Looking to plan a green getaway? Martin County strives to be a welcoming and environmentally conscious destination. Our little slice of South Florida paradise is full of beautiful natural areas, thrilling eco-adventures, and voluntourism opportunities – but there are also plenty of sustainable lodging options for those planning an eco-friendly escape.
Here in Martin County, our two beachside resorts have both been recognized as Green Lodging Properties, meaning they uphold high standards of sustainability. The Florida Green Lodging Program (GLP) was established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to designate and recognize lodging facilities across the state that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. Some of the factors they evaluate include waste reduction and recycling, water conservation, and energy efficiency. Currently, there are 323 designated Florida Green Lodging properties across the state.
While in town, make sure to check out our award-winning Explore Natural Martin ecotourism program! Developed in partnership with Leave No Trace, visitors can register for free eco-tours and guided experiences that focus on responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Get even more involved by signing up for our free Explore Natural Martin EcoTrail! This mobile-exclusive, self-guided program highlights some of our area’s top outdoor wonders and attractions. Once you’re signed up, you’ll get points each time you “check-in” to a stop along the trail, which you can redeem for a range of cool prizes after reaching different point thresholds!
The stunning Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa in Jensen Beach is the perfect upscale retreat known for its sweeping oceanfront views. It was recently named one of the Top 30 Resorts in Florida by Conde Nast Traveler. The resort boasts 178 guest rooms which reflect the ocean’s color spectrum of blues, greens, and pearl. Greeted by an architecturally beautiful lobby with a grand, floating staircase and elegant features, guests of the resort enjoy interiors outfitted in a décor of classic marble, rich leathers, sand-colored hues, and bold nautical stripes. With spa services, a fabulous restaurant, two pools and cabanas, the resort presents 8,000 square feet of event space with endless beachside activities. The resort has been named a 3 Palm property, one of the Florida Green Lodging Program’s highest distinctions. Their team is committed to protecting the environment by reducing its carbon footprint, finding eco-friendly alternatives, and reducing energy consumption.
Immerse yourself in the Florida lifestyle at the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina. Beautifully situated on 200 acres by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the upscale resort features elegant resort accommodations, whether near the pool at our main hotel or close to the beach in Sandpiper Tower. Each hotel room features thoughtful amenities and a private balcony or patio with views over Hutchinson Island, and guests can enjoy activities like beach and water sports, an 18-hole golf course, a 77-slip private marina, 13 tennis courts, fitness center and outdoor pools, and more. The Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina is also a designated 2 Palm property through the Florida Green Lodging Program. Some of the environmentally friendly initiatives and practices currently in place include fluorescent and energy-efficient lighting, use of post-consumer paper, recycling of office paper, newspaper, plastic and glass, recycling of batteries, kitchen oil and light bulbs, motion sensor and timed light switches in offices and storage rooms, increased efficiency rating of the air filters in main air handler units, linen and towel reuse program, use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, and more.
One of Stuart’s newest hotel openings, Home2 Suites by Hilton is conveniently located off Route 1. This relaxed all-suite hotel features warmly decorated suites, bright accents, speedy Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes, plus sitting areas and sofa beds. There’s a colorful Oasis lounge area, as well as an outdoor pool, meeting rooms, and combined fitness and laundry facilities. The countertops in the Oasis community space are made of 85 percent pre-recycled and 100 post-recycled content, as well as the Humanscale desk chair made of 98 percent recycled product. The landscaping includes indigenous-only plants that significantly minimizes water usage and irrigation needs, and the outdoor swimming pool is an eco-friendly saline pool. Guest suites feature low-flow showers and faucets, LED lighting, biodegradable food trays, recycled flooring and carpet tiles (carpeting contains 60 percent recycled content), and efficient Energy Star appliances. Home2 Suites also incorporates Hilton’s LightStay system, which measures energy use, water consumption, waste and carbon output to help minimize the environmental impact of each property. Additionally, the brand has partnered with Clean the World, the world’s largest organization to recycle hotel soap and bath amenities.
Enjoy a relaxing stay at Comfort Suites Stuart-Hutchinson Island hotel in the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” This all-suite hotel offers the extra space, modern accommodations, and travel-essential amenities visitors need to be ready for the day ahead. The smoke-free hotel, Room to be Green-certified property is easily accessible to Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it convenient to reach area beaches and Historic Downtown Stuart. This green property is currently in the process for LEED certification, but the Room to be Green program focuses on five key pillars: energy conservation; water conservation; recycling and waste reduction; employee engagement and operational excellence; and smart, safe, and sustainable product usage. Some of the examples of the hotel’s sustainable practices include operating from energy created by rooftop solar panels, multiple electric vehicle charging stations on site, water conservation protocols, a property-wide recycling program, and much more.
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