keys
 

want to go to the keys for a long w/e from fort lauderdale; new to area; would like beach and spa.... any thoughts?

Would love to hear from someone!

Jillc1 - Welcome to the area. The Keys are a wonderful place to go for a long weekend but it isn't really a beach place. For beach/spa, people go to places like Naples and, yes, Ft.Lauderdale! That being said, look into Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada. It has a beach area and a beautiful spa. Across US 1 from Cheeca are some great restaurants. Pierre's is very upscale, lovely. Morada Bay is more relaxed, outside upscale dining. There's nothing better than having drinks in the sand at MB as the sun sets and then dining by lantern light.
Cheeca is at mile marker 84 or so (which means it is 84 miles from Key West)
The best beach in the Keys is at Bahia Honda (mile marker 37). There's no lodging there other than camping and a few cabins. However, you are close to Key West with its many opportunities.
Search Islamorada and Key West on this board and see what looks good to you.

All good advice from Keysmom. Here's some more: your request for "beach and spa" indicates you don't know what the Keys are like (not a crime, as you say you are new to the area) so I suggest getting up early one Saturday morning and driving down to Islamorada. Hang out for the day, have a bayside sunset dinner, and be back at home by 10:30-11:00 pm. That way, for much less of a time and money investment you will get the idea of what the Keys are about (excepting Key West, of course, which is a whole different animal) and can decide if you you want to come back for that three-day weekend. As keysmom indicated, the west coast of FL might be more suited for a spa/beach weekend if you want to drive from Ft. Lauderdale.

Fascinating; I moved to Naples in July of 04; however; been working quite alot. Hated the job; quit; got a new job which is located in Fort Lauderdale- Miami ( like it); still own my home in Naples right down the road from the Ritz; and come home on the w/e. I appreciate Naples now that I am over on the East Coast; and have great vacation spots where ever I go. How bad can life be? !! Thanks for your suggestions; everyone has suggested the Lodge you mention in the keys and I cant wait to try it for a day or a few nite stay!