Ahh, Cheeca. Rebecca and I have been dying to meet you... and you didn't disappoint.
On our most recent trip down to Islamorada (for a Floridian Weddings Vendor Get-Together, no less!) Rebecca and I were lucky enough to take a spin around the gorgeous laid-back luxury that is the Cheeca Lodge & Spa courtesy of Alan Newman, Cheeca's catering sales manager. This intimate resort pretty much has it all - tropical gardens and pools; a golf course, spa, and three delish full-service dining options; roomy and luxurious West Indies-style rooms, many of them with sweeping ocean views; and the best treat of all: a gorgeously long and private stretch of sandy beach (and if you've been to the Keys, you know just what a luxury that is). It's the kind of place you just want to get lost in.
If your dream wedding is an upscale yet intimate soiree at a resort in the middle keys, with all of the amenities and comforts you could ask for, we've just found it for you.
The resort has several room types - grand oceanfront suites, cozy rooms and suites nestled around the lagoon-style pools and golf course, and spacious bungalows directly on the beach - and all have the same painstaking attention to detail. We fell in love with the oceanfront suite's open-air spa tub that filled from above.. can't you imagine the most romantic bath with your love, accompanied by two glasses of champagne? Heaven. It also happens to be a popular dress photo opp spot... remember this gorgeous wedding, captured by Daniel Lateulade?
There are several indoor and outdoor choices for your wedding ceremony and reception, seating up to 120 for dinner. Three oceanfront beach locations are available, and the party can move into the beautiful indoor ballroom for dancing until 1am. One of my favorite areas, though, is the Cheeca Club, which includes a sun-deck on the second floor that overlooks the ocean. The Club Lounge is filled with dark wood paneling, comfy modern furniture, a painted map ceiling, and a swanky bar... and the deck is just perfection.
On the first floor, the rustic Italian restaurant Limoncello is a cheery and bright brunch spot for your guests - or an intimate private dining space for a small reception. Those floor-to-ceiling drapes can be pulled around to create a cozy celebration space.
Spa Island, with its winding wooden decks and lush tropical landscaping, would be the most amazing location for a welcome party or cocktail hour. Tiki torches surround the sandy 'beach' space, and adirondack chairs are available for lounging.
If you've fallen as hard as we have, you can find out all the details (including available spaces, capacities, pricing and policies) here on Cheeca's site. Alan, thank you for showing us around and for making us feel so at home. We can't wait to return - next time, hopefully for much longer!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82, Islamorada, FL 33036
Alan Newman, Catering Sales Manager
(305) 517-4525
www.cheeca.com
We’re visiting one of our fave Keys wedding locales today, taking in a little laid-back luxury at @cheecalodge! http://t.co/GaszEeRF
We are dreaming about planning a wedding at this beautiful Florida Keys venue @cheecalodge http://t.co/7xJ2LGon