After many of my travels, I’ve realized there are fewer and fewer “secret spots” and “off the beaten path” destinations to come by. But one South Florida town has retained its “best kept secret” status: Hobe Sound. Once known as a sleeper, this enclave has suddenly become red hot and is sought-after for its gorgeous scenery and world-class golf.
I’d be remiss not to give credit for Hobe Sound’s recent cultural cachet to Atlantic Fields, a private, members-only residential community that captures the essence and prestige of South Florida living.
The community, surrounded by picturesque native lands, sits on a former citrus grove and incorporates the historic Hobe Sound polo grounds.
As a Discovery Land Company community, Atlantic Fields offers a certain standard of living, one that is golf-centric, experiential, service-oriented, luxurious (but always laid-back), and most importantly, all about family.
But Atlantic Fields made a real fan out of me when I discovered its Outdoor Pursuits program which has a skilled team of experts create and bring to life a world of fun and adventure for members and their families. Insiders know it as “O.P.”
Every Outdoor Pursuits program is unique to the destination and incorporates a sense of place. Anywhere that prioritizes getting outdoors, hiking, biking, and being active in different ways with views is a place I’m drawn to right away.
If you find yourself in Hobe Sound and call Atlantic Fields home, here are my “must-do” Outdoor Pursuits to try out solo or with your friends and family. Is this living or is it a nonstop vacation?
EXPLORING TRAILS
Give me a solid pair of walking shoes, a good trail, and I’m happy. So, of course, I was thrilled to find out that Atlantic Fields maintained a vast network of trails on the property; it’s unlike any other in the region.
Members can also explore the neighboring Atlantic Ridge State Park by foot, by mountain bike, even horseback. If outdoor adventure with a steed companion is more your style, the Atlantic Fields O.P. team can organize a ride with one of Wagon Wheel Horse Farm’s friendly horses: Poncho, Shadow, Blondie, Dolly, and Bell. They offer private, hour-long trail rides for the whole family to experience the wild surroundings.
GOLF LIKE THE PROS
Did I mention golf? Starting with the 10-hole short course, Atlantic Fields’ golf experience is hard to beat. The course offers an incredibly flexible design incorporating some 35 tees, 14 greens, and more than 120 configurations, all set around a cool diner named Pineapples.
Members can also practice at the golf performance center with a PGA Tour-proven Trackman golf simulator bay and two open-air hitting bays. And to top it off, members will also have access to Discovery’s signature Comfort Stations featuring South Florida-inspired snacks and beverages including Dole Whip and Orange Julius-inspired beverages, Citrus-infused Margaritas, Empanadas, and more.
EQUESTRIAN TRAINING
Atlantic Fields’ equestrian center is about an hour from the winter equestrian capital near Wellington. Whether members are into polo, dressage, hunter jumper activities, or just learning how to ride they have it covered. For Discovery, equestrian is a new amenity only offered at a select few clubs and another reason why Atlantic Fields is generating a lot of excitement in Hobe Sound.
DAY AT THE BEACH
Atlantic Fields is just minutes from the beaches and harbors of Florida’s stunning Atlantic coast.
Atlantic Fields’ onsite Jeep Gladiator will chauffer members to the sands where they can lounge in style with beach chairs, umbrellas, blankets, and coolers filled with snacks and drinks.
In true O.P. fashion, the team plans kids’ activities – think snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and of course, surfing lessons.
HOLISTIC FARMING
Finally, I love the cuisine at Atlantic Fields where the meals are experiences in and of themseleves. Learning to grow, catch, and raise your own food provisions is almost entirely lost in today’s culture, but the onsite holistic farm connects you with South Florida’s authentic agrarian heritage and provides opportunities to get your hands dirty while planting, growing, and harvesting a wide variety of fruits, berries, and vegetables. The O.P. team can also help members learn the skills to harvest fresh, sustainable seafood they can share with their families.
Eating doesn’t get more delicious or purer than that.