Palm trees line the beach of this 27-acre oceanfront resort located in the “Fishing Capital of the World.” If you can pull yourself away from your cozy room at Cheeca, there are several activities and restaurants along the beach to complete your family’s dream vacation. From a casual lounge to a formal dining room, and from snorkeling to just lounging by the beach, Cheeca has it all.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa offers nearly 200 rooms, suites and beachfront bungalows that are each equipped with plasma TVs, DVD players and rain showers. Views range from the Atlantic Ocean to the hotel grounds, which aren’t too shabby considering the golf course and ponds cover Cheeca’s landscape. Rates vary greatly at Cheeca, but bargains can be found, such as summer specials which allow families who arrive on a Sunday or Monday to have their fourth night free, complimentary Camp Cheeca for kids activities, and discounted spa treatments.

In addition to Cheeca’s room rate, there is a daily Resort Fee per family (roughly $40 depending on season) that covers much of the entertainment offered at the resort. Playing tennis, golfing, fishing and kayaking are all covered by the resort fee as are paddleboats, access to the fitness center and exercise classes, DVD movie rentals, lobby Internet use and more.

Recreation & Resort Facilities

The great thing about Cheeca Lodge is that you don’t have to venture off the grounds to be entertained. If just relaxing by the pool or along the Atlantic is too mellow for you, Cheeca’s 525-foot pier allows for fishing (over 600 species in the waters of Islamorada!) and a dock for snorkeling, deep-sea diving and fishing trips. Cheeca offers 2.5-hour excursions to beautiful coral reefs, including Alligator Reef that is marked by a 136-foot lighthouse surrounded by amazing crystal clear waters. Snorkeling excursions guarantee sightings of brightly colored, exotic fish in their natural habitat. I saw a giant sea turtle during my snorkeling adventure, and I will never forget the experience.

Families can also participate in two-hour environmental boat trips to explore the ecosystems that make the Florida Bay unique. Sailboat rides are also available, as well as group sunset and sunrise cruises, a sand bar stop, and a boat tour of the nearby Indian Key that can only be accessed by water. If you are planning a family reunion or traveling with a large group, Cheeca also offers team-building activities like raft building, a sand castle competition and scavenger hunt for large groups.

After some time on the water, take advantage of the golf and tennis courts at Cheeca. The golf course is open from 7am to dusk, and your golf game is included in your daily resort fee. Golf and tennis clinics and private lessons are available for a fee. Cheeca offers complimentary use of their tennis courts and rackets.

Camp Cheeca gives parents some time alone while children 5-12 have fun fishing in the Cheeca lagoon, swimming and building sand castles under the supervision of Camp Cheeca counselors. The Camp runs Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 1pm and pre-registration is required. On Friday and Saturday nights, children can participate in “Kids Night Out” from 6-10pm during which they can eat pizza, watch movies and play games. Both programs are $40 per child and include either lunch or pizza. For more information, email campcheeca@cheeca.com. If the kids are worn out from all the Camp Cheeca activities, certified babysitters are also available with a three-hour minimum, and 24-hour notice is preferred.

While the kids are away at Camp, parents can indulge in one of the many spa treatments Cheeca is famous for. From massages starting to facials to even a manicure by an adults-only pool, parents will enjoy pure relaxation. Kids can even have a peaceful treat of their own with an in-room or Oceanside massage offered to children.

Dining & Playing in Islamorada

Cheeca Lodge has several restaurants on the property so that visitors don’t have to venture too far to find a satisfying meal. The Atlantic Edge restaurant, open nightly from 6 to 10pm Wednesday through Sunday, overlooks the Atlantic and presents a wide selection of seafood and steaks. For lunch, the Ocean Terrace Grill has indoor and outdoor seating, and a children’s menu for kids 12 and under. In addition to the lunch menu, a delicious breakfast buffet is provided from 7 to 11am. Dinners are only available at the grill during Cheeca’s winter season. For a light, casual dinner, the Curt Gowdy Lounge, named after the famous sportscaster dubbed “The American Sportsman,” is open nightly until 11pm.

If you’re looking to dine off Cheeca grounds, try the nearby, Oceanfront Lazy Days (305/664-5256). Their menu includes seafood, steak, pasta and chicken. For dining on the bay side of Islamorada, try Morada Bay (305/664-0604), which offers a contemporary menu including tapas, and live entertainment is provided on most weekends. For a more casual and very family-friendly restaurant, check out Uncle’s (305/664-4402) for large servings of seafood and Italian cuisines.

Theater of the Sea (

305/664-2431) is an interactive, educational marine animal park located near Cheeca. Kids will love the dolphin and sea lion shows where volunteers can receive kisses and handshakes from these friendly creatures. There is also a parrot show that proves that birds are a lot smarter than we think. For the extra adventurous, swimming with the dolphins is also available.

Enjoying wildlife is a theme of the Keys, which is why Robbie’s (305/664-9814) is a local favorite. Children will love feeding baitfish to the school of 50 to100 tarpon fish that linger around the dock at Robbie’s just waiting for a friendly bite to eat.

If shopping is your interest, you won’t find commercialized shopping malls in Islamorada, but you will find charming craft and specialty shops like Treasure Village (305/852-0511) with a dozen shops and a small restaurant. Located next to the Village is the Rain Barrel shopping center (305/852-3084) that offers many crafts created by local artists, as well as the Garden Café (305/852-6499) that primarily serves a vegetarian menu until 5pm.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Islamorada, Florida

www.cheeca.com; 800/327-2888

$ - $$$$$

Extra Credit: Complimentary transportation within 2 miles of the resort and further, if vans are available.

Comments: Islamorada has a rocky coast so swimming close to shore isn't fun; however, the water is warm and inviting when you're boating, snorkeling, etc.

Vivienne Fife is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is now living in New York City. She loves traveling with her family and taking road trips with friends.