Islander Resort Joins Cheeca Lodge in Bass Pro’s Florida Keys Plans

Islander Resort is part of an October 14 agreement between Bass Pro Shops and Schulte Hospitality Group to bring two established Islamorada resorts under shared oversight. The plan pairs the Islander with Cheeca Lodge, which Bass Pro acquired in June, and connects their wider vision to the nearby World Wide Sportsman store and marina.

For travelers, the immediate news is about who will operate these familiar Florida Keys addresses. It is not an announcement of a newly built hotel, a completed renovation or a single booking that automatically unlocks both properties.

What is changing at the Islander?

The companies announced a partnership to acquire the Islander and operate both resorts. Financial terms were not disclosed. Their stated priorities include retaining key team members, supporting the local community and preserving the character of the properties. Those commitments matter at resorts where repeat guests often return for familiar staff and a particular pace of life.

The Islander dates to 1951 and occupies 24 acres. Its accommodation includes 114 bungalows and suites plus 25 bayside villas. That mix gives travelers a practical decision to make before they reach the booking screen: an oceanside stay and a bayside villa are different settings, even when they share the same resort name.

How does Cheeca Lodge fit into the plan?

Cheeca brings a larger resort offering to the partnership, with 254 rooms, suites and casitas. Bass Pro describes its existing facilities as including three pools, a spa, a nine-hole par-three golf course and a fishing pier. The two properties give the partners different accommodation styles within the same Keys community.

The companies also announced a combined $500,000 commitment from Bass Pro, Johnny Morris, Darryl Schulte and other donors to support the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center at the Islander. That is a specific local commitment alongside the broader outdoor-travel ambition.

What should guests confirm before booking?

Ask each resort directly about the facilities attached to your reservation. The agreement does not set out a guest exchange program, shared dining privileges or complimentary transport between the properties. Treat those as questions, not assumed benefits of common ownership.

Also compare the total rate, the exact location of your accommodation and the activities you intend to reserve. A fishing-focused holiday, a family pool break and a longer villa stay can call for different room choices. The partnership may develop further, but the useful booking details remain specific to the resort and category you choose today.