
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Best for travelers who want resort-scale luxury, multiple dining outlets, a full spa and a long private beach with a fishing pier.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a five-star, full‑service Islamorada resort with private white‑sand beach, multiple restaurants, a Jack Nicklaus executive golf course and family-focused amenities. Lime Tree Bay Resort is a relaxed, waterfront Long Key property with strong guest ratings and simple, water‑oriented facilities — read this if you want a luxury, activity-rich Keys base (Cheeca) or an easygoing Long Key stay (Lime Tree Bay).
Updated

Best for travelers who want resort-scale luxury, multiple dining outlets, a full spa and a long private beach with a fishing pier.

Best for travelers who want an easygoing, waterfront Long Key base with kitchenette rooms, three outdoor pools and direct access to Long Key State Park.
When Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins: choose Cheeca for a full‑service luxury Keys experience — extensive dining options, a large spa (The Spa at Cheeca Lodge), a Jack Nicklaus executive golf course, multiple family and adults‑only pools, and 1,200 feet of private white‑sand beach with a 525‑foot fishing pier.
When Lime Tree Bay Resort wins: choose Lime Tree Bay if you want a more laid‑back, budget‑minded waterfront stay on Long Key with many room types that include kitchenettes, three outdoor pools, a private beach and very strong guest ratings for its category.
Bottom line: both are relaxed waterfront resorts in the Florida Keys; pick Cheeca for scale, service and resort amenities, pick Lime Tree Bay for an easygoing Long Key stay with solid value and simple, water‑focused facilities.
| Category | Cheeca Lodge & Spa | Lime Tree Bay Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Five‑star, full‑service luxury resort with varied activities for families and couples | Relaxed, waterfront Long Key resort focused on straightforward comforts and outdoor water access |
| Location | Islamorada, Atlantic side at Mile Marker 82 with town attractions within walking distance | Long Key, on the waterfront and a short walk from Long Key State Park |
| Size (rooms) | Over 240 rooms and suites across a 27‑acre property (multiple room types and bungalows) | 73 air‑conditioned rooms (various studios, suites and off‑property townhomes) |
| Who it's for | Families, couples and groups wanting resort amenities, on‑site activities and event space | Couples and families seeking a relaxed Keys waterfront stay with kitchenette options and outdoor pools |
| Pools & beach | Three outdoor pools on property (two oceanfront family pools + one adults‑only relaxation pool) plus 1,200 ft private white‑sand beach and a 525‑ft fishing pier | Three outdoor pools and an on‑site private beach with dock/marina access |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on‑site venues (Atlantic's Edge, Nikai Sushi Bar, Mia Cucina, Tiki Bar, 25 South, Pierre's, Beach Café) | One main restaurant (Long Key Bar and Grill) plus a bar/lounge; cooked‑to‑order breakfast available for a fee |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Cheeca Lodge — 5,700 sq ft, six treatment rooms, fitness center, adults‑only lap pool, yoga classes | Not published |
| Known for | Private white‑sand beach, 525‑ft fishing pier, Jack Nicklaus executive 9‑hole golf course and extensive event space | Easygoing Long Key waterfront location, strong guest ratings and a variety of kitchenette‑equipped room types |
| Accessibility & family features | Camp Cheeca seasonal kids' club, babysitting (surcharge), playground, activities for all ages; accessible rooms and features available | Family friendly (rooms with kitchenettes, accessible rooms and wheelchair features listed), free Wi‑Fi |
| Parking & self‑service | Valet and free self‑parking, EV charging and on‑site boat/trailer parking (reservations required) | Free self parking and limited parking spaces (on‑site) |
Cheeca Lodge sits at Mile Marker 82 on the Atlantic side of Islamorada, within walking distance of local breweries and the MoradaWay arts district.
Choose Cheeca if you want easy access to Islamorada dining, shops and key Keys attractions.
Lime Tree Bay Resort is on Long Key’s waterfront and is a short walk from Long Key State Park.
Choose Lime Tree Bay for a quieter Long Key setting with immediate state‑park access.
Cheeca offers over 240 rooms, suites, bungalows and villas across several categories including oceanfront suites and beachfront bungalows.
Cheeca’s range of room types fits families and groups wanting larger suites, bungalow options and beachfront rooms.
Lime Tree Bay has 73 air‑conditioned rooms with many waterfront options and multiple studio and suite layouts, including units with kitchenettes.
Lime Tree Bay suits travelers who value kitchenette space and straightforward waterfront rooms.
Cheeca runs several distinct restaurants and bars covering seafood, sushi, Italian and pool/ beach dining.
Expect a wider variety of dining styles and late‑evening options at Cheeca.
Lime Tree Bay Resort operates Long Key Bar and Grill plus a bar/lounge serving pool and beach guests.
Lime Tree Bay covers basics well but lacks Cheeca’s breadth of on‑site dining choices.
Cheeca has multiple pool experiences plus a long private beach and a substantial fishing pier.
Cheeca offers separate family and adult pool spaces plus a long sandy beach and pier for fishing and watersports.
Lime Tree Bay lists three outdoor pools and private beach access as core recreation features.
Lime Tree Bay provides multiple pools and direct water access for a relaxed, swim‑centric stay.
Cheeca’s spa and activities program is large and varied, supporting both wellness and active recreation.
Cheeca is the choice for guests who want a complete wellness menu plus organized activities and evening entertainment.
Lime Tree Bay focuses on basic on‑site recreation and easy evenings at the bar/restaurant.
Lime Tree Bay fits travelers who plan to spend days on the water or exploring the park rather than seeking resort wellness programming.

Cheeca — kids' club, multiple pools, supervised activities and family‑sized suites.

Lime Tree Bay Resort — straightforward waterfront rooms, kitchenettes and strong guest ratings for the category.

Cheeca — a full spa with treatment rooms, fitness center, yoga classes and an adults‑only lap pool.

Lime Tree Bay Resort — relaxed property with dock access, three pools and proximity to Long Key State Park.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa — it offers a seasonal Camp Cheeca kids' club, family pools, playground and larger family suites.
Yes. Lime Tree Bay lists several room types with kitchenettes and off‑property townhomes and three‑bedroom villas suitable for longer stays.
Cheeca — The Spa at Cheeca Lodge is a 5,700 sq ft facility with six treatment rooms and dedicated spa amenities; Lime Tree Bay does not publish a comparable full‑service spa.
Cheeca advertises 1,200 feet of private white‑sand beach. Lime Tree Bay notes an on‑site private beach as a feature.
Explore how Cheeca Lodge & Spa stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·