Summer at Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

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With the roar of the Atlantic Ocean as background music for my holiday weekend, I kicked off summer at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. Admiral Nelson greeted me in the form of a rum punch (daily complimentary cocktail hour at 5 p.m.) upon arrival. My studio suite overlooked the intimate pool area, where cheery yellow chaises and blue umbrellas encircled the keyhole-shaped swimming pool. What I loved most about this room was the sitting area, three steps down from the sleeping quarters and separated by a white rail, that made me feel as if I had two separate rooms. The rattan furniture, wicker paddle fans and dark wooden plantation shutters were stunning.

I had dinner at the hotel's Cobalt restaurant, which turned out to be a great foodie find. The space included a bar and lounge and a dining room with high ceilings, but the primo spot was outdoors on the edge of the sand. Chef Michael VanBuskirk presented a charred octopus with pine nuts and hearts of palm that was exceptional. His local mutton snapper with a succotash of plump lima beans and crisp corn was delicious. No one should leave without sampling the truffle fries with aioli (trust me, you’ll ask for seconds).

Saturday morning I hit the golden sands with gusto. After all, nothing says summer better than a plunge in the warm ocean waters — and Vero Beach is the perfect place to catch the waves and rays all summer long.

Tags: Cobalt's | Vero Beach | Vero Beach Hotel & Spa