Dream Beach Home

Picture this: a soft stream of sunshine gently wakes you up, you indulge in a deep stretch on your plush bed before getting up, stepping onto your pastel-colored balcony and admiring the sparkling swimming pool below while the turquoise sea shimmers beyond.

Perhaps you make your way downstairs to fix breakfast in your gourmet kitchen (start with an Illy espresso from the coffee maker) or hop on one of the bicycles at your disposal for a leisurely two-minute ride to the oceanside restaurant, where the menu boasts divine dishes like Lobster BLT Omelet or Buttery Brioche French Toast Battered In A Cinnamon Custard, Drizzled With White Chocolate, Topped With Pineapple Chutney And Toasted Coconut Flakes.

No, this is not a dream. This is your dream beach home, and you can experience it with a quick getaway to Cheeca Lodge & Spa’s newest luxe addition called The Casitas.

You’ve heard of Cheeca Lodge & Spa — after all, its 70-plus history brims with accolades, attracting luminaries like President Harry Truman (who stayed here when it was called the Olney Inn), Bing Crosby and Jack Nicklaus. Nestled in Islamorada, a.k.a., “the Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” it’s seen its fair share of anglers over the years, including President George H.W. Bush, who co-founded “The George Bush Cheeca Lodge Bonefish Tournament” which lasted for 10 years.

Now envision the same commitment to hospitality and excellence shrouded in an aura of tranquility and seclusion. That is precisely what awaits you at The Casitas, the newly built cottages perched on the southernmost edge of the resort.

Entry to this secluded 8-acre property is restricted to guests with keycard access, ensuring complete privacy. Within the enclave, you’ll find a tennis court, a pool and a private beach replete with kayaks and paddle boards for you to enjoy. There are 11 “casitas” (homes, in Spanish) in all, each bearing a unique name that pays homage to the vibrant life in the Keys.

Take “The Ernest,” for example, a nod to the Keys’ most celebrated author Ernest Hemingway. Just a stone’s throw from the ocean, it was built earlier this year, making it the latest addition to The Casitas. Spanning over 3,500 square feet, including a large outdoor seating area, guests staying here can take relaxing up to an art form. Inside, the modern aesthetic is luxurious, as seen by the top-of-the-line amenities in the well-appointed kitchen and indulgent bathroom that includes a rain shower and large soaking tub. Royal blue hues and an ash hardwood floor exude contemporary elegance, while plush couches complemented by colorful ocean-themed artwork, infuse a homey ambiance. There are two bedrooms on the second floor which open to an expansive balcony, as well as a fully furnished porch on the first floor.

My cottage, “The Albury,” named after the Bahamian family that settled in the area in 1865, looks out onto the swimming pool. A Mexican tile floor downstairs and an azure wooden dining room table add to the rustic chic ambiance, while two additional half-baths (one downstairs, one upstairs) keep practicality in mind.

The Casitas guests are privy to all the amenities of Cheeca Lodge & Spa. That includes seven restaurants and bars.

I suggest dining at Pierre’s Restaurant during the sunset hour. Set in a waterfront two-story colonial home just a few minutes away from the property (complimentary shuttle service is available for those not wanting to drive), dishes like the Florida Lobster Curry and the Dry-Aged Duck A L’Orange highlight the chef’s ease in merging classical French cuisine with global ingredients. For a true taste of the Keys, don’t skip the Key Lime Pie. And if you’re up for a short drive, head to the newly reopened Ocean Safari (formerly Safari Lounge) to enjoy Florida classics like Coconut Shrimp and Conch Fritters — paired fabulously with tropical cocktails.

Beyond the expansive dining options, those wanting to venture out of The Casitas to the resort’s main areas to enjoy the spa, family and adult pools or tennis and pickleball courts are welcome to do so.

One of the highlights of a stay at The Casitas is the personalized butler service. This friendly staff will make sure all your needs are met. Need a dinner reservation? Done. Feel like having a burger in your cottage instead? One quick call or text and fifteen minutes later, your butler will arrive bearing your meal and a smile.

So, why keep dreaming about your own beach house when you can make it a reality with just a short drive? At The Casitas, vacationers are privy to the holiday experience that has kept Cheeca Lodge & Spa a favorite destination over the decades, but with the added perk of having your own little paradise.

The Casitas is located at  81801 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. For more information, call 305-664-4651 or visit cheeca.com/accommodations/casitas-at-cheeca-lodge.