We have been to Florida many times and this was our second visit to Turtle Reef on Hutchinson Island, Jensen Beach.
We first of all spent a very hectic week in Orlando with our son and his family doing all the usual things and then escaped for a week of bliss at the Turtle Reef Club in Jensen Beach. It is about 2 hours away from the tourist capital of the world (about 30 miles north of Fort Lauderdale) but it seems like a world away. To reach our resort, we had to cross the most spectacular causeway and we crossed this on a daily basis to get supplies and go out to eat.
Jensen Beach itself is beautiful and unspoilt, although it was a victim of hurricane Sandy and lost half of its width, it is still miles and miles of golden sand. We all loved it -all three generations of the family.
Turtle Reef is part of Defender Resorts and we were able to swap our week with Seasons Holidays via their exchange system. It is a small resort with two bedroom apartments which are fitted out with everything you need for your holiday. But best of all, you step out of your apartment, walk along a very short boardwalk and you are on the beach!!!!
The locals are very friendly and helpful and you are also just a short distance away from all the shops (of all kinds) that you could need. There are also restaurants aplenty, both local and large chains. You can get cuisine from many other cultures as well, of course, good old American. We recommend the Sante Fe Mexican restaurant – excellent food and value. Live music is available several times a week.
Just along from Turtle Reef is the most ornate house you will ever see – it is owned by a millionaire and, whilst we were there, it was decorated for Christmas – amazing and very tastefully done, but I'm sure you could see it from space.
If you want to shop for bargains, Vero Beach outlets is just an hour away – lots of designer outlets and other smaller shops – all at bargain prices.
I cannot recomment Turtle Reef enough, but there is alsom lots of other holiday accommodation to be had locally.
I would definitely recomment Jensen Beach to anyone.
