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Amara Cay Resort Islamorada, Florida
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Hotel comparison guide

Amara Cay Resort vs Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Amara Cay Resort is a family-friendly, oceanfront 4-star Islamorada resort with a zero-entry pool, private sunning beach, and on-site water activities; this guide is for travelers who want a laid-back Keys stay with easy beach and pool access. Cheeca Lodge & Spa is an iconic 5-star Islamorada resort with multiple pools, a full-service spa, and more extensive meeting and kids' programming; read on if you want a larger-property luxury option with a full spa and extra facilities.

Updated · about 3.2 km apart

Curved resort pool with palm trees and loungers at Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay Resort

Oceanfront · Family-friendly · Private sunning beach

Best for families and small groups who want oceanfront rooms, an easy pool/beach setup, and included water-activity access.

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Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada, Florida

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Iconic luxury · Full-service spa · Multiple pools

Best for travelers seeking a full-service luxury property with a large spa program, more on-site meeting and event space, and multiple pools.

Quick Verdict: Amara Cay Resort vs Cheeca Lodge & Spa

When Amara Cay Resort wins: Choose Amara Cay if you want a smaller 110-room oceanfront property with a zero-entry pool, direct snorkeling access, included water-sport options via the resort fee, and a more casual, family-friendly vibe.

When Cheeca Lodge & Spa wins: Pick Cheeca Lodge & Spa for a classic, upscale Islamorada resort experience with more rooms, more pools, a dedicated full-service spa, more on-site restaurants/bars, and larger conference/event facilities.

Bottom line: Both are ocean-side Islamorada resorts that suit different priorities—Amara Cay for a compact, activity-focused family stay and Cheeca for a larger, spa- and amenity-forward luxury stay.

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Amara Cay Resort vs Cheeca Lodge & Spa – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Amara Cay Resort and Cheeca Lodge & Spa
CategoryAmara Cay ResortCheeca Lodge & Spa
Overall vibeCasual, family-friendly oceanfront resortEstablished luxury resort with resort-style amenities
LocationMile Marker 80, Atlantic (sunrise) side; private sunning beach and direct snorkeling accessMile Marker 82, Islamorada (Matecumbe); beachfront with private beach
Size (rooms)110 rooms across 4 floors243 guestrooms (supplier listing)
AgesAll ages welcome (primary guest must be 21+ to check in)
PoolsZero-entry pool near the ocean's edge with in-pool loungers (pool hours 8am–sunset)Multiple outdoor pools (supplier list: 3 outdoor pools)
Restaurants & barsReelCatch (breakfast & dinner), Tiki Bar (poolside lunch/dinner), Coastal Cup & Lounge3 restaurants, 2 poolside bars, coffee shop/cafe, 24-hour room service
Spa & wellnessOoh la la at The Collection (spa services shared across sister properties; beach massages and yoga offered)Full-service on-site spa offering massages, body treatments, facials
Water activitiesOn-site kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving access; Rum Runner water taxi to sister propertiesBoat tours on site, snorkeling nearby, water-sports equipment and fishing on site
Meeting & event spaceMultiple outdoor and indoor event venues; total meeting space listed ~16,886–19,106 sq ft (various sources)About 10,000 sq ft of conference space and 5 meeting rooms (supplier listing)
Pet policyDog-friendly (up to two dogs per room, $50 nonrefundable fee per pet/night)Not published

A Look Inside Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay Resort: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesAmara Cay Resort: pools & beachPools & beachAmara Cay Resort: diningDiningAmara Cay Resort: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: Amara Cay Resort vs Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Amara Cay Resort – Location

Amara Cay sits at Mile Marker 80 on Islamorada’s Atlantic side with direct ocean access and a private elevated sunning beach.

  • Oceanfront property with stairway access to water for snorkeling rather than a traditional wide sand swimming beach.
  • Close to Bud n' Mary's Dive Center and Indian Key Historic State Park; offers Rum Runner water taxi and shuttle to sister properties.
  • Address: 80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036.

Choose Amara Cay for immediate oceanfront access and easy water-activity pickup points.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Location

Cheeca Lodge & Spa is located at Mile Marker 82 in Islamorada (Matecumbe) and sits directly on the water with private beach access.

  • Classic, larger Islamorada resort with a beachfront setting and private beach for guests.
  • Preferred airport listed as Miami International Airport (MIA).
  • Address: 81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82, Islamorada, FL 33036.

Pick Cheeca if you want a larger beachfront resort footprint and more on-site resort amenities.

Rooms: size, types, and who they suit

Amara Cay Resort – Rooms

Amara Cay has 110 rooms and suites across four floors with a mix of oceanfront, partial‑ocean‑view, and courtyard rooms.

  • 18 room types including Room, Oceanfront and Suite, Multiple Beds, Oceanfront Lanai (use exact room names when booking).
  • Many rooms include lanais (balconies) and suites accommodate families with sofa beds.
  • Wheelchair-accessible rooms and elevator access to all floors.

Good for families and small groups who want oceanview rooms without a very large resort scale.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Rooms

Cheeca Lodge & Spa lists 243 guestrooms and a wide range of room and suite types, from golf-course views to oceanfront bungalows.

  • Room types include Bungalow (Oceanside), Premier Oceanfront King Suite, Lodge Oceanfront King Suite, and many one-bedroom suites.
  • Rooms feature private balconies and LED televisions; varied views (lagoon, golf, resort, oceanfront).
  • Broad room mix suits couples, families, and groups looking for luxury-suite options.

Cheeca offers more room variety and larger suite options if you want upgraded oceanfront or bungalow accommodations.

Dining & drinks: casual to formal

Amara Cay Resort – Dining & drinks

Amara Cay’s on-site dining centers on ReelCatch (breakfast & dinner) and the Tiki Bar (poolside lunch/dinner), plus a lobby lounge.

  • ReelCatch serves breakfast 7–11am and dinner 5–10pm; offers seafood-forward, locally inspired dishes.
  • Tiki Bar serves lunch 11:30am–5pm and dinner 5–11pm (some listings vary) with poolside seating and lighthouse views.
  • Coastal Cup & Lounge provides lobby bar service and a daily happy hour (4–6pm).

A compact set of dining options focused on seafood and casual poolside meals; suitable for relaxed family dining.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Dining & drinks

Cheeca lists three restaurants, two poolside bars, a coffee shop/cafe, and 24-hour room service.

  • Multiple on-site outlets provide varied meal choices and poolside service.
  • Full breakfast is available daily for a surcharge; snack and cafe options are present.
  • Bars and poolside venues cover daytime and evening drinks and light bites.

Cheeca gives more on-site dining variety and 24-hour room service if you want flexible meal options without leaving the resort.

Pools, beach & signature amenity

Amara Cay Resort – Pools, beach & signature amenity

Amara Cay highlights a zero-entry pool overlooking the ocean and a private elevated sunning beach with snorkeling access.

  • Zero-entry oceanfront pool with in-pool loungers and pool hours 8am to sunset.
  • Lighthouse Beach is a private elevated sunning beach (not a wide sand swimming beach) with thatched huts and chaise lounges.
  • Resort fee includes access to on-site water-sport equipment and to sister-resort pools/beaches via water taxi/shuttle.

Prefer Amara Cay for an intimate pool/beach area and direct snorkeling access from the property.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Pools, beach & signature amenity

Cheeca Lodge & Spa offers multiple outdoor pools and direct beachfront access.

  • Supplier listing shows 3 outdoor pools and beach sun loungers available.
  • Private beach and water-sport activity options are offered on site.
  • Pools and beach are part of the resort’s signature leisure amenities alongside its spa.

Cheeca is better if you want more pool options and a classic resort-beach setup.

Wellness & nightlife: spa, fitness, and evening options

Amara Cay Resort – Wellness & nightlife

Amara Cay provides spa and wellness offerings through Ooh la la at The Collection plus yoga and beach massages; evening entertainment leans casual.

  • Spa services (Ooh la la) include massages and facials; bookings handled through the collective spa brand.
  • Fitness center open daily 6am–10pm and occasional live music Thursday–Saturday 6–9pm at ReelCatch/Tiki Bar.
  • Casual evening scene with live music and poolside cocktails at Tiki Bar.

Choose Amara Cay for on-property wellness with a casual, family‑friendly evening program.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Wellness & nightlife

Cheeca emphasizes a full-service spa program with a wider range of on-site wellness and leisure services.

  • Full-service spa offering massages, body treatments, and facials; reservations recommended for spa services.
  • Fitness and on-site activities complement spa programming; children’s club and supervised activities are listed.
  • Evening options include multiple bars and lounges and poolside bars for drinks and social time.

Cheeca suits travelers who prioritize a dedicated luxury spa and a fuller program of on-site leisure options.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for families and small groups
Reception desk and wood-paneled wall with Amara Cay Resort lettering

Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay — compact oceanfront layout, family-friendly rooms and activities, zero-entry pool, and included water-sport access via the resort fee.

Best for spa and resort amenities
Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada, Florida

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge & Spa — larger property with a full-service on-site spa, multiple pools, and more dining outlets.

Best for room variety and suite options
Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada, Florida

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge & Spa — a wide range of bungalows and suite types, including premier oceanfront suites and lodge bungalows.

Best for direct snorkeling and water activities
Seating area in the resort lobby with wicker chairs and pendant lights

Amara Cay Resort

Amara Cay — private sunning beach, stairway access to the water for snorkeling, and included kayak/paddleboard options.

Frequently asked questions

Amara Cay Resort vs Cheeca Lodge & Spa: FAQs

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Which property is better for families with kids?

Amara Cay is explicitly family-friendly with kid-focused activities and a zero-entry pool; Cheeca also welcomes families but positions more toward full-service luxury and spa amenities.

Do either property’s rates include meals or activities?

Neither property is an all-inclusive property; Amara Cay’s resort fee includes some activity access (kayaks, paddleboards, shuttle/water taxi), while Cheeca charges separately for breakfast and many services—confirm fees with each resort.

Which has a bigger spa program?

Cheeca Lodge & Spa has a full-service on-site spa listed in supplier materials; Amara Cay uses Ooh la la at The Collection for spa services (shared with sister properties).

Can I book oceanfront rooms at both properties?

Yes. Amara Cay offers several Oceanfront room and suite types (e.g., Room, Oceanfront; Suite, Multiple Beds, Oceanfront Lanai) and Cheeca lists multiple oceanfront bungalows and suites (e.g., Premier Oceanfront King Suite, Lodge Oceanfront King Suite).

More Amara Cay Resort Comparison Guides

Explore how Amara Cay Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Couple enjoying a covered beachfront cabana looking toward the ocean at Amara Cay Resort
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Oceanfront rooms with water‑sports access

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