Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a family-friendly oceanfront resort located on 27 acres in Islamorada, Florida (just 90 minutes from Key West and Miami). Given these are my old stomping grounds (kinda… I grew up in South Florida, where we made bi-annual trips even further south to explore The Keys, from Key Large or Key West), I was totally intrigued by this beautiful resort.
An Islamorada treasure since opening its doors in 1946, Cheeca has a history that stretches over half a century. In 2005, it underwent a $30 million dollar renovation, restoring the property to its original grandeur. Following a fire on New Year’s Eve 2008, the Main Lodge was completely rebuilt once again, with a fabulous open-air lobby, a spectacular oceanfront banquet room with panoramic views, and an exclusive indoor-outdoor lounge area for club members. Cheeca now features 212 beautifully appointed guestrooms, suites and bungalows and three distinctive restaurant concepts.
Apart from the well-appointed rooms, there are also a number of versatile dining options including: Nikai Sushi Bar, offering the Florida Keys’ freshest sushi, Asian-inspired fare and a unique selection of Japanese sake and wine; Atlantic’s Edge with a seasonal fine dining menu of fresh local seafood, prime steaks and organic local produce; and Limoncello, a casually rustic Italian restaurant serving up cuisine inspired by the Tuscan countryside. Guests can also “sip by the sea” at the oceanfront, open air Tiki Bar, serving an array of beer, wine and custom-created island cocktails. For a nightcap or pre-dinner drink, head to the Chart Room, a more intimate setting for an extensive wine list, beer and cocktails.
There’s also a plethora of activities to check out – from family tennis tournaments and snorkel trips to sea kayaking and chartered cruises, the Cheeca staff is happy to coordinate your perfect family outing. Prefer to wind down? Opt for a round of golf, yoga on the beach or snag a beach cruiser for a ride.
Check out their website for more info.
Bon Voyage,
Jenn
Jenn Cox is a Montreal-based freelance journalist. Visit her website or email her at info@wordaddict.ca.
