
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Best for families, anglers and travelers who want a wide range of resort facilities (beach, pier, golf and many dining options).
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a five-star Islamorada resort known for its private white-sand beach, long fishing pier and family-friendly luxury — good for families, anglers and travelers who want resort facilities and space. Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club is a polished, beach-club–style property in Marathon with a smaller, activity-focused footprint — a fit for couples and small groups who want a laid-back beach-and-water-sports stay.
Updated · about 29 miles (≈47 km) apart

Best for families, anglers and travelers who want a wide range of resort facilities (beach, pier, golf and many dining options).

Best for travelers who want a compact, beach-club vibe with direct beach access, water activities and fewer rooms to navigate.
When Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins: Choose Cheeca if you want a larger resort with multiple restaurants and bars, extensive kid- and family-focused programming, a full-service spa, a Jack Nicklaus–designed executive course and a very long fishing pier.
When Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club wins: Choose Grassy Flats when you prefer a smaller, more intimate beach-club atmosphere in Marathon with easy access to local beaches, two outdoor pools and a single on-site restaurant/bar — especially if you prioritize fewer rooms and a casual beach focus.
Bottom line: Both properties deliver Keys waterfront lifestyle, but they serve different trip types — Cheeca is a full-service, family-oriented luxury resort in Islamorada; Grassy Flats is a smaller Marathon beach-club-style hotel for travelers who want a simpler, water-focused stay.
| Category | Cheeca Lodge & Spa | Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Five-star, resort-scale luxury with family programming and many on-site amenities | Polished, beach-club–style resort with a relaxed, activity-forward feel |
| Location | Islamorada, Atlantic-side private beach (Mile Marker 82) | Marathon, oceanfront near Coco Plum Beach (58182 Overseas Hwy) |
| Size (rooms) | Over 240 rooms and suites across 27 acres | 38 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages; family-friendly with seasonal kids' club (Camp Cheeca) | All-ages property, though many room types are labeled Adults Only |
| Pools | Three resort pools (two oceanfront family pools + one adults-only relaxation pool) plus the spa's adults-only lap pool | Two outdoor pools and at least one hot tub |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues (Atlantic's Edge, Nikai Sushi, Mia Cucina, Tiki Bar, 25 South, Pierre's, The Beach Café) | One on-site restaurant (The Rhum House) plus a poolside bar |
| Spa & wellness | Full-service 'The Spa at Cheeca Lodge' (5,700 sq ft, six treatment rooms, fitness center, spa pool) | Not published |
| Signature features | 1,200 ft private white-sand beach and a 525-foot fishing pier; Jack Nicklaus executive 9-hole golf course; extensive event space | Beach-club atmosphere, dock access and proximity to Coco Plum Beach and Curry Hammock State Park |
| Accessibility & transport | Resort-wide shuttle, valet & self-parking, EV charging and on-site boat/trailer parking (reservations required) | Free self-parking on site; multilingual staff and elevator access |
| Wi‑Fi & basics | Complimentary resort-wide Wi‑Fi | |
Cheeca sits at Mile Marker 82 on the Atlantic side of Islamorada with a long private beach and a 525-foot pier.
Choose Cheeca for a classic Islamorada beachfront resort with broad access to local attractions and water activities.
Grassy Flats is a Marathon oceanfront resort positioned as a beach club close to Coco Plum Beach and Curry Hammock State Park.
Pick Grassy Flats for a Marathon base that’s focused on beach access and watersports rather than a large resort footprint.
Cheeca offers a wide range of rooms and suites across several building types, including bungalows and multi-bedroom suites.
If you need space, varied layouts or specialty suites (oceanfront bungalows, multi-bedroom villas), Cheeca has more options.
Grassy Flats runs a compact room roster with some units designated Adults Only in the supplier list.
Grassy Flats is better if you want a small property with straightforward room choices and ocean-facing options.
Cheeca has several on-site restaurants and bars covering seafood, sushi, Italian and casual pool/beach service.
Cheeca suits travelers who want variety and multiple dining atmospheres without leaving the resort.
Grassy Flats lists a single main dining outlet and a poolside bar, emphasizing a simpler dining footprint.
Grassy Flats works for guests satisfied with one on-site restaurant and casual poolside drinks.
Cheeca combines multiple oceanfront pools, an adults-only pool area and a long private beach and pier.
Cheeca is oriented around beach access and multiple pool experiences for different guest types.
Grassy Flats focuses on beachfront access, two outdoor pools and onsite water-sports equipment.
Grassy Flats offers a compact but well-equipped beach-and-pool setup ideal for active beach days.
Cheeca includes a full-service spa, fitness options and evening entertainment at several venues.
Cheeca provides a full wellness program and more evening options on-site.
Grassy Flats lists sauna, hot tub and recreational water-sport options but no published full-service spa.
Grassy Flats covers basic wellness and casual evening socializing; it does not publish a full spa facility.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa — Camp Cheeca kids’ program, multiple family pools, varied room types and large grounds.

Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club — smaller property focused on beachfront access, pools and watersports.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa — several distinct restaurants and bars covering seafood, sushi, Italian and casual beach fare.

Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club — one main restaurant, poolside bar and easy access to nearby Marathon beaches.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa — it has a seasonal kids' club (Camp Cheeca), family pools and many family-friendly room configurations.
Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club — with 38 guestrooms it’s a smaller, more intimate beach-club property compared with Cheeca’s 240+ rooms.
Cheeca has a full-service Spa at Cheeca Lodge with published hours and facilities. Grassy Flats lists a sauna and hot tub but does not publish a full-service spa.
Cheeca’s Islamorada location places you near local arts, breweries and Islamorada attractions; Grassy Flats puts you in Marathon for access to Marathon-area parks and marinas.
Explore how Cheeca Lodge & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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