Bass Pro Shops has acquired Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Fla., from Northwood Investors in a deal facilitated by JLL.
The property spans 27 acres in the Florida Keys and includes guestrooms, suites, casitas, meeting space, dining venues and recreational amenities. Boutique hotel management firm Northwood Hospitality—a subsidiary of Northwood Investors—will continue to operate the 254-room resort following the sale.
During its 15-year ownership, Denver, Colo.-based Northwood invested in a series of capital improvements at the resort, including the addition of 43 oceanfront suites, 11 casitas, a 10,000-square-foot conference center, an oceanfront pool and tiki bar. The company also acquired adjacent properties, including the Casitas and Morada Bay properties, Pierre’s Restaurant and retail space.
"Over the past 15 years, we've had the privilege of serving as stewards of one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic properties, and we are thankful to the dedicated staff whose dedication and commitment have shaped Cheeca Lodge & Spa into the esteemed resort it is today,” John Kukral, president and CEO of Northwood Investors, said in a statement.
“I have come to have enormous respect for the history of Islamorada, and the generations of anglers and families who have made memories here or who are blessed to call the Keys home. We’re humbled and honored to have the opportunity to help protect it and carry that story forward,” added Johnny Morris, founder of Springfield, Mo.-Bass Pro Shops.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa was founded in 1946. Jack Nicklaus designed the resort’s nine-hole, par-three golf course.