What to pack for Cheeca Lodge & Spa and the Florida Keys
Pack for sun, water activities, and comfortable resort evenings. Essentials: reef-safe sunscreen, a light cover-up, swimwear, water shoes, and a small day bag for snorkeling/kayaking; add spa- and dinner-appropriate items if you plan treatments or to dine at Atlantic's Edge or Nikai Sushi Bar & Restaurant.
In this guide
- Beach & pool kit — what you’ll use every day
- Spa & wellness — robes, modesty and booking tips
- Active days — watersports, fishing, golf and courts
- Dining & evenings — resort-casual and restaurant notes
- Families & kids — what to bring for Camp Cheeca and pool days
- Practical essentials — documents, electronics and room notes
Beach & pool kit — what you’ll use every day
Cheeca Lodge & Spa has 1,200 feet of private white-sand beach plus three outdoor pools (two family pools and one adults-only relaxation pool). Pack items you’ll need for long, sunny days at the water’s edge.
Water-friendly gear makes beach and pool time easier: a dry bag for wet swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen (the resort promotes snorkeling and reef access), and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Swimsuits (bring 2 so one can dry while you wear the other)
- Light cover-up or rash guard and a wide-brim hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Water shoes or sandals (rocky spots when snorkeling are possible)
- Sunglasses with a strap and a lightweight beach towel or quick-dry towel
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Reef-safe sunscreen | Safe for coral and required for reef snorkeling etiquette |
| Water shoes | Protect feet on rocky bottoms, piers and when launching kayaks |
| Dry bag | Keeps phone, keys and a light jacket dry during watersports |
Spa & wellness — robes, modesty and booking tips
The Spa at Cheeca Lodge is a separate facility open daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM with six treatment rooms and an adults-only heated lap pool. If you plan treatments, bring lightweight clothing that’s easy to change in and out of.
Guests must be at least 18 to use the spa’s adult pool and to receive massage/body treatments, so teens should not expect access to those areas. Book popular treatments early—peak-season appointments are best scheduled at reservation time.
- Easy slip-on shoes and breathable clothing for post-treatment comfort
- Swimsuit and flip-flops if you’ll use the spa’s lap pool or cabanas
- Any personal skin-care items you prefer (the spa has a boutique but selection may vary)
- A lightweight tote for a water bottle, book and spa confirmation
| Spa Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Swimsuit | Needed for the spa’s adults-only lap pool |
| Comfortable wrap or robe | Useful while moving between treatments and relaxation areas |
| Booking confirmation | Bring print or phone copy for scheduled treatments |
Active days — watersports, fishing, golf and courts
Cheeca Lodge & Spa offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, a 525-foot fishing pier and an executive 9-hole, par-3 Jack Nicklaus-designed course, plus six lighted sport courts. Bring activity-specific gear when you prefer your own items.
Many watersports and basic equipment (kayaks, SUPs, snorkeling gear, bicycles) are available through resort amenities; still, some travelers like to bring personal snorkel masks, reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof camera.
- Snorkel mask and fins (if you prefer your own fit)
- Quick-dry athletic clothing, water shoes and a change of clothes
- Lightweight rain jacket in summer months (brief afternoon showers are common)
- Golf shoes or sneakers and sport-appropriate apparel for tennis or pickleball
| Activity | Suggested packing |
|---|---|
| Snorkeling/freediving | Snorkel, fins, anti-fog and reef-safe sunscreen |
| Fishing (pier or charter) | Sun hat, polarized sunglasses, light jacket for early morning |
| Golf | Collared shirt and golf shoes (check course rules) |
Dining & evenings — resort-casual and restaurant notes
Evening dining at Atlantic's Edge and Nikai Sushi Bar & Restaurant follows a resort-casual dress code; swimwear is acceptable at pool bars but not recommended for dinner inside the restaurants. Pack a couple of smarter outfits for evenings you’ll dine indoors.
If you plan to eat at Mia Cucina, Pierre’s or the Tiki Bar, bring versatile pieces that can go from poolside cocktails to a family dinner. Reservation recommendations: Atlantic's Edge and Nikai accept reservations and can be busy during peak times.
- One or two collared shirts or summer dresses for dinner
- Light sweater or wrap for cooler evenings or air-conditioned dining rooms
- Comfortable sandals and a pair of nicer shoes for restaurants
- Reusable face mask if you prefer indoor masking (hotel policies may change)
| Restaurant | When to dress up |
|---|---|
| Atlantic's Edge | Resort-casual evening; reservations recommended |
| Nikai Sushi Bar & Restaurant | Evening sushi service; smart casual suggested |
| Tiki Bar / 25 South | Casual; swimwear is acceptable |
Families & kids — what to bring for Camp Cheeca and pool days
Cheeca welcomes families and runs Camp Cheeca seasonally for children 12 and under. Bring familiar items for younger kids—snacks, sun-protective swimwear and favorite flotation devices if your child needs them.
The resort provides beach toys, snorkeling gear and free bicycles, but parents often prefer to bring a lightweight travel stroller and a small first-aid/medicine kit tailored to their child’s needs.
- Children’s rash guards, sun hat and swim diapers if needed
- Small dry bag or zip pouch for wet clothes and sunscreen
- Favorite small toys, books or tablet with headphones for downtime
- Signed permission forms or medical info if using babysitting/childcare services (surcharge)
| Age | Helpful items |
|---|---|
| Infant / toddler | Porta-crib availability varies—confirm with resort; bring swim diapers |
| Preschool / early grade-school | Sun shirt, flotation device (check resort rules), favorite snacks |
| Older kids / teens | Snorkel gear, athletic shoes, lightweight jacket for evenings |
Practical essentials — documents, electronics and room notes
Carry a government-issued photo ID and the credit card you’ll use at check-in; the hotel requires ID and a card at arrival. Cheeca provides complimentary resort-wide Wi‑Fi, luggage storage and a 24-hour guest shuttle.
Pack adaptors, chargers and a small medical kit. If you plan to bring a pet, confirm the 'Pups in Paradise' program details and that your booking is in an eligible room type before traveling.
- Government ID and the credit card used to book (hotel requires ID and card at check-in)
- Printed or digital reservation and spa/dining confirmations
- Phone charger, portable battery and a waterproof case or pouch
- If traveling with a dog: proof of reservation in Golf View Double Queen Room or Golf View 1-Bedroom King Suite and pet waiver (per the resort’s pet program)
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| ID & credit card | Required at check-in |
| Reservation confirmations | Useful for spa, dining and activity bookings |
| Health items | Basic meds, motion-sickness remedies for boat trips, insect repellent |
