
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Best for travelers who want a classic, upscale Islamorada beach resort with a spa, golf and a long fishing pier.
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Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a long-running, five-star Islamorada resort focused on beachfront luxury, golf, a landmark fishing pier and family amenities — read this if you want a classic Keys luxury stay with organized activities and on-site dining. Hawks Cay Resort is a larger, four-star, family-oriented resort in Marathon with multiple pools, a marina and kid-friendly programming — read this if you want a bigger activity-driven Keys resort with lots of on-site options for families.
Updated · about 30 miles (≈48 km) apart

Best for travelers who want a classic, upscale Islamorada beach resort with a spa, golf and a long fishing pier.

Best for families who want a bigger activity-focused resort in Marathon with multiple pools, water-park style features and a marina.
When Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins: choose Cheeca for a higher-star, refined beachfront experience, an on-site Jack Nicklaus executive golf course, a lengthy fishing pier and a focused spa program — good for couples, golfers, and families who prioritize a quieter, luxury property.
When Hawks Cay Resort wins: pick Hawks Cay for a larger resort footprint with many room types, three outdoor pools, family-oriented activities, a marina and more built-in options for kids and multigenerational groups.
Bottom line: both are family-friendly Keys resorts; pick Cheeca for historic luxury, beachfront space and a dedicated spa/golf focus, or Hawks Cay for a bigger, activity-heavy resort with multiple pools and kid-focused facilities.
| Category | Cheeca Lodge & Spa | Hawks Cay Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Five-star historic luxury beachfront resort with curated service and on-site golf. | Four-star, large family-oriented destination resort with many activities and facilities. |
| Location | Islamorada on the Atlantic side, mile marker 82 — 1,200 ft private white-sand beach and 525-foot fishing pier. | Marathon, on the ocean near Little Conch Key with on-site marina and private beach access. |
| Size / rooms | Over 240 rooms and suites across 27 acres (records vary by source on exact room count); 21 room types listed here. | 292 guestrooms (supplier listing) with a long list of room and villa types, including multi-bedroom villas. |
| Ages / family policy | All ages welcome; seasonal Camp Cheeca for kids 12 and under; adults-only pool areas reserved 18+. | All ages welcome; family-oriented programming and multiple family room types; not adults-only. |
| Pools & waterfront | Three outdoor pools (two oceanfront family pools + one adults-only relaxation pool), 1,200 ft private beach and 525-ft fishing pier. | Three outdoor pools, a private beach area and water-park style features (waterslide, splash pad) listed in amenities. |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site restaurants and bars (Atlantic's Edge, Nikai Sushi Bar, Mia Cucina, Tiki Bar, 25 South, Pierre's, Beach Café). | Four restaurants and a coffee shop/cafe; room service during limited hours and several bars/lounges. |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Cheeca Lodge: 5,700 sq ft, six treatment rooms, fitness center, adults-only heated lap pool; open daily 9 AM–6 PM. | Full-service spa on site with massages, body treatments and facials (hours and size not specified in supplied listing). |
| Signature features | 525-foot fishing pier, Jack Nicklaus 9-hole executive golf course, private white-sand beach, seasonal kids' club. | Marina on site, waterslide and water-park access (surcharge), extensive conference space (19,999 sq ft in supplier listing). |
| Meetings & events | Multiple ballrooms and over 15,000 sq ft of event space; large Islamorada Ballroom and several beachfront venues. | Conference and banquet space totaling about 19,999 sq ft (listed), includes ballroom and meeting facilities. |
| Parking & access | Free self-parking and valet parking listed; EV charging and on-site boat/trailer parking available (reservations for boat/trailer parking). | Self parking and valet available (subject to charges); uncovered parking listed. |
Cheeca sits on the Atlantic side of Islamorada at mile marker 82 with extensive private beach frontage and a long fishing pier.
Choose Cheeca for prime Atlantic beachfront, pier access and immediate local attractions in Islamorada.
Hawks Cay is a large resort located in Marathon on the ocean with a marina and convenient access to nearby state parks.
Pick Hawks Cay for easy access to Marathon’s boating, snorkeling and state park attractions with an on-site marina.
Cheeca offers a mix of rooms, suites, bungalows and villas geared to couples and families, with multiple oceanfront options.
Rooms at Cheeca skew toward resort-style suites and beachfront bungalows for guests seeking space and ocean views.
Hawks Cay’s long room list covers standard guestrooms to multi-bedroom villas aimed at families and larger groups.
Hawks Cay has broader options for families and multi-room stays, including villa layouts for groups.
Cheeca runs multiple on-site restaurants covering seafood, sushi, Italian and two open-air tiki/pool bars.
Cheeca provides varied, higher-end dining choices in a compact resort footprint with seaside settings.
Hawks Cay offers several restaurants, bars and a coffee shop with full breakfast available for a fee.
Hawks Cay’s dining is built for convenience and family meals across more casual, on-site outlets.
Cheeca emphasizes oceanfront pools, a long private beach and a landmark fishing pier as core guest draws.
If a long pier, extensive beach and a quieter luxury pool experience matter, Cheeca is the stronger choice.
Hawks Cay lists three outdoor pools and a private beach area plus family-focused water features.
Hawks Cay is built for families who want multiple pool experiences and water-park style entertainment.
Cheeca’s spa and quieter evening dining/music offerings suit guests seeking a wellness-forward, relaxed night out.
Cheeca focuses on spa services and low-key evening entertainment rather than loud nightlife.
Hawks Cay offers a full-service spa plus daytime family entertainment and resort bars for evenings.
Hawks Cay has a broader schedule of family activities and casual evening options centered around pools and the marina.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa — beachfront luxury, a long fishing pier and an on-site Jack Nicklaus executive golf course.

Hawks Cay Resort — many room types, a marina, waterslide/splash-pad features and family programming.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa — a dedicated full-service spa with an adults-only heated lap pool and prioritized spa scheduling.

Hawks Cay Resort — broad selection of multi-bedroom villas and family rooms for larger groups or extended-family stays.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa — its five-star positioning, adults-only pool options and dedicated full-service spa make it a stronger pick for couples seeking quieter luxury.
Hawks Cay Resort — a larger property with waterslide, splash pad and many family room/villa options is set up for busy family stays.
No — neither property is presented as all-inclusive; on-site dining and full breakfasts are available for an extra fee at both resorts.
Yes — both resorts recommend booking spa treatments in advance; Cheeca specifically advises reserving spa appointments when booking the room during peak season.
Explore how Cheeca Lodge & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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