Indian River Sunset Retreat

Almost every rental on Hutchinson Island faces east. This one faces west, straight out across the widest part of the Indian River so the sunset happens on your porch, every single night of your stay.

The view is the reason to book this condo, and it's hard to overstate. Wide open water in every direction, with nothing between you and it. Often, you see pelicans working the shallows and Dolphins if you're patient. And then that last hour of light, when the whole river goes gold and pink and you stop whatever you were doing to watch it. The porch is deep enough to actually live on. There's a table that seats four and a ceiling fan with a light overhead, so dinner outside becomes the default rather than a special occasion. Because of the way the building is angled, you can't see into anyone else's porch and nobody can see into yours — completely private, which is rare in a waterfront building.

1,366 square feet, two bedrooms and two full baths on the second floor, with elevator access. The primary bedroom has a king bed. The guest bedroom has two single beds, which works well for friends traveling together or anyone who'd rather not share a mattress. There's a washer and dryer in the unit, internet is included,

Covered parking directly underneath the building, plus a private storage unit — a real convenience when you're arriving for the season with bikes and beach chairs.

Riverbend is a small, secluded complex right on the water within Indian River Plantation, peaceful and quiet rather than a busy resort, with a pool and spa on site and golf available on the island. The building is well maintained and comfortable, but it's an established property rather than new construction. What it buys you is a location and a view that newer buildings on this island simply don't have.

Publix supermarket, Stuart Public Beach, and the Elliott Museum are all about a mile away, and the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is just under — close enough to bike on a nice morning. Historic downtown Stuart, with its restaurants and waterfront, is just a short drive away.