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.

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.