Florida isn’t so much a place where one goes to reinvent oneself, as it is a place where one goes if one no longer wished to be found.” So said Douglas Coupland, one of Canada’s most visible artists.
Coupland succinctly summarizes the phenomenon of retired snowbirds from the U.S. and Canada alike flocking each year to spend winter days lit by the perpetual sunlight of America’s southernmost state.
About 90 minutes north of Miami, nestled along the largest stretch of secluded beach in Palm Beach County, lies the sleepy ocean-front town of Jupiter, one of this iconic escape state’s hidden treasures.
Laid-back, relaxed luxury, the lure of the southern culture and cuisine and a slightly milder climate make this an attractive alternative to the intense crowds and pulsating heat of south Miami beaches.
Jupiter is a true travel destination for haven-seekers: the majority of the residents of this town are non-native, and its real estate market is still developing, making it both a potential residential haven for retirees, and a burgeoning go-to spot for tourists looking for a quiet beach holiday.
Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, one of the town’s preeminent properties, is located on a pristine strip of the south Atlantic coast. Natural sand dunes dot the shores, and gentle morning yoga on the beach at sunrise, led by on-site meditation experts, is an experience not to be missed.
The resort’s architecture is marked by tradition, with rich mahogany wood and marble adorning the lobbies, lounges and interior suites.
Jupiter’s restaurants embody old-world charm — and local comfort foods like crab cakes, grouper and southern fried chicken are served at tiki-torch lit tables on the outdoor terrace overlooking the beach.
The pool and lounge are characterized by white and blue hues, a nod to the perfect, tiny puffy clouds that dot the skyline above the grounds.
For light-activity seekers, nearby golf courses include Abacoa Golf Club, North Palm Beach Country Club and Jonathan’s Landing.
Pontiki Cruises offers a perfect way to explore the Atlantic intercoastal waterways with its afternoon boat sailings. The excursion is also an opportunity to admire the local art-deco architecture of the waterfront residences and spot local wildlife, such as pelicans, sea turtles and the mysterious, endangered native manatee.
Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is equipped with bicycles, and a leisurely ride along the beach boardwalk is the perfect lead-in to an afternoon siesta.
Lying by the pool listening to a live early-evening performance by local artists at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, the tide lapping gently at the nearby shore and the sunset colouring the sky deep pink, is the perfect spot to eat cake by the ocean, lost in relaxation, and nowhere to be found.
