Sometimes, the best getaway does not require a flight, an elaborate itinerary or even a full week away. Sometimes, one night near the ocean with a close friend is enough to help you reset.

Over Labor Day weekend, my close friend Melissa and I checked into Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa for a girls’ escape filled with laughter, relaxation and the simple joy of having nowhere else we needed to be. Located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, the resort gave us that wonderful feeling of being far away without requiring us to travel very far.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt calm and inviting. The Atlantic Ocean sits just beyond the resort’s pool deck, creating a setting where beach walks, poolside lounging and slow mornings all feel equally tempting. Palm trees surround the property, while the ocean breeze adds to the sense that life has temporarily shifted into a much gentler gear.

The resort is elegant, but it never feels stuffy. Guests can dress up for dinner, spend the afternoon in a swimsuit or find a quiet outdoor spot and simply enjoy the view. Even the entrance includes sparkling pieces of sea glass, a small coastal detail that hints at the hotel’s thoughtful design.

Our room was one of the highlights of the stay. It was spacious, comfortable and large enough for both of us to settle in without feeling crowded. The private balcony gave us another place to relax, talk and enjoy a few quiet moments outdoors. When traveling with a friend, having enough space to unpack, get ready and spread out makes a noticeable difference.

The accommodations combine a tropical West Indies influence with dark wood, soothing neutral colors, plush bedding and luxurious bathrooms. Most rooms include private furnished balconies, allowing guests to enjoy either ocean or garden and terrace views.

The hotel offers traditional guestrooms as well as studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Some accommodations include full kitchens, separate living and dining spaces or sleeper sofas. Room options range from comfortable retreats for two to expansive suites designed for groups and families, making the resort suitable for romantic weekends, friend trips, celebrations and longer stays.

We were also impressed by the service. Everyone we encountered made us feel welcome, and the experience remained attentive without ever feeling overly formal. For such a short visit, that warmth helped us settle into vacation mode almost immediately. There were no complicated plans to manage and no pressure to fill every minute. We could simply enjoy being together.

A favorite part of our afternoon was the hotel’s complimentary social hour, offered daily from 4 to 5 p.m. It was the perfect excuse to stop, raise a glass and celebrate our friendship. There was no need to rush off property or search for another happy hour. We could relax, talk about our day and let the evening unfold around us.

It may seem like a small amenity, but it added something memorable to our stay. Travel is often defined by those little moments: a welcoming drink, a balcony conversation, a beautiful view or a shared laugh that continues much longer than expected.

That feeling of ease extends across the resort. The heated oceanside pool overlooks the Atlantic and is surrounded by tropical landscaping, chaise lounges, tables and shaded umbrellas. Guests can alternate between the pool and the sand, with beach chairs included during their stay, or simply claim a comfortable spot and remain there for hours.

A 24-hour fitness center features cardio equipment, free weights and yoga mats for anyone determined to maintain a routine while traveling. The space even overlooks the pool, although lounging beside the Atlantic felt like a perfectly respectable wellness plan to us.

Guests do not have to leave the property for dinner or drinks, either. Cobalt, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and cocktails. Its casually elegant dining room, lounge and open-air oceanside patio give guests several ways to enjoy the restaurant, while the menu places special attention on fresh local seafood.

Heaton’s offers an even more relaxed option beside the pool, serving coastal fare, shareable dishes, fresh-caught seafood, craft cocktails and frozen drinks. It is conveniently located only steps from the beach and pool deck, making it easy to move from a lounge chair to lunch without interrupting the vacation mood.

From spring through fall, guests can also enjoy live beachfront music on select evenings. Oceanfront fire pits bring fire and water together after sunset, creating a beautiful place to gather with a drink and extend the evening. For birthdays, celebrations or intimate events, the hotel also offers private dining in indoor and oceanfront spaces.

For an extra dose of relaxation, White Orchid Spa is located directly at the resort and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The full-service spa offers massages, facials and medical-grade aesthetic treatments. Options include deep-tissue massage and the O2 Oxygen Lift Facial, which incorporates papaya and pineapple enzymes.

Guests looking for a more elaborate spa day can explore experiences that combine massage, scrubs, steam, hydrotherapy and other indulgent touches. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during holiday weekends and other busy travel periods.

Although our visit centered on friendship and relaxation, families will find thoughtful reasons to stay, too. Rooms can include microwaves and mini refrigerators, while select suites offer full kitchens, dining rooms, living areas and sleeper sofas.

During sea turtle nesting season, the resort offers educational Turtle Talks in partnership with Coastal Connections. Its resident-mermaid program brings even more magic to the property, with limited-availability swimming courses for children and adults as well as private meet-and-greet experiences. Some mermaid sessions conclude with photos, making them especially memorable for families and anyone who has ever dreamed of trading two legs for a tail.

The hotel is also genuinely pet friendly. Kimpton welcomes pets without restrictions based on size, weight or breed and does not charge an additional pet fee. That makes it easier for guests to plan an inclusive escape without leaving an important family member behind.

Melissa and I may have stayed for only one night, but the visit reminded us how valuable it can be to deliberately make time for friendship. We talked, laughed, relaxed and enjoyed the rare luxury of not having to follow a schedule.

What made the experience meaningful was not one grand moment. It was the combination of the spacious room, the balcony, the attentive service, the happy-hour toast and the Atlantic waiting just outside. Together, those details transformed a quick overnight visit into a true escape.

Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa gave us space to breathe and a beautiful place in which to do it. For friends, couples, families, LGBTQ+ travelers and anyone craving a welcoming oceanfront retreat, it proves that even a brief change of scenery can feel like exactly the vacation you needed.

Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is located at 3500 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. The oceanfront resort features a heated pool, beach access, spacious guestrooms and suites, Cobalt and Heaton’s restaurants, White Orchid Spa, a 24-hour fitness center, a complimentary daily social hour and pet-friendly accommodations. Visit verobeachhotelandspa.com for current rates, reservations, programming and availability.