The Florida Keys are a tropical paradise. The breezy air, sandy beaches, sensational sunsets and marine life are what keep me wanting to return again and again.
We have vacationed in the Keys numerous times. My in-laws have a fabulous Key West house only a few short blocks from the action on Duval. Key West is a FUN time with a booming nightlife scene! Although, sometimes we prefer the more relaxed vibe of Islamorada.
Islamorada is located just an hour south of Miami. Known as the "Village of Islands", it consists of 4 islands, spanning 18 miles. Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World", Islamorada is a popular vacation destination favored for its laid back, up-scale, small-town atmostphere, scenic water views, fishing and boating, breathtaking sunsets, great restaurants and unique shops and galleries.
The name Islamorada means "purple island". We have seen some of the most gorgeous sunsets while staying in Islamorada!
Islamorada has long attracted sport fishermen, but it's equally appealing for divers and snorkelers, thanks to a colorful variety of shallow coral reefs in the clear turquoise waters.
My husband and I have been fond of Islamorada since long before the popular Netflix series Bloodline was released in 2015 ;) It's a super peaceful, calming and relaxing spot that instantly captured my heart.
Anchored in the laid-back atmosphere of Islamorada, the Cheeca Lodge & Spa is the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. We visited Cheeca a couple of years ago and had the most incredible stay! Here are some pictures from our stay.
The hotel is located on 1,000 feet of private beach, along with 27 acres of beautiful gardens and has the longest pier in the Keys.
The Cheeca Lodge & Spa has maintained a reputation for hosting the rich and famous. President Harry Truman was the first U.S. President to stay at Cheeca and one of the most frequented guests to visit Cheeca was President George Bush Sr. Other famous guests to call Cheeca their home away from home are Bing Crosby, Paul Newman, Jane Woodward, and Jack Nicklaus.
We stayed in a spacious Lagoon View King room. I loved the Tommy Bahama style with the tropical fabrics, rattan overhead fan, and dark wood furniture! The rooms were dated, but they were impeccably clean and comfortable. Although the room could have used an update, the bathroom was updated and quite luxurious with a large glass enclosed spa shower and separate huge soaking tub. These pics were taken before my days of blogging, so I forgot to snap a picture of the soaking tub. It opened up to the bedroom through a large picture window (shutters could be closed for privacy) to allow for views of colorful lagoon garden right from the tub.
Lagoon views from our screened-in balcony.
The grounds were beautifully landscaped with unforgettable views. The Lagoon suites were not attached to the main building - the walkways throughout the property were surrounded by lush greenery.
The activities were endless. We didn't have time to enjoy everything, so we are looking forward to returning. The beach is really relaxing and private. There is a salt water lagoon which was great for families with little ones. There are two heated pools on property - one is family friendly and the other is adults only with private cabanas available. They offer exercise classes or you can play golf or tennis. My favorite are the water activities, such as snorkeling and paddle boarding. If the weather had been better while we were there, we would have enjoyed the bikes that were available to bike around the island.
The location can't be beat! The resort is just a short walk to some of our favorite restaurants and sunset views - including Morada Beach Café in Moorings Village where Netflix series Bloodline was filmed.
Sadly though, Hurricane Irma devastated Islamorada in 2017. Many of our favorite spots were completely destroyed :( The ocean side of the islands yielded the brunt of Irma’s onslaught - houses and hotels were in ruins, including the historic Cheeca Lodge. A pillar of the Islamorada community, Cheeca has remained resilient through two earlier Hurricanes as well, the Hurricane of 1935 and another in the early 1960s.
This year marks the 72nd Anniversary of Cheeca Lodge & Spa. The team has been working tirelessly to restore the iconic Islamorada resort and the legend will live on! Cheeca just announced that they are reopening on March 30, 2018!!
The entire resort is undergoing an extensive rehabilitation and refresh - from guestroom upgrades to lobby redesign, and enhanced features and amenities. According to Cheeca's website, the renovation will include -
A "new look" which will honor Cheeca's historic fishing lodge aesthetic, while introducing fresh new colors that reflect the natural surroundings - the beautiful Islamorada sea, sand, sky and tropical foliage.
A brand-new oceanfront pool and Tiki Bar will be unveiled in May 2018 in the space previously occupied by the saltwater lagoon.
The old rustic Italian restaurant, has been reimagined and will reopen as Mia Cucina - a fun, family friendly pizza and pasta bistro.
The 525' wooden fishing pier is being completely rebuilt.
A renewed Jack Niklaus-designed, 9-hole par 3 golf course.
Here are some pics of the plans for the ongoing renovation. It looks trendy and chic, while staying true to that relaxed beachy feel we all want when we are in the Keys! I can't wait to book another stay, soon!
All photos above are my own. Photos below are courtesy of Cheeca Lodge & Spa.
Rates range between $150-$300 per night in the summer months all the way up to $1000 per night in the winter months. Of course, this depends on your room type. The Resort View rooms are the least expensive, while the Ocean View suites are the most expensive.
Check Cheeca's website for specials! They are currently offering 15% off if you book in advance. Florida residents will receive a 20% discount!
Are you planning a trip to the Florida Keys soon?
xo,
Meredith