Cheeca Lodge & Spa

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?Cheeca Lodge has it all, from the longest pier in the Keys and a stretch of sandy beach to three pools, a spa, and plenty of activities to keep guests of all ages content. Even the family dog can join in on the fun. What’s the backstory?George H.W. Bush used to run a fishing tournament at Cheeca, so it has a longtime following with an in-the-know crowd. After the most recent hurricane season, however, the resort was reimagined. What will we get from our room?The rooms and suites have just the right amount of Floridian flair—think palm leaf fans, rattan furnishings, and a few bright colors. Rooms are spacious and have views of the resort, golf course, lagoon, or ocean. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?It’s built into the resort fee. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?For breakfast you can grab something quick at the coffee bar or indulge in the buffet at Atlantic’s Edge, an all-day dining restaurant with AAA Four-Diamond status. There are two other food options in the evening: Nikai Sushi Bar & Restaurant or Mia Cucina, a Neapolitan pizzeria serving Italian classics. For something more casual, the Tiki Bar is a favorite for lunch and casual dinner. What type of travelers will you find here?This isn’t the read-a-book-on-the-beach crowd. Cheeca offers so many ways to spend a sunny day—golf, spa, water sports, a kids’ camp, three pools, a sandy beach—and that’s exactly why this crowd is here. What else is nearby if we venture out and about?Islamorada is one of the best islands in the Keys, with plenty of options for dining, shopping, and activities, and less of the kitsch of some of the other Keys. Anything we missed?Islamorada is a huge sportfishing draw with plenty of guided trips out on the open water, but you can grab a reel and fish right off the pier at Cheeca, since it’s the longest pier in the Keys. Bottom line: What makes this place worth a stay?There’s so much to do here, you will never be bored." - Nancy DePalma