Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about Hutchinson Shores? It’s actually tucked away on this quieter stretch of Jensen Beach where you’re not fighting crowds for sand space – I mean, you’re still close to all the Stuart action, but there’s something refreshingly low-key about this particular piece of NE Ocean Boulevard. The moment you pull up, there’s this immediate sense that someone actually thought about what a beach resort should feel like, not just look like in photos.

The property itself has that “Florida resort done right” vibe – honestly, it’s one of those places where the 4-star rating feels accurate without trying too hard. The rooms are spacious (like, you can actually open your suitcase without doing yoga moves around the bed), and here’s something I appreciated: the balconies face the ocean properly, not at some weird angle where you’re squinting sideways to catch a glimpse of water. The spa is legit too – I’m usually skeptical of hotel spas, but they’ve got therapists who know what they’re doing, and the treatment rooms have this calming ocean sound thing happening naturally since you’re, well, right on the beach.

What really sets this place apart though is how it handles the whole “resort experience” without making you feel trapped in some vacation bubble. Sure, you can lounge by the pool all day if that’s your thing, but you’re also a quick drive to downtown Stuart’s riverfront (seriously, don’t sleep on the restaurants along the St. Lucie River), and if you’re into fishing, the Jensen Beach area is pretty fantastic for that. The staff here seems to get that balance – they’re helpful without being hovering, and they actually know the area well enough to give you real recommendations, not just the typical tourist trap suggestions. Parking is straightforward, check-in was smooth, and the whole place has this relaxed energy that makes you want to slow down a bit. It’s pricier than some of the chain hotels you’ll find further inland, but honestly? When you’re waking up to actual ocean views and you can walk straight onto a beach that doesn’t feel like a sardine convention, it makes sense.