Treasure Coast Retreat

By Jenny Lee Allen
Published: May 6, 2009
Last Updated On: March 11, 2011

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Beaches

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Stuart

Port St Lucie

Jensen Beach

Find beautiful beaches, activity-filled days and small-town charm on Florida's central east coast.

By morning, hit the links at the 18-hole executive golf course, perfect your backhand with a tennis pro or fly high on a parasailing adventure along the Indian River.

By night, star gaze from a seaside hammock, feast on freshly prepared jumbo lump crab cakes or listen to steel drums beat the lazy rhythm of an island tune at a tiki bar.

At the Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort & Marina, a tropical retreat located on Florida's central east coast just two hours from Orlando and Miami, there’s no reason to leave the 200-acre property. But if you do, you won’t need to venture far: just five minutes away are the unique shops, galleries, restaurants and museums of downtown Stuart and Jensen Beach.

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River, the Hutchinson Island Marriott is a water-lover’s paradise. Paddle into crystal-clear waters for a private surf lesson, kayak along miles of pristine shorelines and get your adrenaline pumping as you zip along on a waverunner.

Water Paradise

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River, the Hutchinson Island Marriott is a water-lover’s paradise. Paddle into crystal-clear waters for a private surf lesson, kayak along miles of pristine shorelines and get your adrenaline pumping as you zip along on a waverunner.

Later, cool off in one of three resort pools, then raise a flag on your lounge chair, signaling a server to your side. Snack on a sandwich and French fries at the Sandpiper Tiki Bar, where a local artist’s vibrant handiwork perfects the tropical look.

Fishing enthusiasts cast lines for sailfish, kingfish and dolphin off the Lady Stuart, a deep-sea fishing charter docked at the resort’s marina. Rent watercrafts from Beach Watersports or bring your own boat and tie it up in one of 77 slips, where dolphins and manatees often make an appearance. The marina also has fuel pumps, and a boat ramp is just 600 feet from the resort’s entrance.

Outdoor Fun

Naturalists will enjoy exploring the property, which is Martin County’s only green, full-service resort (One-Palm Certified). Rent a bicycle and pedal along a trail lined with foxtail palms and silver buttonwoods, or hop aboard a tram that runs throughout the property every 15 minutes.

Play a tennis match at one of 13 courts or practice your golf swing at the aqua driving range. Tee off at the 18-hole golf course, a par 61. For a special occasion, arrange for a private twilight putting shoot-out, complete with glow-in-the-dark balls, tiki torches and a portable bar.

On weekends, children create sand art, have their faces painted and enjoy other recreational activities before participating in poolside cook-outs. On Thursdays, the resort hosts a family movie night. (Activities depend on occupency, so be sure to call ahead for details.)

After your days of fun in the sun, rejuvenation awaits in one of the resort’s 274 oversized guest rooms or suites, all of which feature a balcony or patio, down comforters and traditional Florida-style decor. The main hotel offers views of the golf course and pool, while some suites feature kitchenettes with granite countertops and oak cherry cabinets.

Order room service for dinner or indulge with filet mignon and herb-seared snapper at the Baha Grille. (Room service also available for breakfast and lunch.)

Downtown Diversions

Just minutes from the resort, discover a plethora of entertainment options.

Stroll the sidewalks of historic downtown Stuart, a laidback city with loads of charm. At Z Boutique, a hip shop where the owner handpicks every garment, find the perfect dress for a special night on the town. Drop by April Daze Boutique for unique women's clothing and brands such as Lucky Jeans and Free People, or pick up an amusing book about love letters at Simple Pleasures Bath and Beauty.

At the Lyric Theatre, an intimate, 500-seat facility that was once a silent movie house, take in a play or concert. Linger over a glass of wine at the Riverwalk Café & Oyster Bar, an intimate restaurant with exposed brick walls that serves up warm rolls and freshly roasted garlic.

Across the street from the resort within short walking distance is the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Science Center, a non-profit center where visitors can hand-feed sting rays and take guided nature walks. The center sits on 57 acres and has a 750,000-gallon game fish lagoon.

Take a trip back in time at the Elliott Museum, which houses American antiques, baseball memorabilia and vintage automobiles. Complete your Treasure Coast experience with a New York Mets Spring Training game at Tradition Field in nearby Port St. Lucie (also home to the St. Lucie Mets Minor League).

No matter if you stay on property or explore downtown, it’s easy to find entertainment. In fact, at the Hutchinson Island Marriott, boredom is a forbidden word.

This article is brought to you by the Hutchinson Island Marriott Resort & Marina. To plan your own getaway, call 772-225-3700 or visit www.marriott.com.