Coastal Living has just unveiled its list of America’s Best Beach Towns for 2023, and it comes as no surprise to residents of Orchid Island that Vero Beach was recognized. Nestled along Florida’s serene Atlantic coastline, this hidden gem offers residents and visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an unmatched coastal lifestyle. With its quieter pace of life and pristine surroundings, Vero Beach is a haven for both humans and wildlife. Discover what makes this tranquil beach town so inviting.
Uncrowded White-Sand Beaches
Vero Beach boasts 26 miles of exquisite beaches, distinguished by their windswept beauty, unspoiled nature, and unobstructed views. Guided by the motto “sunrises, not high-rises,” hotels and shops have been carefully crafted to blend seamlessly into the surroundings. None of the buildings soar higher than three stories. The beaches are not overcrowded, leaving plenty of space for leisurely walks, beachcombing for seashells, surfing in crystal-clear waters or treasure hunting. While exploring the beaches, visitors are more likely to encounter sightings of loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings, ghost crabs, and diving pelicans, contributing to the beach’s enchanting ambiance.
Seaside Charm and a Passion for the Arts
In addition to beautiful beaches, the area offers a plethora of excursions, all while maintaining a laid-back, small-town atmosphere. The charming and eclectic seaside area is a delight to explore, with downtown Vero Beach and Ocean Drive bustling with options for casual and fine dining, boutique shopping, and more. Art enthusiasts can visit Vero Beach Museum of Art’s curated exhibits, film screenings, lectures, film library and more. Just across the street, Riverside Theatre is a beloved destination for Orchid Island Members, showcasing Tony-award-winning performances, stand-up comedy, and children’s theater.
Orchid Island – A Private Beach & Golf Club Community Near Vero Beach
Just to the north of Vero Beach, nestled on the barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club enjoys a beautiful natural setting that is second to none. Here, pristine natural environments and world-class amenities converge with a welcoming culture to create a renowned private golf and beach club lifestyle. The Arnold Palmer-designed golf course is the beloved centerpiece of the community and was the proud host of the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, every turn within this par-72 course welcomes exciting views of natural seaside landscapes teeming with wildlife. The West Indies-style Beach Club is a social place designed for both fitness and leisure, with a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, multiple dining venues, and a full-service salon and spa.
A Premier Collection of Golf, Riverfront, And Oceanfront Homes and Condos
Each of Orchid Island’s 375 residences surrounds Members in the best of Florida’s natural beauty. With many homes located directly on the water or overlooking Orchid Island’s championship golf course, each home features West Indies architectural designs, panoramic natural vistas, and the secluded privacy of living in a gated oceanfront golf community. Luxurious oceanfront condominiums and oceanfront estates are spacious and bright with open Atlantic Ocean views. A wide array of single-family riverfront estates offer open Indian River views and many feature private docks. Golf course homes and cottages are tucked away on private cul-de-sacs and winding streets to maintain open views of the lush fairways and sparkling lakes of its distinctive Arnold Palmer course.
With demand for this highly sought-after community at an all-time high, inventory is limited at Orchid Island. To stay updated on new real estate listings, register your interest at OrchidIslandFL.com. A complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine is available on-line, showcasing the surrounding area and lifestyle of the community. Call 772.388.3888 for more information or to schedule a private community club tour.
If there’s one place in Coastal Florida where foodies are being rewarded, it’s at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. From refreshing tropical plates served poolside to Asian-inspired themed dinners, this private Club in Vero Beach provides a robust calendar of dining events that bring international flavors to life. Among the most popular private events, Members look forward to the Fine Wine Affairs, where food and wine enthusiasts gather for an unforgettable evening. Let’s take a closer look.
Wine Connoisseurs Welcomed
Hosted once a month at the Beach Club during the Winter season, the Fine Wine Affair allows Members to sip and sample in style, combining international vintners with the farm-to-table fare Orchid Island is known for. Each month spotlights a different vintner, providing an educational introduction to the wines featured and the regions they come from. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, followed by a five-course dinner where dishes handcrafted by Executive Chef Chris Sozio and his team are perfectly paired with wines from that month’s featured vineyard. From French-based Jean-Luc Colombo and Rombauer Vineyards to Napa-based Fisher Vineyards, every Fine Wine Affair brings the opportunity to expand Members’ palates.
March’s Fine Wine Affair Features Planeta Winery
On March 15th, Members gathered for the last Fine Wine Affair of the season, featuring Planeta Winery. First opened in 1995, the Italian-based vineyard combines the oldest Sicilian traditions with innovative and modern approaches. With seven wineries spread throughout five regions of Italy, the company works with indigenous vines while also experimenting with international varieties to create what are considered the best wines of each region. Planeta’s wines were not only featured at the Fine Wine Affair, but three of their best varieties – a red, white, and a red blend – can be enjoyed daily at the Beach Club or the Golf Club.
Delightful Evenings Served with an Oceanfront View
Along with a robust series of events, Executive Chef Chris Sozio and his team work to create a welcoming ambiance within each of the Club’s three dining venues. The Pool Grille and Turtle Bar offer an easygoing setting where friends can come together, bonding over burgers and cocktails while watching dolphins swim along the Atlantic coastline. The “19th hole” Golf Club offers casual fare of salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads in a variety of atmospheres, from the main dining room to an extended patio overlooking grand views of the fairways. Finally, the Beach Club’s elegant dining venue is home to five-star creations that include everything from healthy selections to innovative dishes and decadent desserts – all while overlooking the stunning azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Best of all, residents can hop on their golf carts and be at any of the venues within mere minutes.
A Coastal Florida Lifestyle Surrounded by Nature’s Beauty
Spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River, Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club is highly sought-after for its laid-back waterfront lifestyle. World-class dining, however, isn’t the only aspect of Orchid Island that Members enjoy. The West Indies-inspired Beach Club serves as the heart of the community, with a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, two pickleball courts, and a spa. Residents also enjoy nearly a mile of secluded beach and an Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course.
Located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Orchid Island is home to a wide variety of premier riverfront and oceanfront estates, courtyard homes, cottages, and mid-rise condominiums. For those interested in learning more about this picturesque, one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine. If you’re in the area, schedule a visit to the Orchid Island Realty office for a community club tour. Visit OrchidIslandFL.com or call 772.388.3888 for more information.
Although Orchid Island is known for its year-round active lifestyle, the Florida golf and beach club community is also home to winter residents desiring to enjoy sunny weather, pristine ocean-to-river views, and the company of warm and welcoming friends. Now, for some of our snowbirds, flying to this private oceanside paradise just got easier. Breeze Airways has officially begun a series of direct flights from Vero Beach Regional Airport to key cities in the northeast. Let’s take a closer look.
Seamless Connectivity to Vero Beach
Located just 12 miles from Orchid Island, Vero Beach Regional Airport’s new cooperation with Breeze Airways has expanded the airport’s reach, providing nonstop flights from Vero Beach to Hartford, Connecticut; Westchester, New York; and Norfolk, Virginia. With a commitment to providing air service excellence to the surrounding community, these new flight options create a simplified travel experience for Orchid Island Members away from the hustle and bustle of the larger international airports.
Nearby Vero Beach Diversions
While Orchid Island Members enjoy their slice of secluded oceanfront paradise, the Florida golf community is just a short drive away from numerous serene escapes. The 18-acre McKee Botanical Gardens is a wild place of natural beauty, home to more than 10,000 colorful native plants and exotic species as well as one of Florida’s largest collections of water lilies. The Vero Beach Museum of Art is the nation’s largest art museum created by private funds, featuring curated exhibits, film screenings, lectures, seminars, a film library, and art classes for every age. Just across the street, Riverside Theatre is a cherished destination for Orchid Island Members to see a show, with Tony-award winning performances, stand-up comedy, a children’s theater, and the local favorite “Howl at the Moon” dueling piano cabarets. Downtown Vero Beach and Ocean Drive are also filled with casual and fine dining, boutique shopping, and more for residents to explore.
A Private Beach & Golf Club Community on Florida’s Treasure Coast
Nestled on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club enjoys a beautiful natural setting that is second to none. Here, pristine natural environments and world-class amenities converge with a welcoming culture to create a renowned private golf and beach club lifestyle. The Arnold Palmer-designed golf course is the beloved centerpiece of the community and was the proud host of the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, every turn within this par-72 course welcomes exciting views of natural seaside landscapes teeming with wildlife. The West Indies-style Beach Club is a social place designed for both fitness and leisure, with a resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, multiple dining venues, and a full-service salon and spa.
A Premier Collection of Golf, Riverfront, and Oceanfront Homes
Each of Orchid Island’s 375 homes surrounds Members in the best of Florida’s natural beauty. With many homes located directly on the water or overlooking Orchid Island’s championship golf course, each home features West Indies architectural designs, panoramic natural vistas, and the secluded privacy of living in a gated oceanfront golf community. Luxurious oceanfront condominiums and oceanfront estates are spacious and bright with open Atlantic Ocean views. A wide array of single-family riverfront estates offer open Indian River views and many feature private docks. Golf course homes and cottages are tucked away on private cul-de-sacs and winding streets to maintain open views of the lush fairways and sparkling lakes of its distinctive Arnold Palmer course.
With demand for this highly sought-after community at an all-time high, inventory is limited at Orchid Island. To learn more about this picturesque, one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine or call 772.388.3888 for more information or to schedule a private community club tour.
Contrary to the city’s quaint size, the charming seaside town of Vero Beach has received national recognition once again. A new article from Wall Street Journal’s lifestyle section highlights why travelers love visiting four small towns on Florida’s Treasure Coast- Vero Beach, Sebastian, Stuart, and Fort Pierce. Article writers Valerie Stivers and Hank Zona share, “On the Treasure Coast north of West Palm Beach, it’s not just shell art and shopping-for-oranges anymore. The diverse stretch is a local secret for boaters and those seeking a full-stop Old Florida vacation but also for a new wave of home buyers.”
Nicknamed “The Old Money,” the Wall Street Journal article shares how Vero Beach’s live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and high-end lifestyle have naturally drawn visitors for decades. The article then shares a local’s guide to some of the area’s best attractions, including beaches, the cultural scene, restaurants, and the best take-home souvenirs. Here’s your chance to read the article if you missed it.
Born in the Caribbean Islands, West Indies architecture perfectly blends contemporary and traditional styles to inspire indoor/outdoor living. From large wooden verandahs and cathedral ceilings to transitional exteriors, this coastal style is like a breath of fresh air. While West Indies architecture has been around since the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, its ability to capture ocean breezes has made it a popular choice for homes along Florida’s Atlantic coastline, especially at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this timeless architectural style so appealing.
What is West Indies Architecture?
West Indies architecture is known for its distinguished symmetry, with beautiful columns, louvers, doors, and windows configured in relation to a central axis. High ceilings with dark wood beam details are not only appealing, but encourage warmer air to rise, and cool breezes to flow through the interior. Large French doors and beautifully arched windows provide beautiful focal points that bring the outside in. West Indies architecture is also known for its inviting outdoor living areas, with clean lines and covered porches that maximize the ocean breeze.
As the interior designer for both of Orchid Island’s Clubhouses, Spectrum Design President and Founder Susan Smith has witnessed consistent demand for West Indies design throughout the coastal Florida region. “West Indies architecture and design styles have remained in constant demand for the last 20 to 25 years along Vero Beach. It captures the area’s natural beauty in the same way it did in the colonial days.”
West Indies Architecture Meets Sunlit Shores
Just off the sandy shores of the Atlantic coastline, Orchid Island’s private Beach Club was the first building within the community to feature the West Indies style. Large windows and open-air balconies overlook the swimming pool, private cabanas, and beach walkover. Entire walls open up to large verandas that offer views of the ocean, bringing in the sound of gently lapping waves and the feeling of refreshing coastal breezes. On the inside, interior design firm Spectrum Design created a warm, inviting space that has withstood the test of time and won numerous design awards. The use of batik fabrics creates colorful accents with multiple colors and patterns, adding a touch of East Asian flair to the design.
“The Beach Club’s West Indies design evokes the feeling of an exotic destination,” shared Smith. “It’s bringing that vacation resort – like you’ve traveled to the West Indies or the Far East – to your backyard. I haven’t seen any club that has been able to replicate that.”
Golf, River, and Oceanfront Homes Capture Soft Breezes
As one of the first Beach Clubs in the area, West Indies architecture became the personality that set the stage for Orchid Island’s distinctive collection of 30+ golf, ocean, and riverfront homes and 66 oceanfront condos. 375 properties each feature West Indies architectural design, with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and beautiful outdoor living areas with panoramic natural vistas. Luxurious oceanfront condominiums and oceanfront estates are spacious and bright with open Atlantic Ocean views. A wide array of single-family riverfront estates offer unobstructed Indian River views, and many feature private docks. Golf course homes and cottages are tucked away on private cul-de-sacs and winding streets to maintain open views of the lush fairways and sparkling lakes of its distinctive Arnold Palmer course. Real-time current listings are featured on the community’s website, OrchidIslandFL.com.
Timeless Island Living Surrounded by Nature’s Beauty
Embraced by a breathtaking ocean-to-river environment and surrounded by architecturally distinct homes, Orchid Island Members enjoy endless opportunities to enjoy a tropical vacation in their own backyard. The world-class Arnold Palmer golf course is the beloved centerpiece of the community and was the proud host of the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, every turn within this par-72 course welcomes exciting views of natural seaside landscapes teeming with wildlife. For the health focuses, a state-of-the-art fitness center, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a spa ensure Members can look and feel their best. This charming seaside community, however, is filled with even more to discover outside the gates. Downtown Vero Beach and Ocean Drive are full of arts and culture, casual and fine dining, and boutique shopping waiting for residents to explore.
For those interested in learning more about this one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine. This intriguing publication tells the story of the Vero Beach area and how nature coexists with the residents. If you’re in the area, schedule a visit to the Orchid Island Realty office for a community and club tour. Call 772.388.3888 for more information or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.
With its exceptional coastal scenery and endless sunshine, it’s no wonder Florida is home to many of the world’s top private golf club communities. Yet, there’s only one Orchid Island, thanks to Arnold Palmer and its Audubon certified natural surroundings. Located on a barrier island near Vero Beach, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club Members celebrate the incredible environmental beauty of its ocean-to-river habitat, but also a unique and welcoming Club culture. See why this Vero Beach-area championship golf course has gained national acclaim.
Championship Golf Island Style
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon, Orchid Island’s 18-hole championship golf course surrounds players with a unique tropical landscape and enjoys continuous ocean breezes. Recognized as one of the best in Florida, legendary golfer Arnold Palmer designed the par-72 course under the simple principle that golf should be fun to play. Beginners cherish the course’s picturesque nature tour, where every turn brings breathtaking views of lush greens, swaying palms, and shimmering lakes bordered with flowing grasses and tropical fauna. Championship golfers, however, shouldn’t think this course will be a breeze. Nine tee combinations ranging from 4,231 to 7,216 yards create a flexible game with challenging layouts designed to test even the best player’s touch. In fact, Orchid Island’s golf course was chosen to host the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.
A Certified Audubon Sanctuary
Golfers, however, aren’t the only ones who enjoy spending a day out on the fairways. Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club is one of the few Florida barrier island courses recognized by Audubon International as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Its long history of supporting the environment and surrounding wildlife creates a bio-diverse ecosystem that adds to the special nature of the course. Daily sightings of otters at play, roseate spoonbills, graceful egrets, and white pelicans enjoying the waterscapes will capture any golfer’s attention.
Golf Training and Practice Facilities
Orchid Island provides unique practice facilities enabling Members to hone their skills in all areas of golf. These practice facilities were designed to mimic many characteristics that are found on the Arnold Palmer Championship Golf Course. They include a double-sided driving range allowing Members to practice at either end while providing additional tee space, two putting greens meticulously maintained that are consistent to those found on the golf course, an enhanced chipping and pitching area, as well as two practice bunkers. As the Director of Golf since 2019, David Champagne leads a team of qualified PGA Golf Professionals that offer a wide range of instructional programs developing skills for all levels of play, while enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.
An Active Golf Club Event Schedule
The golf professionals also host a series of much-loved Member tournaments and events that make starting up new friendships or renewing old ones easygoing and fun. Serious competitors cherish hitting the links for the President’s Cup and Orchid Cup, while Twilight Nine & Dines, Adult & Child 9-Hole Scrambles, and more are casual events that beginners can enjoy as well. After an exciting round on the greens, the Golf Clubhouse’s casual dining venue is a natural “19th hole,” where a light fare of salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads are combined with picturesque views of the fairways. The Golf Clubhouse is also home to a Pro Shop that provides the finest in golf apparel and equipment to satisfy any shopping needs.
Oceanfront Beach Club Just a Golf Cart Ride Away
Orchid Island’s championship golf course is just the beginning of a premier collection of amenities just a short golf cart ride away. A West Indies-inspired Beach Club creates an easygoing setting where generations can gather together to enjoy a tropical seaside pool, rejuvenating spa, world-class dining, and endless special-interest clubs. For the health-focused, a state-of-the-art fitness center houses personal trainers and physical therapists ready to guide and motivate every personal fitness quest. Eight Har-Tru tennis courts and two pickleball courts celebrate social connections, muscle movements, and friendly competition for players at all skill levels.
A Collection of Ocean and Riverfront Homes
Orchid Island is home to a wide variety of premier ocean and riverfront homes in high demand. Homes are in high demand and sell quickly. Real-time current listings are featured on the community’s website, OrchidIslandFL.com. With many homes located directly on the water, the magnificent oceanfront estates feature West Indies architectural designs, panoramic natural vistas, and the secluded privacy of living in a gated oceanfront enclave. Luxurious oceanfront low-rise condominium residences are spacious, bright homes with square footage in the mid-3,000 range. A wide array of single-family riverfront estate homes is also available, offering open Indian River views and many with private docks.
With demand for this highly sought-after community at an all-time high, inventory is limited at Orchid Island. To learn more about this picturesque, one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine or call 772.388.3888 for more information or to schedule a private community club tour.
Photo courtesy of Joshua Kodis
As featured in Vero News, written by Steve Thomas
A building boom is underway at the Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club, where real estate prices are up 65 percent since before Covid and demand for homes has never been stronger.
Westmark, builder/developer of Palm Island Plantation, is the main player in the current Orchid building boom, with six new homes going up on one street near the front gate and three more underway elsewhere in the community.
Banov, a Vero Beach architectural and building firm, Croom Construction, and other companies also have homes under construction or in the planning and permitting stage.
The new homes, mostly valued between $1.6 million and $2.5 million, have all been sold, so they won’t bolster the island’s anemic inventory, but they are bringing new life and energy to the ocean-to-river development, which was built along the Atlantic shore and around an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course.
“When you drive around the community and see all the new construction and extensive renovations, you can feel a sense of vibrancy and excitement in the air,” said Orchid Island Realty broker Anne Torline.
“The club started in the early 1990s and you can get by for a couple of decades without major renovations, but we are getting to that point where the houses really need to be upgraded and so many of our members are doing that,” said Torline.
More than 20 percent of the homes and lots in Orchid have changed hands in the past several years and many renovations are being done by new owners fixing up dated homes to suit their modern lifestyles.
In other cases, some residents who might have sold and moved for a variety of reasons, but who “couldn’t find a place to go,” are taking the plunge and redoing their homes for the long haul.
It’s all part of what Club Manager Rob Tench describes as a natural shift and turnover that occurs when a community is 25 or 30 years old and original residents decide to downsize to assisted living or move closer to family members and a new generation of buyers arrives.
The extent of the turnover jumps out on the Property Appraiser website, which shows color-coded sales by year. Six of 11 direct riverfront homes and on Grove Place changed hands in the past three years, for instance, while 12 of 21 on Caribe Way have sold, and other streets have seen a similar infusion of new neighbors moving in from the Northeast, South Florida, the western U.S. and Canada.
Demand and sales at the club “exploded” during the pandemic, with annual sales tripling at the peak of the boom, according to Torline.
“We aren’t as well-known as some of the larger clubs on the island,” Torline added. “But we were discovered during the pandemic when so many people started looking for homes in Florida. Once they found us and came here and looked around, they couldn’t believe how beautiful it is and were eager to buy.”
Westmark Enterprises vice president Steve Owen told Vero Beach 32963 that buyers of his lot/home packages have been attracted “first and foremost by the quality of the community. They are buying a lifestyle, not just shelter. They’re looking for the great golf, tennis, beach club and everything else that is offered here. Once they see all that, it is just a matter of finding a home that fits their needs – which is where we come in.”
Owen was searching for buildable lots on the island back in 2020 – and is still actively looking today – because Palm Island Plantation, Westmark’s signature island community, is very nearly built out with just a lot or two left.
When he heard about the lots in Orchid, he went up and took a look and liked what he saw.
“It is a high-end community that is very well done. It was a perfect match for us in price and quality, and there are a lot of well-qualified people coming into Orchid to look for a home,” Owen said.
He put six lots on Island Place under contract in 2020 and proceeded to design the houses and get them approved by the club and the town of Orchid. Orchid Island Realty sold the home/lot packages.
“The lot/home packages went like that,” Torline said, snapping her fingers. “I think I sold four in one weekend.”
Property records show that Westmark closed on the lots in May 2021 and almost immediately resold them to buyers purchasing lot/home packages.
When Owen saw the hunger for Westmark’s product on Island Place, he snapped up three more lots on other streets in Orchid.
As they sold out, lot prices tripled or close to it, according to Torline.
“Before the pandemic, there were lots listed for under $100,000 and they didn’t sell,” she said. “The one we just put under contract was listed for $295,000.”
Westmark broke ground on its first home in Orchid in the summer of 2021 with the expectation it would take 12-14 months to complete, but pandemic supply chain issues pushed that timeframe back.
“Prior to Covid, we built homes in 10 to 12 months and we thought the extra two months would be sufficient to deal with shortages, but there are still things that are hard to get that have slowed us down,” Owen said. “We are thinking 14 to 16 months now, but it is hard to say for sure.”
Owen cited the metal boxes electric meters fit into as an example of a critical shortage. The boxes are a key component because interior finish work can’t be started until the homes are dried in and there is electricity to run the air conditioning.
“It is frustrating, having one little item like that hold us up,” Owen said.
Westmark offered its new home packages at a fixed price, which turned out to be a costly decision.
“We have always sold homes on a fixed-price basis,” Owen said. “And we sold these the same way. If we would have known what was coming, we would have done it on a cost-plus basis.”
“We’ve have eaten a lot of price increases but so have a lot of other people. There was no way to anticipate all the problems Covid was going to cause, but we will live through it. It’s still been a been a good project for us.”
Photo courtesy of Joshua Kodis
Nestled on a Florida barrier island between the pristine shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the wildlife-filled estuaries of the Indian River Lagoon to the west, Orchid Island is a unique private sanctuary for its resident Members. Within this secluded community, pristine natural environments and world-class amenities converge with a welcoming culture to create a renowned private golf and beach club lifestyle. Meet the Members who share their unique perspectives:
Pictured left to right: Bill Kennedy, Mary Stewart, David McLean
Resident Trio Personifies the Spirit of Orchid Island
For David McLean, a years-long search for a new home led him to an accomplished and friendly community where he rediscovered his passions for painting and music. Bill Kennedy also discovered newfound pleasures, where relaxing days are filled with athletic and intellectual pursuits instead of the hustle of working in the city. Mary Stewart learned first-hand from the kindness of strangers—it’s part of the community culture and connections that matter most when navigating life’s transitions.
What do all three of these Florida residents have in common? They found their purpose at Orchid Island and have shared their stories in the “Life on purpose” editorial series. These profiles of purpose celebrate the personal and collective experiences that unfold every day at this treasured Florida community. See their personal insights into the community’s welcoming culture, inspiring surroundings, and engaged lifestyle. To read more about David, Mary, and Bill’s experiences, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Life on purpose multi-media brochure.
A Private Beach & Golf Club Community on Florida’s Treasure Coast
For many Members, Orchid Island’s environmental diversity gives the community much of its appeal, from coconut palms and nearly a mile of pristine beachfront ancient oak hammocks and mangrove-lined estuaries. Many of the 375 beautiful West Indies-inspired homes feature direct ocean or water views, surrounding Members in the best of Florida’s natural beauty from their backyards. Members enjoy the best natural neighbors, with the community providing sanctuary to hundreds of species of Florida’s migratory birds, manatees, sea turtles, and more. Pristine bodies of water, native wildlife, and Florida’s year-round tropical weather transform this area into a premier private club community.
West Indies-Inspired Architecture Meets Resort-Style Amenities
Embraced by a breathtaking natural environment, Orchid Island’s collection of premier amenities allows Members endless opportunities to enjoy all of the benefits of living a purpose-filled life in today’s world. The world-class Arnold Palmer golf course is the beloved centerpiece of the community and was the proud host of the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, every turn within this par-72 course welcomes exciting views of natural seaside landscapes teeming with wildlife. A West Indies-inspired Beach Club creates an easygoing setting where generations can gather together to enjoy a tropical seaside pool, rejuvenating spa, world-class dining, and endless special-interest clubs.
For the health-focused, a state-of-the-art fitness center houses personal trainers and physical therapists ready to guide and motivate every personal fitness quest. More than 35 group classes, including yoga, Pilates, and spin classes, ensure Members can look and feel their best. Eight Har-Tru tennis courts and two pickleball courts celebrate social connections, muscle movements, and friendly competition for players at all skill levels. No matter how Members choose to spend their days at Orchid Island, the cool ocean breeze is sure to follow them wherever they go.
With demand for this highly sought-after community at an all-time high, residential home inventory is limited at Orchid Island. To learn more about this picturesque, one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine. Visit OrchidIslandFL.com or call 772.388.3888 for more information or to schedule a private community club tour.
From coconut palms and white-sand beaches to ancient oak hammocks and mangrove-lined estuaries, few places in Coastal Florida enjoy a more beautiful setting than Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. Located in the Town of Orchid in Vero Beach’s “Gateway to the Tropics,” this lush green paradise draws nature lovers from around the world to enjoy the area’s subtropical and tropical climates. Here are just a few of the vibrant natural habitats Members cherish both inside and outside the gates of this renowned private club community.
Orchid Island’s Favored Nature Spots
From the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River estuaries, the Orchid Island community is surrounded by natural beauty that Members are inspired to enjoy every day. The white sand of Orchid Island’s pristine beachfront stretches for nearly a mile, where residents can stroll the beach, fish, surf, or just spend time soaking in the Florida sunshine. Orchid Island’s riverside kayak launch provides kayakers and paddle boarders with a sightseeing adventure through the Indian River Lagoon, the most biologically diverse waterway in North America.
On land, take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the Historic Jungle Trail. Crossing the entire Orchid Island neighborhood, this eight-mile sandy road along the shoreline of the Indian River provides a beautiful backdrop for palm tree hammocks and coastal wetlands. The trail’s end also leads to Pelican Island Sanctuary, the first wildlife refuge in the U.S. National Park Registry. Members also enjoy a West Indies-inspired Beach Club, championship Arnold Palmer golf course, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, two pickleball courts, a world-class fitness center, and a rejuvenating spa.
Meet Orchid Island’s Natural Residents
Alongside these natural wonders, residents of Orchid Island share this beautiful community with hundreds of species of Florida’s migratory birds and animals. Orchid Island has a long history of supporting the environment and surrounding wildlife and has been certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2005. From white pelicans and roseate spoonbills flying overhead to otters and bottlenose dolphins playing in the lagoon, every turn within this private club community welcomes nature lovers to daily sightings of the natural neighbors that call Orchid Island home.
Nearby Gardens and Nature Sanctuaries
When it’s time to explore outside the gates of Orchid Island, ample natural sanctuaries spread throughout Florida’s Treasure Coast provide serene escapes. On the tip of two barrier islands, the Sebastian Inlet State Park and nearby beaches are not only a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail but welcome the largest assembly of nesting loggerhead sea turtles in the nation. The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge is also nearby, comprising over 20.5 miles of beachfront and serving as a home for 140 species of birds and 350 species of fish. For those who prefer to enjoy nature in a refined way, the 18-acre McKee Botanical Gardens is a wild place of natural beauty just a short drive away. More than 10,000 colorful native plants and exotic species can be found alongside ponds and scenic streams dotted with one of Florida’s largest collections of water lilies. No matter where residents choose to go, they will surely find an adventure that creates lifelong memories.
River and Oceanfront Homes Surrounded By Nature’s Beauty
For those interested in learning more about Orchid Island’s nature-focused lifestyle, visiting OrchidIslandFL.com is an excellent way to get to know the community. With many homes located directly on the water, the magnificent oceanfront estates feature West Indies architectural designs, panoramic natural vistas, and the secluded privacy of living in a gated oceanfront enclave. Luxurious oceanfront low-rise condominium residences are spacious, bright homes with square footage in the mid-3,000 range. A wide array of single-family riverfront estate homes is also available, offering open Indian River views and many with private docks.
With demand for this highly sought-after community at an all-time high, inventory is limited at Orchid Island. To learn more about current listings or the picturesque lifestyle of this one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine or call 772.388.3888 for more information or to schedule a private community club tour.
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway along Florida’s Treasure Coast, few places in Florida enjoy a more beautiful setting than Orchid Island. Here, pristine natural environments converge with a unique and welcoming culture to make it the perfect private club choice. Here’s a look behind the gates of Orchid Island to see how this private golf & beach club community is embracing its natural surroundings to create an unforgettable lifestyle.
The Edge of the Tropics
Located just north of Vero Beach, Orchid Island’s dynamic location is graced with a unique mix of vegetation that adds to the special nature of the community. From coconut palms and stunning beaches to ancient oak hammocks and dense pine forests, the area’s environmental diversity gives it much of its natural appeal. Alongside these natural wonders, the community also provides sanctuary to hundreds of species of Florida’s migratory birds and animals, including manatees, river otters, armadillos, and herons. Pristine bodies of water, native wildlife, and year-round warm weather transform this area into a premier private club community.
West Indies Architecture Meets Sunlit Shores
Just a golf cart ride away, the serene Atlantic coastline invites Members to enjoy nearly a mile of white sand beaches. Whether strolling the beachfront, fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, or just spending time with family, the beach has a special appeal to every member of the family. Just off the sandy shores, the West Indies-inspired Beach Club creates an easygoing setting where numerous gathering places and ocean breezes nurture the spirit of neighbors becoming friends. Generations come together to enjoy a tropical seaside pool, a rejuvenating spa, a Member’s Lounge, and more. Multi-purpose rooms are also home to numerous special interest clubs, including clubs for the arts, Bridge, Mah Jongg, gardening, sporting, and more.
Tropical Menus That Celebrate Local Flavors
Orchid Island is also home to three dining venues that create a welcoming and coastally inspired ambiance. Bond over burgers and tropical libations while watching dolphins swim along the Atlantic coastline at the Pool Grille and Turtle Bar.
The Golf Club offers a casual fare of salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads in a variety of atmospheres, from the main dining room to an extended patio overlooking grand views of the fairways. Finally, the Beach Club’s elegant oceanfront dining venue is home to innovative five-star cuisines that are sure to please any palate.
Behind it all, Executive Chef Chris Sozio is leading the way in elevating the Club’s daily menus with his farm-to-table philosophy, ensuring fresh, flavor-filled dishes for Members and their guests.
Music Mixed with Waves
Among all the things to do at Orchid Island, the Turtle Bar is the place to be on Friday night. From 5-9 PM, the bar is filled with live entertainment from local musicians in a vibrant open-air setting. Members love to grab a refreshing cocktail and converse with friends while listening to the sounds of music combined with the gentle lapping of the ocean waves.
Championship Golf Island Style
As the beloved centerpiece of the community, Orchid Island is home to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. Surrounded by a seaside natural landscape teeming with wildlife, this course is one of Florida’s few barrier island courses. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, every turn within this par-72 course welcomes a delightful surprise with natural neighbors including white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and daily sightings of migratory birds and wildlife that capture any golfer’s attention.
Kayak Cove Launch Along The Estuary
For those who relish spending time outdoors or on the water, Orchid Island’s riverside kayak launch provides direct access to the saltwater estuaries of the Indian River Lagoon, the most biologically diverse waterway in North America. Members love to spend their days birdwatching, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and boating around the area’s salt and freshwater marshes, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. Manatees, pelicans, tricolored herons, snowy egrets, and more all congregate throughout the mangroves and provide a beautiful sightseeing adventure.
An Oceanfront Homestead Surrounded by Nature’s Beauty
For those interested in learning more about Orchid Island’s waterfront lifestyle, visiting OrchidIslandFL.com is an excellent way to get to know the community. Orchid Island is home to a wide variety of premier ocean and riverfront homes for sale, and current listings are featured on their website. With many homes located directly on the water, the magnificent oceanfront estates feature West Indies architectural designs, panoramic natural vistas, and the secluded privacy of living in a gated oceanfront enclave. Luxurious oceanfront low-rise condominium residences are spacious, bright homes with square footage in the mid-3,000 range. A wide array of single-family riverfront estate homes is also available, offering open Indian River views and many with private docks.
With demand for this highly sought-after community at an all-time high, inventory is limited at Orchid Island. To learn more about this picturesque, one-of-a-kind private club community, request a complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine or call 772.388.3888 for more information or to schedule a private community club tour.
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