Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge manages to be upscale and relaxed at the same time. This duality is perhaps best embodied in Cheeca’s flagship restaurant Atlantic’s Edge, which offers a refreshed take on island cuisine (like the roasted red snapper with dragon fruit or the hibiscus swordfish) in an elegant but breezy oceanfront setting. The 27-acre luxury resort on Islamorada Key—one of the sport-fishing capitals of the world—was renovated following damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. The revamped lobby, fully rebuilt fishing pier, 214 redesigned guest rooms, and new Italian restaurant have made Cheeca even better than before. Airy suites feature curated artwork, hand-tufted rugs, and rattan accents, and each suite opens to a private lanai with a partially enclosed open-air jacuzzi. A new point of pride is the refreshed 5,700-square-foot spa, which now has seven treatment rooms, a wet room with Vichy shower, hydrotherapy facilities with a steam room, and a fully equipped fitness center. Still to come in early 2019 is a brand new oceanfront pool (bringing the resort’s total to three, including a saltwater lagoon) and tiki bar, 25 South. If you must leave, book a fishing excursion, sunset cruise, or round of golf at the 9-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course—and enroll the kids in the eco-focused Camp Cheeca.

There’s no question a stay at Cheeca Lodge & Spa is relaxing enough as it is, with soothing pink sunsets and sultry balcony bathtubs and cocktails by the sea. For a little extra comfort though, you have to check out The Spa at Cheeca Lodge. The Hot Lava Shell Massage on the menu was the most intriguing to me. They use smooth, polished tiger clam shells that are hollow inside, then fill with a mix of minerals, algae and salt water. When combined, there’s a chemical reaction that creates heat... and the heat makes the treatment amazing. Relaxing, soothing and downright worth it. If you’re heading to Islamorada, a post-fishing visit to the Cheeca spa is a must!