Encompassing the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound, Sewall’s Point, Rio and Hutchinson Island, Martin County in Florida serves up more than 22 miles of beautiful uncrowded beaches and over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation lands – not to mention the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere, the St. Lucie Inlet. But aside from natural wonders, Martin County also offers well-heeled travelers a range of luxurious experiences to indulge in. Below are some of Martin County Office of Tourism and Marketing’s favorites.
Book an oceanfront suite
Searching for oceanfront views that will take your breath away? Then look no further than the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa in Jensen Beach. The coastal-inspired respite offers 178 guest rooms that reflect the ocean’s color spectrum of blues, greens and pearl. Greeted by a welcoming, architecturally beautiful lobby with a grand, floating staircase and elegant features, guests of the resort enjoy interiors outfitted in a décor of classic marble, rich leathers, sand-colored hues, bold stripes and delicate foliage accents. The resort’s range of oceanfront suites offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean that are sure to melt your worries away.
Schedule a sunset sailing
Glide on inland waters (without the disruption of an engine) during a romantic excursion aboard the Schooner Lily. The historic wooden schooner rig was purposed built to haul cargo throughout the United States. After extensive renovations, she is now outfitted to offer people a unique experience and has been sailing the shores of Martin County since 2010. Help raise the sails or simply sit back and relax. Sunset sails are just under two hours in length, and passengers can bring their own picnic with snacks and beverages. Don’t forget your binoculars – it’s common to see local wildlife like dolphins splashing around as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment
There’s no better way to truly unwind than with an immersive spa treatment. Guests of the Hutchinson Shores should take advantage of The Spa, which offers a range of signature spa experiences such as restorative facials, detox body wraps, stone massages, deep tissue treatments, reflexology, and more. They even offer a selection of day packages for a seamless experience. The Pink Cottage of Jensen Natural Day Spa is another popular option for visitors seeking relaxation. Tucked away in downtown Jensen Beach, their team offers a diverse collection of services, ranging from Mommy and Me packages to male-focused treatments. For a unique experience, visit Salt of the Earth Halotherapy & Spa in Stuart and try their dry salt therapy in a beautiful Pink Himalayan salt room. Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, the treatments have been used to remedy a host of respiratory and skin issues.
Enjoy upscale eateries
Martin County simmers with enticing flavors, unique experiences, and mouthwatering selections. Alfresco or indoors, casual or extravagant, International or Caribbean, New World or Floribbean–Martin County plates them all. From waterfront views to charming villages, we have local flavors to satisfy every palate, served with a side of hometown hospitality and service. Some favorites include the newly renovated Black Marlin and the Gafford in Stuart; 11 Maple Street and Peter’s Steakhouse in Jensen Beach; and the District Table & Bar in Port Salerno.
Explore Downtown Stuart’s beautiful boutiques
In need of a little retail therapy? Then be sure to stop into the eclectic independently owned shops sprinkled throughout historic downtown Stuart. The unique assortment of boutiques will suit every style. To find that perfect necklace or pair of earrings, pay a visit to Eric Michaels Fine Jewelry or Argento Jewelry. Art lovers can peruse the one-of-a-kind masterpieces of local artists at galleries like Joseph Lynn Décor Gallery and Gallery 36. And there are countless clothing establishments featuring ever-changing inventories, like Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic, Matilda’s, and O’Sole Mio.
Hit the green
Channel your inner Jack Nicklaus and spend an afternoon putzing around one of Martin County’s beautifully manicured golf courses. Some of the more challenging courses include Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City; Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart; and Lost Lake Golf Club in Hobe Sound. Youngsters will also get a kick out of a round of mini golf at 76 Golf World in Stuart. And the Martin County Golf Course is currently being redesigned to offer more of a golf experience (on par with the likes of TopGolf or BigShots) and is set to reopen sometime next year.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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9 Comments
Reckon I could chill out in an oceanfront apartment in Martin County. 22 miles of quiet beaches sounds good to me too, just what I need after months sat at home glued to a screen.
Yeah, no kidding. We can’t really go on the beach where I’m at right now during our social distancing period. Just thinking about visiting Florida right now though is helpful for my mind. I have family down there, and as of now, I’m just glad they’re staying safe.
Over the years I’ve been to Florida many times but I’ve never taken in Martin County. That’s a decision I regret having read this post and looking at the pictures. I’ve been missing out on so much.
OK I’m packing my bags! Can it get any more appealing than that awesome sunset scene with palm trees and the ocean? Just what I need after months stuck in the city. It looks like paradise to me.
I’ve always loved the idea of going to Florida one day. I know a few folks online that live there & it makes me want to get a one way ticket. I’ve only been to a couple of parts of America, mostly further up north and east, but I’m definitely hoping on getting to Florida sooner rather than later. Sounds like Martin County is an excellent choice with plenty on offer, especially if you like parks ad beaches (which I definitely do!) I hadn’t really wondered what the shopping was like around there but I never say no to checking out jewellery and taking a wander around art galleries. It helps to shake things up a little because as much as I’d go stir crazy going around shops for too long, it’s a good change of pace after walks in the parklands or sunning it on the beach with a cocktail in hand… Nah, I could do that every day without any problems! Oh one can dream.. ;)
You write about a little luxury. We seem so much happier with just “a little luxury” this year. Covid has reduced our expectations and made us appreciate things so much more. Suddenly, a walk along a beach, a meal out in a good restaurant – these things have become luxuries again.
I can vouch for that because it wasn’t long ago when I was having a nice dinner at a restaurant on the beach. And it felt pretty invigorating just to be able to do that. Now I’m feeling like it was something so easily taken for granted. I’ll be remembering that in the future, how lucky it is just to be able to do something like that, something as simple as visiting a beautiful beach.
That image looks like somewhere tropical and sunny instead of Florida. I’ve been to Florida a couple of times but have always ended in Miami where the beaches can get crowded and noisy for me. I’m looking to spend a more intimate time with the hubby by the water and would probably plan a getaway again to Florida before it becomes chilly for the beach. I would consider having a waterfront or beachfront accommodation for sure. Hopefully, towards the end of the year Florida’s COVID situation would have improved.
I love the idea of getting on a sailboat in order to relax in the water. My partner and I are trying to plan a trip to Florida this fall so that we can see the natural landscapes there. We want to find a local guide that can help us get outdoors and into the surrounding nature.
Book an oceanfront suite
Searching for oceanfront views that will take your breath away? Then look no further than the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa in Jensen Beach. The coastal-inspired respite offers 178 guest rooms that reflect the ocean’s color spectrum of blues, greens and pearl. Greeted by a welcoming, architecturally beautiful lobby with a grand, floating staircase and elegant features, guests of the resort enjoy interiors outfitted in a décor of classic marble, rich leathers, sand-colored hues, bold stripes and delicate foliage accents. The resort’s range of oceanfront suites offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean that are sure to melt your worries away.
Schedule a sunset sailing
Glide on inland waters (without the disruption of an engine) during a romantic excursion aboard the Schooner Lily. The historic wooden schooner rig was purposed built to haul cargo throughout the United States. After extensive renovations, she is now outfitted to offer people a unique experience and has been sailing the shores of Martin County since 2010. Help raise the sails or simply sit back and relax. Sunset sails are just under two hours in length, and passengers can bring their own picnic with snacks and beverages. Don’t forget your binoculars – it’s common to see local wildlife like dolphins splashing around as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment
There’s no better way to truly unwind than with an immersive spa treatment. Guests of the Hutchinson Shores should take advantage of The Spa, which offers a range of signature spa experiences such as restorative facials, detox body wraps, stone massages, deep tissue treatments, reflexology, and more. They even offer a selection of day packages for a seamless experience. The Pink Cottage of Jensen Natural Day Spa is another popular option for visitors seeking relaxation. Tucked away in downtown Jensen Beach, their team offers a diverse collection of services, ranging from Mommy and Me packages to male-focused treatments. For a unique experience, visit Salt of the Earth Halotherapy & Spa in Stuart and try their dry salt therapy in a beautiful Pink Himalayan salt room. Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, the treatments have been used to remedy a host of respiratory and skin issues.
Enjoy upscale eateries
Martin County simmers with enticing flavors, unique experiences, and mouthwatering selections. Alfresco or indoors, casual or extravagant, International or Caribbean, New World or Floribbean–Martin County plates them all. From waterfront views to charming villages, we have local flavors to satisfy every palate, served with a side of hometown hospitality and service. Some favorites include the newly renovated Black Marlin and the Gafford in Stuart; 11 Maple Street and Peter’s Steakhouse in Jensen Beach; and the District Table & Bar in Port Salerno.
Explore Downtown Stuart’s beautiful boutiques
In need of a little retail therapy? Then be sure to stop into the eclectic independently owned shops sprinkled throughout historic downtown Stuart. The unique assortment of boutiques will suit every style. To find that perfect necklace or pair of earrings, pay a visit to Eric Michaels Fine Jewelry or Argento Jewelry. Art lovers can peruse the one-of-a-kind masterpieces of local artists at galleries like Joseph Lynn Décor Gallery and Gallery 36. And there are countless clothing establishments featuring ever-changing inventories, like Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic, Matilda’s, and O’Sole Mio.
Hit the green
Channel your inner Jack Nicklaus and spend an afternoon putzing around one of Martin County’s beautifully manicured golf courses. Some of the more challenging courses include Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City; Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart; and Lost Lake Golf Club in Hobe Sound. Youngsters will also get a kick out of a round of mini golf at 76 Golf World in Stuart. And the Martin County Golf Course is currently being redesigned to offer more of a golf experience (on par with the likes of TopGolf or BigShots) and is set to reopen sometime next year.
Book an oceanfront suite
Searching for oceanfront views that will take your breath away? Then look no further than the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa in Jensen Beach. The coastal-inspired respite offers 178 guest rooms that reflect the ocean’s color spectrum of blues, greens and pearl. Greeted by a welcoming, architecturally beautiful lobby with a grand, floating staircase and elegant features, guests of the resort enjoy interiors outfitted in a décor of classic marble, rich leathers, sand-colored hues, bold stripes and delicate foliage accents. The resort’s range of oceanfront suites offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean that are sure to melt your worries away.
Schedule a sunset sailing
Glide on inland waters (without the disruption of an engine) during a romantic excursion aboard the Schooner Lily. The historic wooden schooner rig was purposed built to haul cargo throughout the United States. After extensive renovations, she is now outfitted to offer people a unique experience and has been sailing the shores of Martin County since 2010. Help raise the sails or simply sit back and relax. Sunset sails are just under two hours in length, and passengers can bring their own picnic with snacks and beverages. Don’t forget your binoculars – it’s common to see local wildlife like dolphins splashing around as the sun sinks beneath the horizon.
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment
There’s no better way to truly unwind than with an immersive spa treatment. Guests of the Hutchinson Shores should take advantage of The Spa, which offers a range of signature spa experiences such as restorative facials, detox body wraps, stone massages, deep tissue treatments, reflexology, and more. They even offer a selection of day packages for a seamless experience. The Pink Cottage of Jensen Natural Day Spa is another popular option for visitors seeking relaxation. Tucked away in downtown Jensen Beach, their team offers a diverse collection of services, ranging from Mommy and Me packages to male-focused treatments. For a unique experience, visit Salt of the Earth Halotherapy & Spa in Stuart and try their dry salt therapy in a beautiful Pink Himalayan salt room. Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, the treatments have been used to remedy a host of respiratory and skin issues.
Enjoy upscale eateries
Martin County simmers with enticing flavors, unique experiences, and mouthwatering selections. Alfresco or indoors, casual or extravagant, International or Caribbean, New World or Floribbean–Martin County plates them all. From waterfront views to charming villages, we have local flavors to satisfy every palate, served with a side of hometown hospitality and service. Some favorites include the newly renovated Black Marlin and the Gafford in Stuart; 11 Maple Street and Peter’s Steakhouse in Jensen Beach; and the District Table & Bar in Port Salerno.
Explore Downtown Stuart’s beautiful boutiques
In need of a little retail therapy? Then be sure to stop into the eclectic independently owned shops sprinkled throughout historic downtown Stuart. The unique assortment of boutiques will suit every style. To find that perfect necklace or pair of earrings, pay a visit to Eric Michaels Fine Jewelry or Argento Jewelry. Art lovers can peruse the one-of-a-kind masterpieces of local artists at galleries like Joseph Lynn Décor Gallery and Gallery 36. And there are countless clothing establishments featuring ever-changing inventories, like Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic, Matilda’s, and O’Sole Mio.
Hit the green
Channel your inner Jack Nicklaus and spend an afternoon putzing around one of Martin County’s beautifully manicured golf courses. Some of the more challenging courses include Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City; Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart; and Lost Lake Golf Club in Hobe Sound. Youngsters will also get a kick out of a round of mini golf at 76 Golf World in Stuart. And the Martin County Golf Course is currently being redesigned to offer more of a golf experience (on par with the likes of TopGolf or BigShots) and is set to reopen sometime next year.
Reckon I could chill out in an oceanfront apartment in Martin County. 22 miles of quiet beaches sounds good to me too, just what I need after months sat at home glued to a screen.
Yeah, no kidding. We can’t really go on the beach where I’m at right now during our social distancing period. Just thinking about visiting Florida right now though is helpful for my mind. I have family down there, and as of now, I’m just glad they’re staying safe.
Over the years I’ve been to Florida many times but I’ve never taken in Martin County. That’s a decision I regret having read this post and looking at the pictures. I’ve been missing out on so much.
OK I’m packing my bags! Can it get any more appealing than that awesome sunset scene with palm trees and the ocean? Just what I need after months stuck in the city. It looks like paradise to me.
I’ve always loved the idea of going to Florida one day. I know a few folks online that live there & it makes me want to get a one way ticket. I’ve only been to a couple of parts of America, mostly further up north and east, but I’m definitely hoping on getting to Florida sooner rather than later. Sounds like Martin County is an excellent choice with plenty on offer, especially if you like parks ad beaches (which I definitely do!) I hadn’t really wondered what the shopping was like around there but I never say no to checking out jewellery and taking a wander around art galleries. It helps to shake things up a little because as much as I’d go stir crazy going around shops for too long, it’s a good change of pace after walks in the parklands or sunning it on the beach with a cocktail in hand… Nah, I could do that every day without any problems! Oh one can dream.. ;)
You write about a little luxury. We seem so much happier with just “a little luxury” this year. Covid has reduced our expectations and made us appreciate things so much more. Suddenly, a walk along a beach, a meal out in a good restaurant – these things have become luxuries again.
I can vouch for that because it wasn’t long ago when I was having a nice dinner at a restaurant on the beach. And it felt pretty invigorating just to be able to do that. Now I’m feeling like it was something so easily taken for granted. I’ll be remembering that in the future, how lucky it is just to be able to do something like that, something as simple as visiting a beautiful beach.
That image looks like somewhere tropical and sunny instead of Florida. I’ve been to Florida a couple of times but have always ended in Miami where the beaches can get crowded and noisy for me. I’m looking to spend a more intimate time with the hubby by the water and would probably plan a getaway again to Florida before it becomes chilly for the beach. I would consider having a waterfront or beachfront accommodation for sure. Hopefully, towards the end of the year Florida’s COVID situation would have improved.
I love the idea of getting on a sailboat in order to relax in the water. My partner and I are trying to plan a trip to Florida this fall so that we can see the natural landscapes there. We want to find a local guide that can help us get outdoors and into the surrounding nature.