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THE BEST OF BAREFOOT ELEGANCE

by Madelyn Miller

The irresistible romance of the Florida Keys has been immortalized by authors and filmmakers since the early part of this century. This 156-mile long chain of islands strung from Key Largo to Key West is a place where rare and wondrous wildlife still thrives in a fragile ecosystem fiercely protected by local natives affectionately known as "Conchs."

At Mile Marker 82, the Cheeca Lodge is the centerpiece of the Keys. The estate grounds will surround you with the pampered seclusion of a Caribbean plantation. Yet nearby colorful artisan centers and shops, deep water marinas, dolphin inhabited lagoons, taverns and pubs abound.  So you have the best of both worlds as you enjoy a feeling of remoteness near the numerous activities and local points of interest. This is the perfect honeymoon choice for a couple that includes one laid-back person and one super overachiever.

There are so many recreational possibilities, the hardest thing is finding the time to do them all. Laze in the sun, or work up a storm; swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, sailing fishing, tennis, golf, and more.

Best of all, Cheeca Lodge, just 75 miles south of Miami International Airport is far removed from the high stress bustle of modern urban living. You will enjoy the splendid tropical gardens bursting with majestic palms and vibrantly flowering shrubs. Plus two freshwater swimming pools, a saltwater lagoon and meandering ponds. You might want to take advantage of the six nightlit tennis courts, a par-3 nine hole golf course, a 1,100 foot stretch of golden beach fronting some of the richest fishing waters in the world. Add in stunning guestrooms and restaurants and you have the elements that comprise an extraordinary 27-acre Keys hideaway.

Generously oversized, each air-conditioned guestroom features paddle ceiling fans, and most have private balconies. Or choose one of the fully -equipped villas with a screened-in porch.

Stretching toward the horizon from the Atlantic shore, Cheeca's 525-ft. lighted pier continues to be a prized vantage point for fishing, daydreaming, and dramatic sunrises.  Imagine soaring like an osprey over the clear blue waters of the Florida Keys, as a manta ray glides through the water 400 feet beneath you, and the only sound is the wind. That's what it's like to parasail over the Keys, and that's just one of the dozen thrills you can experience at Cheeca Lodge.

If the way to your heart is through your stomach, the meals on your honeymoon will be unforgettable at Cheeca Lodge. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. Julia Child asked chef Dawn Sieber to cook her birthday dinner. And serving President Bush was another high point in Sieber's career. On one visit, Bush dined in the Atlantic Edge restaurant. At first Sieber thought it was a joke because it was right around April Fool's Day. When she realized he was coming to dinner, she still had to keep it secret. She couldn't even tell her parents. The Secret Service passed through the hotel with bomb-sniffing dogs, and a metal detector was set up at the entrance to the dining room. Only the guests who were already seated when the President arrived were allowed to stay.

What did the President order? The special of the night--yellowtail snapper encrusted in yucca with roasted pepper-orange salsa and sizzling black beans. That menu item is now called "The Presidential snapper." Sieber is also happy to prepare your own fresh catch of the day. And you just never know who might be sitting at the next table, because this discreet resort is a favorite of celebrities.  Cheeca Lodge has quickly and justly earned a national reputation for its preparation of fresh, fine, festive meals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION;800-327-2888
cheecalodge@aol.com

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