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Casa MoradaLaid Back Luxury in Islamorada
Stonehouse Resorts' principals, Terry Ford, Heide Praver Werthamer, and Lauren Abrams, are all alumni of Ian Schrager Hotels. Showcasing the lessons learned from Schrager, who is credited with developing the chic, boutique concept with hotels like Royalton and Morgans in New York, the threesome bring a strong sense of style, marketing savvy and consummate professionalism to the project. In addition to stints with Schrager, the three have clocked time with big name hotel brands including Ritz Carlton, Hyatt, and Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost. Casa Morada, the manifestation of this distinguished track record, emerges as a rare hybrid -- a laid-back waterside hideaway that offers New York caliber service and personalized attention to detail.
Originally built in the 1950s, the hotel encompasses 1.7 acres of prime bayfront land, recently upgraded as part of the hotel's million-dollar renovation by award-winning Key West landscape architect Raymond Jungles. The lavish gardens, complete with a stunning central grotto of carved limestone are a signature feature of the property and a popular spot for photo shoots and wedding vows. Jungles has lived up to his name; creating a subtropical paradise with a varied and extensive collection of Florida native and tropical plants, trees, bushes and grasses. A huge selection of palms dot the property including Florida silver palms, South American oil palms, Fiji Island palms and many others, while pigeon plum, beach creeper, Fakahatchee grass, and brilliantly hued Easter parade bougainvillea are just a few of the extensive catalogue of plants and trees that proliferate onsite.
Every suite at the hotel features its own private garden or terrace; some have screened balconies, while others feature open air Jacuzzis. Inside is just as enticing; each suite is outfitted with inviting island furniture including daybeds or oversized rattan lounge chairs and ottomans as well as queen or king size beds with lush comforters and 100% cotton duvets. Stylish modern convenience is taken care of with mini-fridges stocked with gourmet goodies, cable TV and dvd/cd players, Key West Aloe Body Products, as well as the requisite safes, hair dryers and robes. Complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the Seaview Terrace, overlooking Florida Bay. Guests can choose from the New York Times or Miami Herald, and enjoy croissants, muffins, bagels, cereal, freshly squeezed orange juice, espresso, cappuccino and Jamaican blue mountain coffee. For lunch or dinner, guests who wish to stay on property can select from a wide variety of sandwiches, pizza and wraps as well as Italian, Greek and other special menu items from nearby local restaurants. Hotel staff handle everything -- and the meals are elegantly replated and delivered poolside or to guest suites on Casa Morada's china. Rates through July 31, 2003 range from $199.00 to $289.00 nightly for a garden suite and $289.00 to $319.00 for a garden Jacuzzi suite. Prices for seaview suites start at $359-$419.00 per night; the two deluxe seaview suites which are located on the top level of Sea View House offer panoramic water views and feature a king bed and sitting area and are priced from $389.00 to $419.00. Offseason rates, August 1 through December 18, 2003: garden suites are priced the same, from $199.00 to $289.00 nightly, suites with Jacuzzis are $259.00 to $289.00. Seaview suites are $289.00-$319.00, while deluxe seaview suites are $319.00-$349.00 per night. Casa Morada is located bayside at 136 Madeira Road, Islamorada, a right turn at Mile Marker 82.2, then right at Madeira (you’ll see Lorelei Restaurant & Bar) and continue to the end of the street. For more information on reservations, call toll free at 888-881-3030, local phone 305-664-0044 or access the hotel's website at www.casamorada.com. courtesy of Casa Morada Edited by Dave Shultz |
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TM
When a trio
of women, all seasoned New York hotel professionals, decided to relocate to
South Florida, they scoured the scene before zeroing in on the 16-suite Casa
Morada, a bayfront tropical retreat tucked away on a sleepy street in
laid-back Islamorada. In this funky Florida Keys town best known as
America's sportfishing capital, Stonehouse Resort Management envisioned a
charming small hotel that would radiate serenity and style, with pricing in
between the village's mom and pop motels and handful of exclusive resorts.
The result? A renovated Casa Morada, Islamorada's first boutique hotel.
Citing
attentive, friendly service as a priority, the team has positioned Casa
Morada as the first upscale lifestyle hotel in the Florida Keys. The perfect
balance of relaxed comfort and luxury amenities is apparent in the details
-- from lush natural landscaping throughout the property to suites furnished
with an eclectic mixture of custom Mexican antiques and crisp, modern
accents. Location is paramount -- just ninety minutes from Miami, and the
same distance from Key West, Casa Morada is tucked away in a quiet
residential Islamorada neighborhood. Visitors arrive by car or boat -
dockage is available to guests, with an assortment of character-filled
cafes, bars and other island attractions within walking distance. The
pet-friendly property offers special perks to canine companions, from dog
beds to personalized dog tags, while returning guests will be delighted to
find a staff that keeps track of their special needs and desires -- and
caters to them with pleasure.
Peace and
tranquility are the rule at Casa Morada. The resort's private island, a
sandy playground located just steps away from the hotel's five bay view
suites is a natural destination for those who consider relaxation a
priority. This waterfront oasis includes a spectacular freshwater pool, a
secluded cabana for lounging, and a waterside terrace for breakfast, lunch
and poolside beverage service. It also serves as a magnificent vantage
point for those technicolor Florida Keys sunsets. Anyone with enough energy
to leave the environs can check in with the front desk for complimentary
bicycles, while the hotel's helpful concierge will assist with everything
from organizing charter fishing trips to in-suite massages.