Mini Cooper

Pirate's Cove, Resort & Marine

A weekend escape from Miami’s hectic workweek is only a 2-hour drive away and only 30-minutes from West Palm Beach. Nestled in the Manatee Pocket waterway of Florida’s Treasure Coast in the town of Port Salerno – five miles south of downtown Stuart (known as “The Sailfish Capital of the World”) in Martin County - is the charming, picturesque old Florida-style Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina.

I had the pleasure of staying at Pirate’s Cove for an entire weekend this May. My room featured a plush king-size bed, quaint old-Florida décor seen on the walls and details of the furniture, and an ample size balcony for two with a gorgeous view of the marina. Just sitting around the balcony was relaxing enough, especially on a Saturday night when you can hear live music at the lounge and enjoy a gentle breeze from the marina.

At sunrise, if the water is warm enough along the pocket, you may be lucky enough to spot a manatee or two. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see one but local boaters said a family of three was nearby. Better luck next time.

Known as the “ultimate marine escape,” Pirate’s Cove is a chic 50-room hotel complex with its own private marina equipped with 50 slips for boats up to 80 feet in length, and an Intracoastal Waterway with direct access to the ocean and neighboring private beaches that are ideal for diving and snorkeling. The marina itself is equipped with cable TV hookups, high-speed wireless Internet, laundry & shower facilities, as well as marine and tackle supplies and fuel.

On the premises is Pirate’s Loft Restaurant, which features a 250-seat dining room and lounge with live music Friday and Saturday nights. For lunch on Monday, my editors and I enjoyed the Margarita Monday special and ordered an appetizer platter of Florida Steamers, which was absolutely delicious. These tender neck clams were perfectly steamed with just the right amount of lemon juice, garlic butter and white wine. Yummm... For the main course, I enjoyed the Fresh Mahi Sandwich, which was perfectly grilled and soft. Taking an early supper before our departure, my editors tried out the Sunset Supper specials. For only $14.95 you can enjoy a Crab Cake, Broiled Salmon, Rum Ribs or Shrimp Pasta Primavera entrees along with your choice of soup or salad, one side dish, dessert and coffee or tea. My editor enjoyed the Broiled Salmon and couldn’t stop talking about how perfectly seasoned it was.

Pirate’s Cove definitely displays warmth and charm through its friendly & courteous staff, always smiling and helpful, and a relaxing environment. The lobby features continental breakfast until 10:30am each morning, with a wide assortment of bagels & pastries, cereals, fruits, juices & coffee. Enjoy your breakfast outdoors on their covered wrap-around-porch or head over to the pool area, which has a comfortably-sized outdoor heated pool.

Far enough from the city but right on the allure of the Treasure Coast, Pirate’s Cove manages to preserve the value of a good weekend get-away. For more information on the resort, please visit: www.piratecoveresort.com.

Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina
4301 SE Bayview Street
Stuart, Florida 34997
772-287-2500

Quick Facts
* Check In: After 3pm
* Check Out: Noon
* All rooms are equipped with hair dryer, iron & ironing board, mini fridge, balcony with seating for two, and wireless Internet.
* Coffee service is available in the lobby 24-hours a day.
* The hotel can help you book your next boating activity.
* The hotel is capable of hosting events for up to 300 people. It is an ideal spot for an intimate wedding, anniversary, birthday party or business-networking event. Full catering is available for these events.

Allure of the Treasure Coast
Excerpt from Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina

The Treasure Coast takes its name from the pre-Colonial Spanish treasure ships that relied on the strength of the Gulf Stream to propel them from Havana to the New World.

In the summer of 1715, a tropical storm dumped the contents of 11 sailing ships – over 14 million gold and silver pieces and precious gems – onto the ocean floor off Stuart’s shores. Spain recovered much of the bounty, but for close to 300 years since enterprising fortune hunters such as Mel Fisher and others have searched and dived for sunken treasure.

In recent years, Stuart, Florida, has undergone a careful downtown revival, with particular care having been made to preserve the town’s seafaring past. A scenic river walk alongside the St. Lucie River is completed and outdoor concerts are staged regularly at an old-fashioned gazebo in the center of town, next to the county’s Cultural Arts Center.

South of Stuart, the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge takes visitors through forests of endangered sand pine and scrub oak. The refuge is home to a wide range of bird and animal wildlife – including alligators and manatees.