Spa. Every 750-2,100 square feet Casita includes personalized butler service, full kitchen, and complete access to all of the resort’s amenities. Perfect for couples, families, honeymoons, and extended stay.
DINING & LIBATIONS
NIKAI SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT: Japanese-inspired dining experience, Asian-inspired bar program featuring Sake and craft cocktails. Sample: Fresh Poke Bowls, Specialty Ramen, table-side Robata Grills, Sashimi and Rolls.
ATLANTIC EDGE: Cheeca’s flagship restaurant, breakfast, lunch and dinner service; contemporary island setting; indoor as well as patio seating overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; tropically-inspired cuisine. Editor’s favorite conch fritters ever! Sample: Roasted Red Snapper, Iberico Pork Roulade, Blackened Florida Grouper.
MIA CUCINA: Lunch and dinner service, eclectic Neapolitan pizzeria, family-friendly, artisanal pizzas, pastas and salads. Sample: Funghi with Truffle Pizza, Charred Sweet Gem Lettuce, Shrimp Scampi Capellini, Chicken Chicken Primavera Fettuccini.
TIKI BAR & 25 SOUTH TIKI BAR: Both open daily from 11 am to sunset. Sample items: Lobster Grilled Cheese, Fish Tacos, Oysters Rockefeller, Wagyu Burgers, island cocktails: Blackberry Margaritas and Coconut Cosmo.
LUXURY SPA: Pamper yourself and rejuvenate… 7 Treatment Rooms, Fully-Equipped Fitness Center, Adults-Only Lap Pool, Poolside cabanas with butler service and internet, spa boutique. At Cheeca Spa – Florida Wellness Resort, you can restore and renew your mind, body, and soul via a variety of activities: water aerobics, sunrise yoga, and energizing beach yoga.
Sample Therapies and Massages: Couples, Probiotic Age Defying Calming, Detox, Hot Lava Shell, Ultimate Spa Experience. Sample Facials: Sun Rescue Solution, Silicum Super Lift, Anti-Aging Stem Cell Booster, Customized Gentleman’s Facials. Sample CBD offerings and enhancements: Cooling Creams, Honeycomb Exfoliating Glove treatment, Firming & Lifting Age-Defying Balm.
Meetings, Weddings & Events: Islamorada Ballroom at Cheeca Lodge, the largest in the Upper Florida Keys, hosts corporate meetings, weddings, social events and other group functions. It is just steps away from the ocean creating the perfect vibe for dream weddings, receptions, inaugural balls, and family gatherings, to name a few. The space accommodates up to 1,000 guests for receptions and 788 for banquet-style dinners. The wrap-around foyer has magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. And the Ballroom’s retractable walls allow for 3 breakout rooms for smaller events.
Complimentary Amenities Abound: valet parking, concierge services, fishing rods, sea kayaks, bicycles, snorkeling, family fishing trips, eco tours, sunset cruises, kayaks, sailboats, paddle boards and parasailing, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, fitness studio, Tesla Electric Charging Stations, water aerobics and more, much more…
For an interesting look at Cheeca Lodge’s history and how it evolved over time, visit https://www.cheeca.com/resort/history. You will journey through time – starting in 1946 when the 1st hotel opened on the property. Then the story unfolds over subsequent years revealing – the private Matecumbe Club for elite guests who traveled on Flagler’s railroad here to fish – devastating hurricanes and the resort’s booming revival in the 1960’s – hosting President George Bush Sr. and various A-list celebrities – to today’s remarkable presence as a favorite vacation destination for local and international travelers.
Visit: www.Cheeca.com; 81801 Overseas Highway, Florida, 33036; 844-489-9664
* By Nancy Radlauer, Editor-in-Chief; Editor.InboundMagazine@gmail.com
Editor’s Note: Upon arrival you notice the property’s lushness and sense of tranquility. Staff welcomes you with a smile and glass of bubbly. Overall, Cheeca deserves all the accolades for its unmistakably laid-back ambiance, great food, and attentive staff. I loved my balcony room overlooking the lagoon’s waterfall – idyllic location and only a few steps from the adult pool and gym. Place Cheeca Lodge & Spa on your bucket list!
