Do you long to visit a beach where the wild and graceful sea birds far outnumber the raucous Homo sapiens? As part of our Fall 2020 Road Trip series, we drove north from the busy coastal cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale. and Palm Beach to experience the great beauty of natural Florida at the Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa. Located on a breathtaking thin barrier Island in Jensen Florida where the natural dunes, sea grape and grasses line the shore and frame this stylish retreat in tranquility.
Designed to celebrate the majesty of its surroundings the Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa incorporates the textures and tones of the coastline with the luminance of the Atlantic Ocean and endless sky throughout its interiors. In the 178 guest rooms and suites, all with the ocean, pool, or sunset views, the warm wooden floor, and crisp white walls are punctuated with nautical themed furnishings. The navy blue and white theme continues into the spacious guest bathrooms, complete with large beautifully tiled walk-in showers and warm wood vanities. In the lobby of the resort, the quiet tones of driftwood and sand are overwhelmed by white marble and living-wall two-story installation that defines the resorts outdoors-is-indoors motif.
While the center of attention at the Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa is the stunning beach, the Drift Kitchen and Bar is the centerpiece of the resort. Overlooking a pool and onward to the dunes and shoreline, Drift Kitchen is a beautiful respite for breakfast lunch and dinner. Being the first luxury property to open in nearly 20 years on the beach, the ‘coastal-chic’ Drift Kitchen and Bar is an attraction for local residents and snowbirds who come for the amazing views, fresh seafood, fine wines. and handcrafted cuisine Italian specialties. At Drift Kitchen the evenings are energetic and cosmopolitan, the lively ambiance makes the fine dining experience even more memorable. Weather permitting, dining al fresco at Drift’s Ocean Veranda is delightfully intimate. Guests and visitors can also dine at the Lounge and Chef’s Bar where craft cocktails are made with house-made syrups and local herbs. Enjoy lunch or sunset cocktails at the Dune Beach Bar, which also overlooks the ocean. Reflections Pool Bar is adjacent to the resorts second pool and this relaxed spot is great for a casual lunch, afternoon snacks, and cocktails. Cabana dining and poolside service are also catered from Reflections Pool Bar so guest can fully enjoy their day in the warm sun and cool waters. The town of Stuart once named the “Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living and Jensen are both quaint towns dotted with fine restaurants, charming local shops, and galleries. In downtown Stuart, the historical Lyric Theatre is a vibrant performing art and entertainment center, and the upscale Gafford restaurant is the perfect place for after-theatre dining. There are interesting and educational attractions in the area that is, yet another, fascinating glimpse at the lifestyle, and history of “Old Florida.”
The state’s only remaining House of Refuge, the oldest building in Martin County, and listed on the National Register of Historic places, is just down the road from the resort. Built to offer refuge to shipwreck sailors along the largely uninhabited east coast, the house had been restored to the way it was in 1904. The displays bring to life the tales of hardship and survival, shipwrecks, and piracy from the time when sailing ships were the only means of commerce and trade. More local living history is on display at the spacious Elliott Museum, where their vintage, classic and modern car collection attracts car aficionados from around the world. The Florida Oceanographic Society is designed to convey the necessity of marine conservation through interactive exhibitions and learning experiences. Understanding the importance of renewing local oyster beds, rescuing sea turtles, and the importance mangrove estuaries play in the delicate natural marine eco-system is engaging to all. After a visit to the Florida Oceanographic Society, you will find an even greater appreciation for the natural wide beach, just outside your door at the Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa.
(Clockwise from top left) the historic House of Refuge. Horseback riding on the beach is permitted in only 3 places in Florida including nearby Fort Pierce. The Elliott Museum (center). The Florida Oceanographic Society and their many conservation and educational exhibits.
The décor at the Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa is calming yet infused with a very modern flair. Intriguing accents of natural elements fill the walls, shelves, nook, and crannies; wood walls, beams, and panels accentuate the warmth of the dawn and the quiet of the dusk on the beach, which is captured so beautifully in the interior design. Needless to say a spa treatment is the ultimate next step to your personal revitalization that commenced upon your arrival at The Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa, – and then get back out on that amazing beach. Photography and Story David Lewis Taylor
Woodside California
Hotel Manapany St. Barths
St. Barth
Summer of 2021 Fantasy
Luxury Retreat
A JFK Alpine Hideaway
Now A Four Seasons Hotel
Xtra Large Bizjet
The Photo Story
Serenity
On the Saint Lawrence River.
Created By Lamborghini
Waldorf Astoria
A new treasure on the Treasure Coast
Restorative Incan Vitality
Europen Elegance
This Fall - Welcome Back To Chic Travels
Chic
Seneca Lake Splendor
The Fine Art Of Hospitality
Riverside Luxury In Belize.
An Enclave of High Style
Cosmopolitan Chic
Lake Front Luxury
Contemporary Design On Longboat Key, Florida.
Time To Fly Again
New Comforts Same Glamour
Grenada
We Revisit True Island Luxury And Infinite Beauty
Front of Cabin Executive Class Service
Smartly Chic In Old Port
Up to five living areas
Glamour in Palm Beach
unparalleled travel options
Wellness the SoCal Way
Overlook the Aegean Sea
For superlative diving experiences
El Invernadero New Summer Quarters
Holiday Family Getaway
Bentley Continental GT
A 2020 Must-Do
Savor and Sip!
Trendy And Traditional
Milan is Calling
Untold luxuries
Desert Chic
Travel with Ease
Setting New Standards
Picture perfect luxury.
Charmingly Sophisticated
Contemporary Bliss
Delta A220 First Flight
Overlooking the Bay of Bandaris and Puerto Vallarta
Jet -Set Style at JFK
Roll-Royce in Courchevel