A Classic Reborn

Hurricane Irma sure made a mess of things in the Florida Keys last September, and Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada was no exception.

The 27-acre luxury resort was closed down for six months but reopened at the end of March after a $25 million renovation that encompassed the main lodge; all 214 guestrooms, suites and bungalows; meeting and event spaces; the spa; restaurants; and the lush palm-fringed grounds.

"Returning with our signature barefoot elegance and impeccable tropical ambiance, we're thrilled to welcome back both locals and visitors to the Florida Keys," says general manager Bob LaCasse. "Rich in history, the timeless property has been a staple in the Florida Keys since 1946, and we're thrilled to reopen with a renovated and refreshed look and feel."

For the renovation and redesign process, the resort tapped award-winning design firm EoA Group to breathe new life into some of the property's marquee features, including its iconic main lodge. The new lobby is inviting and understated, capturing the charm of the Florida Keys and highlighting the property's rich history. As guests enter the lobby, they find a space that reflects a fluid design, like the ebbs and flows of the ocean. A tri-panel painting by Islamorada artist Elena Madden displays a tarpon, Cheeca's signature fish, giving a fly-fisherman a run for his money.

Cheeca's 525-foot dock once again reaches out into the sea, and the Tiki Bar quenches the thirsts of guests with rum-soaked mangonadas, sugary mojitos and ice-cold beer and also serves up food, like the famous lobster grilled cheese.

The resort's flagship restaurant, Atlantic's Edge, gives guests a chance to dine indoors or outside by the beach. The menu offers local seafood with a tropical twist as well as juicy steaks. The Nikai Sushi Bar and Restaurant on the second floor features Asian-inspired cocktails and a tableside robata grill. Another dining opportunity can be found at Mia Cucina, a Neapolitan pizzeria that caters to families.

The design firm RD Jones & Associates oversaw the renovation of guest rooms, which show a continuation of the nature-inspired narrative of the lobby. Guests will find a warm, neutral palette of soft taupe and whites - with pops of coral, light blues and teals - that creates a soothing environment. Fabrics and textures exude a coastal chic vibe, with dark distressed-wood finishes, creamy quartz stone and woven rattan accents.

The main lodge has 64 king and double queen suites with chic furnishings accented by teal window shutters, hand-tufted area rugs and abstract artwork appropriate to the fishing village location. Lanais offer lovely ocean and island views.

The main lodge's most luxurious room is the Islamorada Suite, which spans more than 1,400 square feet, including a large living area, a separate bedroom, a kitchen, a private outdoor soaking tub and the ability to accommodate additional guests via an adjoining suite. The furnished balcony boasts gorgeous views of the azure Atlantic.

Twenty unique room types are available throughout the resort's 27 acres, catering to a variety of guests - from families and couples to golfers and corporate travelers. Additional accommodations include adult-only, king bed beach bungalows; one-bedroom suites; and classic king and double queen rooms. And all of them have been renovated.

A new oceanfront pool opened in May (the resort has three pools now) and is surrounded by lounges and new cabanas, accessible to all guests.

Fishing has always been a favorite activity here. Islamorada is considered the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," after all.

Other activities offered include watersports, tennis and golf (there's a Jack Nicklaus- designed course on property). When it comes time to unwind, the tranquil spa offers everything from facials and body scrubs to the Cheeca's signature Hot Lava Shell Massage.

A popular destination for the rich and famous over the years, Cheeca's guest list has included celebrities like Bing Crosby, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. A frequent high-profile guest for decades was President George H. W. Bush, whose passion for fishing prompted him to become one of the co-founders of the George Bush Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament. O

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is located at 81801 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. For more information, call 305-664-4651 or visit cheeca.com.