September is one of the slowest months of the year in Vero Beach, and indeed, in Florida. Several businesses along Ocean Drive are closed for renovations, or vacation. As someone who dislikes crowds, that makes it one of my favorite times to be a tourist in my own state.
The Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is a relative newcomer to this seaside resort (it opened in 2007). The decor is said to be West Indies, but Kimpton Hotels, which operates the property, has its mark on the place, too, from the soaps and lotions to the service.
I’ve never stayed at a hotel in Vero, but unlike other beach hotels, the ocean is very much front and center. I can hear the waves crashing against the shore from here. Tonight, they’re expecting the eggs in two carefully-monitored turtle nests just a few steps away from my room to hatch.
I half expect to wake up tomorrow morning and find a surfer on my sofa.
The highlight of our weekend visit — other than never having to wait for a table at a Nino’s or The Lemon Tree — was the hotel’s pool. You won’t find any of the uptight-ness that you sense at some of the hotel pools farther south, where women compete for the title of best tummy tuck, men flex their steroid-enhanced biceps, and kids … well, there are no kids.
Let’s just say the West Indies influence can be seen poolside, which is a very good thing.
I’m told the resort is opening a full-service onsite spa next year, which will just make an already impressive property even better.
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I like the sound and look of the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. Hope I can see it in person one day. Since the sound of waves is one of my favorite sounds, and waking up to a view of the ocean (does all rooms have ocean views?) is true bliss, I’m pretty sure I’d enjoy a stay there.
Nice post!!! I found your blog and its amazing what i have read so far in your post, about the hotel, about the Spa. Interesting.
Thanks