Cheeca Lodge & Spa

With the feel of a private Caribbean island and no passport required, Cheeca Lodge & Spa in the Florida Keys is an antidote for ho-hum business meetings. Located on Islamorada Key about 75 miles from Miami International Airport, Cheeca boasts “barefoot elegance” in an oceanfront compound filled with gardens, nature trails, streams, sparkling pools and a saltwater lagoon. Recently renovated, guest rooms and suites feature West Indies decor with ocean or garden views. Guests who must stay in touch with the outside world appreciate large-screen plasma TVs and wireless high-speed Internet.

Meeting facilities include a conference center, outdoor venues, and a 39-passenger motored catamaran, perfect for out-of-the-box breakout sessions. Dining is Florida-fresh and a lagoon-side barbeque by tiki torchlight with a steel drum band always draws rave reviews from meeting guests.