Vero Beach is an upscale community on Florida’s Treasure Coast, about 135 miles north of Miami. Considered by many to be the Hamptons of Florida, Vero Beach is a year-round destination with miles of pristine beaches, posh hotels, luxurious shops and top restaurants. It even has its share of celebrities such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan who own a hotel in town.

WHERE TO STAY

The Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is an elegant beach resort reminiscent of the grand hotels of Florida’s gilded age. The resort’s motto is prominently displayed in the lobby: “Life is good at the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa.” And indeed it is.

Book one of the oceanfront studio, spacious suites with sunken living rooms and terraces overlooking the pool area and ocean. They are tastefully decorated with Mahogany furniture, elegant marble floors and tropical ceiling fans, evoking a West Indies ambiance. Their baths are appointed with large soaking tubs, oversized glass-enclosed showers and Atelier Bloem toiletries.

The weather is warm and the beach is beckoning, so take a leisurely walk along the sandy shore, jump into the foamy surf or just relax poolside under a leafy palm tree. At lunch, make sure to treat yourself to an overstuffed lobster roll at Heaton’s Reef, the hotel’s outdoor restaurant.

Allocate some time to unwind at the hotel’s White Orchid Spa, a medical grade facility offering CoolSculpting, Botox and photo rejuvenation, as well as traditional spa treatments.

If you travel with your better half, book a couples’ massage. The ritual begins with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a steam shower and concludes with heavenly side-by-side massages that combine hot stones, Swedish strokes and pressure points.

One of the resort’s nightly highlights is the manager reception, where you enjoy complimentary wines, hot cider and delicious flat breads.

WHERE TO EAT

Ocean Grill is a popular restaurant located right on the beach. It’s a great place for lunch and daylight dining as you can enjoy the scenery while almost touching the rolling surf. Order the onion soup, fish sandwiches or their famous crab burgers.

The Tides is an acclaimed chef-operated restaurant located in a former residence. It specializes in “Treasure Coast Cuisine,” with Latin, Caribbean and Southern influences. Order the succulent scallops and the Pompano special, a pearly white fish served with tomato saffron and black currant couscous.

Vero Prime is a traditional steakhouse, famous for its prime, dry-aged steaks. Order their delicious crab cake and the melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon. For desert, indulge in the Chocolate Paradise.

WHAT TO SEE

Vero Beach Museum of Art is housed in a beautiful neoclassical structure, surrounded by manicured sculpture gardens. It is a highly regarded art institution and often features outstanding exhibitions from all over the world. Check out their website for seasonal shows.

The McKee Botanical Garden opened in 1932 as a Jungle Garden, featuring animals and plant specimens. Today, the garden spreads over 18 lush acres with bridges, ponds and historical structures from the garden’s past. The best way to visit is to arrange for a guide who will show you highlights from the over 10,000 native and tropical plants that grow there.

WHAT TO DO

One of the best ways to enjoy a relaxing day on the water is to charter the sailboat Moonraker. It sails from the Vero Beach City Marina along the Indian River Lagoon, passing by sprawling estates, picturesque islands, and frolicking dolphins. Contact Captain Bruce Jackson.

Take a stroll along Ocean Drive, a palm shaded avenue lined with independent boutiques offering high-end fashions and luxury goods. Stop by the Realtors’ windows and check out the multi-million dollar homes and estates in the area.

GETTING THERE

The Vero Beach Regional Airport is served by Elite Airways with direct flights from Newark, N.J. Otherwise it is about a two-hour drive North from the Fort Lauderdale Airport.

For more information about the many attractions in the area visit www.VisitIndianRiverCounty.com.