Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Islamorada Resort Review
Last updated: August 28, 2026
Choose Cheeca Lodge & Spa if...
- You want Islamorada's flagship full-service beachfront resort with spa and fine dining
- You're a family wanting kids' programs, pool, beach, golf, and organized activities
- You're an angler wanting on-site marina access and fishing charters
Skip Cheeca Lodge & Spa if...
- You're on a budget — Cheeca is Islamorada's most premium property
- You want nightlife — Islamorada's evenings are resort-centered
- You expect walkable off-property dining — a car is required
AskTheKeys Traveler Match
How well does Cheeca Lodge & Spa fit your trip?
Before you book — the one trade-off
Cheeca is the most complete resort in Islamorada, and the rates reflect it — you pay a premium for full-service everything.
AskTheKeys Decision SummaryCheeca Lodge & Spa is best for couples, families, and anglers wanting Islamorada's flagship full-service beachfront resort with a Jack Nicklaus golf course, full spa, saltwater lagoon pool, and on-site marina with fishing charters. It is not ideal for budget travelers, nightlife seekers, or guests who expect walkable off-property dining.
Choose Cheeca Lodge if you want Islamorada's flagship full-service beachfront resort with spa, golf, and a marina. Skip it if you're on a budget or want nightlife and walkable off-property dining.
Compare current room availability and secure member-only pricing.
We handle our lodging checks through Expedia's network engine so you can lock in hidden seasonal discounts and stack your One Key™ rewards points across different island brands.
Before You Book
The details that matter after you've narrowed down your options.
Best for
- Couples seeking a full-service beachfront resort with spa, fine dining, and sunset views over the Atlantic
- Families wanting a resort with kids' programs, pool, beach, golf, and organized activities
- Anglers who want on-site marina access with fishing charters in the Sportfishing Capital
- Guests who prefer a self-contained destination resort over a boutique inn experience
Not ideal for
- Budget travelers — Cheeca Lodge is Islamorada's most premium property with rates reflecting full-service amenities
- Nightlife seekers — Islamorada does not have a nightlife district; evenings are resort-centered
- Guests wanting walkable off-property dining — a car is required for anything beyond the resort
Quick facts
| Address | 81801 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (305) 664-4651 |
| Check-in / Out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Parking | On-site (complimentary self-parking; valet available) |
| Pets | Yes (fee may apply) |
| Beach access | Yes |
| Pool(s) | Yes |
| Spa | Yes (full-service) |
| EV charging | Yes |
Location & nearby
Cheeca Lodge & Spa is located in Upper Matecumbe Key within Islamorada.
What's nearby
- Theater of the Sea(2.5 mi, 50 min walk)
- Robbie's Marina (Tarpon Feeding)(4 mi, 80 min walk)
- Islamorada Fish Company(0.5 mi, 10 min walk)
- Anne's Beach(5.5 mi, 110 min walk)
- History of Diving Museum(1.2 mi, 24 min walk)
- Islamorada Brewery & Distillery(3 mi, 60 min walk)
- Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park(3.5 mi, 70 min walk)
- Founders Park(2 mi, 40 min walk)
Amenities overview
Property highlight features
- 1,100-foot private Atlantic beach
- Saltwater lagoon pool and two additional pools
- Full-service Spa at Cheeca
- Jack Nicklaus-designed par-3 golf course
- On-site marina with fishing charters
- Camp Cheeca kids' program
- Atlantic's Edge fine dining and Nikai Sushi
- Fitness center and tennis courts
Pricing positioning
Typical nightly pricing tends to fall in the $$$$ range, depending on season and room type.
Islamorada's flagship luxury beachfront resort
Compare current room availability and secure member-only pricing.
We handle our lodging checks through Expedia's network engine so you can lock in hidden seasonal discounts and stack your One Key™ rewards points across different island brands.
Independent Decision Engine
Florida Keys Resorts operates as a fully objective, crowdsourced review system. We do not accept paid placements from hotels to alter their scoring records. Instead, we use standardized API connections to provide transparent third-party rate checks for our community.
How Cheeca Lodge & Spa Compares to Other Islamorada Resorts
Cheeca Lodge & Spa vs Amara Cay Resort
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins:full-service beachfront resort with spa, golf, marina, kids' programs, and fine dining at premium rates
- Amara Cay Resort wins:contemporary mid-range resort with waterfront pool, live music, and casual social atmosphere at lower price
Cheeca Lodge & Spa vs Casa Morada
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins:27-acre full-service destination resort with beach, golf, spa, marina, and family programming
- Casa Morada wins:16-suite adults-only boutique with intimate bayfront setting, no beach, no pool deck, and personalized service
Cheeca Lodge & Spa vs Three Waters Resort & Marina
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins:established luxury beachfront resort with spa, golf, fine dining, and comprehensive family amenities
- Three Waters Resort & Marina wins:214-room oceanfront marina resort with 72 slips, nine dining venues, three beaches, swim-up bar, and The Cove adults-only retreat
Cheeca Lodge & Spa vs Chesapeake Beach Resort
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins:flagship luxury resort with spa, golf, marina, fine dining, and comprehensive family programming at premium rates
- Chesapeake Beach Resort wins:classic oceanfront lodge with fishing dock, private beach, and villa options at mid-range rates
FAQs
Does Cheeca Lodge have a beach?
Yes. Cheeca Lodge & Spa has a 1,100-foot private Atlantic beach — one of the largest resort beaches in the Florida Keys. The beach includes loungers, cabanas, and direct access to snorkeling in the shallow Atlantic waters.
Does Cheeca Lodge have a spa?
Yes. The Spa at Cheeca is a full-service resort spa offering massage, facials, body treatments, and couple's treatments. It is one of the few full-service resort spas in the Upper Keys.
Does Cheeca Lodge have a marina?
Yes. Cheeca Lodge operates a marina with access to fishing charters, backcountry flats fishing, and offshore reef trips. The marina connects guests directly to Islamorada's identity as the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
Is Cheeca Lodge good for families?
Yes. Cheeca Lodge offers Camp Cheeca (a supervised kids' program), a saltwater lagoon pool, beach activities, a par-3 golf course, and family-friendly dining options. It is the most family-equipped resort in Islamorada.
Does Cheeca Lodge have a golf course?
Yes. Cheeca Lodge features a Jack Nicklaus-designed par-3 golf course — the only resort golf course in Islamorada. The 9-hole course offers Atlantic views and is open to resort guests.
How does Cheeca Lodge compare to Amara Cay?
Cheeca Lodge is larger, more expensive, and more amenity-dense than Amara Cay. Cheeca offers a full spa, golf course, private beach, and kids' programs. Amara Cay offers a more contemporary, social atmosphere with live music, a waterfront pool, and lower nightly rates.
Is Cheeca Lodge walkable to restaurants?
No. Islamorada is not walkable. Cheeca Lodge has three on-site dining venues (Atlantic's Edge, Nikai Sushi, Limbo), but reaching off-property restaurants requires driving. Free parking is provided.
Is Cheeca Lodge pet-friendly?
Yes. Cheeca Lodge welcomes pets in designated rooms for an additional fee. The resort's 27-acre grounds provide ample outdoor walking areas for pet owners along the beachfront and tropical gardens.