By Judy Koutsky
Cheeca Lodge (www.cheeca.com; 800-327-2888) is located on 27 acres of land in Islamorada, Florida, considered by many to be the sport fishing capital of the world.
Activities at this family friendly resort include tennis, pitch & putt golf, water sports, pools, a 525-foot fishing pier, and a health spa.
The 199 room resort includes ocean and resort view rooms in the main lodge as well as outlying villas. All rooms are air conditioned and many rooms have balconies. Newly renovated deluxe beachfront bungalows have a screened balcony (to keep away mosquitoes) and a spiral staircase leading down to a private beach area.
Each room has a color plasma TV, DVD player (DVDs are available at the concierge station), wireless Internet, coffee maker and ceiling fan.
For kids, Camp Cheeca allows for supervised fun. Targeting those 5-12 years old, the staff teaches children the value of environmental conservation through arts and crafts, exploration, games and walks. The camp is offered Tuesday through Sunday year round.
Kids will love the chance to fish off the pier, go hiking in nature, and play with their peers in the sun and sand. Camp Cheeca is located in a new building on property surrounded by green landscaping and a spacious Tiki hut. There are also picnic tables, a jungle gym and other recreational equipment. Daily activities include swimming in the pool, searching for native wildlife in the lagoon, educational scavenger hunts, and interactive group games.
The night time program called Kids' Night Out consists of stargazing, evening hikes, camp games and storytelling. Campers can also enjoy a pizza party and movie night. This program is offered on Friday and Saturday nights and allows kids to have fun while giving mom and dad a date night.
The spa is located in a quiet part of the resort. The menu offers everything from facials to massages and scrubs. The hot stone massage is one of their specialties and a great way to unwind after a day of travel. The cool Caribbean body elixir uses a marine sugar extract while the Aromagolden Signature Body Ritual features a combination of golden mineral dust and delicate extracts of the Artemisia flower.
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