The Cheeca Lodge & Spa stands as a venerable institution in Islamorada, sprawling across twenty-seven acres of verdant landscapes and pristine oceanfront. This resort seamlessly merges sophisticated luxury with an understated, natural elegance. Boasting 243 guest rooms and suites, including 43 recently renovated oceanfront accommodations featuring open-air bathing facilities and panoramic views of the Atlantic, it sets a new benchmark for upscale stays in the Keys. Culinary delights abound with three distinct restaurants: Nikai Sushi, Mia Cucina for Italian fare, and Atlantic's Edge, offering fresh seafood with a relaxed, beachfront ambiance. The property also features a world-class spa, a nine-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, separate pools for families and adults, and a picturesque pier perfect for both fishing enthusiasts and romantics.
Behind an unassuming gate on a tranquil stretch of Old Highway lies The Moorings Village, a truly hidden gem. This exclusive resort comprises only eighteen charming cottages, nestled amidst eighteen oceanfront acres shaded by swaying palms and mahogany trees. Once a thriving coconut plantation, the property retains a serene and rustic charm. The interiors exude coastal timelessness with whitewashed walls, soft linens, and vintage rattan furnishings. Each cottage provides direct access to a soft, sandy beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Amenities include a lap pool, a fitness studio, and complimentary access to paddleboards and kayaks, fostering a peaceful, self-guided experience. The absence of a restaurant or bar enhances its quiet, unhurried appeal, making it an ideal escape for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Amara Cay Resort masterfully combines contemporary design with the relaxed spirit characteristic of the Keys. Its rooms and suites showcase clean lines and subtle tropical accents, with most featuring balconies that provide stunning views of either the ocean or lush gardens. Many suites are equipped with kitchenettes, with some accommodating up to six guests. The resort is directly on the waterfront, offering a palm-fringed pool deck and a private beach adorned with hammocks and traditional thatched huts. Guests benefit from shared amenities with other Islamorada Resort Collection properties, including complimentary water sports, a marina, a local shuttle, and even a convenient water taxi. Amara Cay also features its own dining establishment and a vibrant tiki bar, serving fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails against a picturesque backdrop. The resort's inviting hammock zone by the sea, providing shaded comfort and the soothing scent of salt air, is a particular highlight.
La Siesta Resort & Villas offers a harmonious blend of vibrant aesthetics and peaceful seclusion. The resort features approximately 55 diverse accommodations, including suites, cottages, and multi-bedroom villas, all nestled within lush, colorful gardens bursting with bougainvillea and hibiscus. Rooms are decorated in cheerful, bright hues, and many include kitchenettes or full kitchens, making them perfect for families or extended stays. The expansive, walkable beach provides ample space for relaxation and enjoyment. Like Amara Cay, La Siesta provides access to shared amenities within the Islamorada Resort Collection, such as bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, and nearby dining options. The most captivating aspect of La Siesta is the pervasive sense of openness and privacy, allowing guests to transition effortlessly from their garden cottage to the tranquil beach, experiencing the sensation of having their own private island.
Casa Morada distinguishes itself as the most intimate option among the featured hotels, with just sixteen suites. This adult-oriented establishment is specifically designed for profound tranquility and connection, whether with nature, a loved one, or oneself. The property is thoughtfully divided into two distinct areas: the Garden and the Seaview. Each suite is uniquely appointed, some boasting outdoor showers, while others offer luxurious soaking tubs or private terraces. Guests commence each day with a complimentary breakfast served al fresco and enjoy complimentary access to paddleboards, kayaks, and bicycles. A comprehensive wellness program includes yoga sessions three times a week, and in-room spa treatments can be arranged for ultimate relaxation. A standout feature is the enchanting Sunset Pier, a narrow pathway leading to a secluded, dreamlike island adorned with a pool and bar, offering an unparalleled vantage point for witnessing the day's final breathtaking light display.
The Three Waters Resort & Marina represents the newest addition to the Keys' hospitality landscape, notably offering guests the convenience of booking with Marriott Bonvoy points. Spanning fifteen oceanfront acres in Islamorada, this new Tribute Portfolio resort seamlessly merges island vitality with expansive, contemporary design, all infused with the authentic spirit of the Keys. It features 214 rooms, suites, and cottages, vividly styled with bold geometric patterns and vibrant tropical accents. Many accommodations include lanais or balconies, providing views of the Atlantic, the marina, or lush gardens. Within the resort lies The Cove, an exclusive adults-focused enclave comprising 63 king-bed guestrooms and suites, each with private balconies, a serene lagoon beach, and privileged access to its own heated pool, poolside bar, and the oceanfront fitness studio known as Wave Motion Studio.
Islamorada possesses an intrinsic allure, palpable in its art galleries, at Morada Bay, and amidst its verdant mangroves. It's a harmonious blend of salty air, the stillness of late afternoons, and the profound sensation that time is expanding just for you. The hotels highlighted here offer more than just lodging; they provide havens for rejuvenation. Whether it's the peaceful solitude of a cottage at The Moorings, a captivating fire-lit evening at Amara Cay, or a torch-lit dinner at Cheeca, the finest accommodations in Islamorada consistently underscore the most vital aspect of any journey: the profound sense of being truly present in the moment. For these reasons, the Keys have always been cherished, and Islamorada, in particular, shines as their crowning jewel.