There’s a reason Vero Beach is often called the “Hamptons of Miami.” It’s laid-back but upscale, filled with character and coastal charm. And now, it’s helping to save the ocean.
In the heart of this seaside town is Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, a sleek, beachfront property owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan. While its breezy elegance and oceanfront spa make it a go-to for unwinding, Costa d’Este stands out for its partnership with 4ocean, a South Florida-based nonprofit working to end the ocean plastic crisis.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Boca Raton, 4ocean employs full-time cleanup crews around the world — from Bali to Guatemala to Florida — to remove plastic and marine debris from oceans, rivers and coastlines. Every pound is logged, sorted and recycled when possible. To date, they’ve pulled over 30 million pounds of trash from global waters.
Through Costa d’Este’s 4ocean stay experience, guests help fund these efforts just by booking a room. For every night a guest stays, 10 pounds of ocean trash are removed. Skip housekeeping or order a 4ocean cocktail, and even more pounds get pulled. It’s luxury travel with impact, and it doesn’t stop at the resort gate.
Start your day kayaking or paddleboarding to the S.S. Breconshire, a shipwreck just offshore. The clear, shallow water makes it ideal for beginners and great for spotting marine life. Afterward, refuel with breakfast at The Wave Kitchen & Bar, where the flavors lean local and the views are front-row Atlantic.
Beyond the ocean, Vero Beach is filled with reasons to venture out.
Art lovers can head to the Vero Beach Museum of Art, a polished space with contemporary exhibits and a calming sculpture garden. For outdoor adventurers, Round Island Riverside Park offers shaded trails, a kayak launch and the chance to spot a manatee drifting through the mangroves. Just a few miles north, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge — the first of its kind in the U.S. — features boardwalks, birding platforms and one of the most peaceful sunset spots on the coast.
If shopping is your preferred cardio, the Ocean Drive boutiques offer a curated mix of beachwear, coastal décor and gourmet treats. Don’t miss The Village Shops or a breezy walk through the Downtown Vero Beach Arts District, where murals and galleries dot the streets.
Back at the resort, there’s plenty to enjoy without lifting a finger. Lounge by the oceanfront infinity pool, indulge in a massage at C|Spa or sip a Monkey Punch cocktail at the Cabana Bar. For those seeking a little magic, don’t forget the resort’s legendary Costa Monkeys — four bronze statues nestled near the pool. According to tradition, tossing a shell into their bowls will grant you safe travels and calm seas.
The best part? While you’re watching the tide roll in, 4ocean’s crews are working somewhere in the world to remove the debris threatening our oceans. It’s a rare travel experience that invites you to relax while leaving a lighter footprint behind.
Whether you spend your time here chasing sea turtles, collecting shells, browsing art or doing nothing at all, your vacation will have a ripple effect. And you’ll leave knowing the ocean is better off than you found it.
