An illuminated swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees at a resort, with an oceanside view at sunset.

The Heart of

Gloria & Emilio Estefan

Two people are cutting a red ribbon with large scissors during a ceremony, surrounded by onlookers applauding.
A couple in light clothing stands smiling in front of a white building and palm tree, with decorative circular patterns on the facade.

Nestled on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is the personal passion project of internationally celebrated artists and entrepreneurs Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Originally built in 1972 as The Palm Court Hotel, the property was a beloved part of the Vero Beach community for decades. When the Estefans purchased it, they saw an opportunity to both honor its history and create something entirely new. After the storms of 2004, the hotel was rebuilt from its foundation, allowing them to transform it into a destination that reflects their love of design, music, family, and culture. From handcrafted details and meaningful artwork to a deep appreciation for nature and community, every corner of Costa d’Este tells a story, blending the Estefans’ Cuban heritage, global travels, and heartfelt connection to Vero Beach into a one of a kind coastal escape.

Stone sculptures sit on a sandy beach at sunset, with vibrant skies and a calm sea in the background.

The Costa Monkeys

Six playful monkey sculptures stand watch by the beach, each one representing a member of the Estefan family: Emilio, Gloria, Emily, and Nayib, along with two of their beloved dogs. More than whimsical art, they tell a story of family, resilience, and reunion inspired by a local legend of island monkeys swept out to sea and returned safely to shore. For the Estefans, the monkeys also carry a personal touch, a nod to Nayib’s childhood nickname “monkey,” earned from his love of climbing on everything, including his mother. Over time, the sculptures have grown to symbolize not only the Estefans’ immediate family but also the joy of new generations, the love of their pets, and the treasures that life brings back to us.

Why Vero Beach

Aerial view of a coastline featuring a sandy beach, buildings, and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a coastline featuring a sandy beach, buildings, and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

For Gloria and Emilio, Vero Beach felt like a return to the Florida of their childhood, laid back, welcoming, and surrounded by nature. The community’s strong environmental values, including its historic Pelican Island Wildlife Sanctuary, deeply resonated with them. They wanted to share that sense of tranquility with visitors from around the world, which is why they chose Vero Beach as the home for Costa d’Este. Here, the natural beauty of the Treasure Coast meets the warmth of the Estefans’ vision, creating a retreat.

A modern lounge with ambient purple lighting, wicker chairs, and hanging lights, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere.
A modern, elegant lobby with curved architecture, blue lighting, wicker chairs, and decorative wall panels.
A dimly lit bar with blue lighting, high chairs, artworks on the wall, and orchids on the counter complete the ambiance.

Design & Architecture

The design of Costa d’Este reflects the Estefans’ belief that nature rarely forms sharp corners. Circles and curves flow throughout the resort, a nod to harmony and continuity. The architecture is influenced by “Miami Modern,” a glamorous style from the 1950s that blended resort living with bold design. Together, these elements create a sense of elegance that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Art & Inspiration

Art plays a central role at Costa d’Este. Paintings throughout the resort capture the movement and beauty of the water, echoing the coastal surroundings. Guests will also notice a striking portrait of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, created by renowned Brazilian artist Romero Britto, one of the Estefans’ close friends. This rare black-and-white piece reflects their commitment to celebrating Latino artistry while filling the resort with meaningful, personal touches.

A modern lounge with blue lighting, featuring woven chairs, a sofa, a bubble chair, a tree stump table, and a sleek bar in the background.
A seafood paella with rice, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and lemon slices, all cooked in a large pan, garnished with herbs.

Sensory Touches

Every detail at Costa d’Este is designed to awaken the senses. The calming aroma of Nag Champa and Lyrics incense drifts through the resort, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and peace. Orchids, a flower Gloria and Emilio adore, add elegance and tropical beauty to the spaces. Even the natural color palette, inspired by white sands, blue waters, and the surrounding landscape, was chosen to keep the resort in harmony with its coastal setting.

A Taste of Family & Culture

Food is a heartfelt expression of culture for the Estefans, and Costa d’Este reflects that passion. Many of the recipes at the resort trace back to Gloria’s grandmother, who once cooked in Cuba’s presidential palace, blending tradition with family heritage. The Wave Restaurant carries this spirit forward, serving fresh, locally grown ingredients that highlight the flavors of the Treasure Coast. Through every dish, guests are invited to experience the Estefans’ story, their roots, and their love for sharing meals that bring people together.

A modern lounge with ambient purple lighting, wicker chairs, and hanging lights, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere.
A modern, elegant lobby with curved architecture, blue lighting, wicker chairs, and decorative wall panels.

Design & Architecture

The design of Costa d’Este reflects the Estefans’ belief that nature rarely forms sharp corners. Circles and curves flow throughout the resort, a nod to harmony and continuity. The architecture is influenced by “Miami Modern,” a glamorous style from the 1950s that blended resort living with bold design. Together, these elements create a sense of elegance that feels both contemporary and timeless.

A dimly lit bar with blue lighting, high chairs, artworks on the wall, and orchids on the counter complete the ambiance.

Art & Inspiration

Art plays a central role at Costa d’Este. Paintings throughout the resort capture the movement and beauty of the water, echoing the coastal surroundings. Guests will also notice a striking portrait of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, created by renowned Brazilian artist Romero Britto, one of the Estefans’ close friends. This rare black-and-white piece reflects their commitment to celebrating Latino artistry while filling the resort with meaningful, personal touches.

A modern lounge with blue lighting, featuring woven chairs, a sofa, a bubble chair, a tree stump table, and a sleek bar in the background.

Sensory Touches

Every detail at Costa d’Este is designed to awaken the senses. The calming aroma of Nag Champa and Lyrics incense drifts through the resort, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and peace. Orchids, a flower Gloria and Emilio adore, add elegance and tropical beauty to the spaces. Even the natural color palette, inspired by white sands, blue waters, and the surrounding landscape, was chosen to keep the resort in harmony with its coastal setting.

A seafood paella with rice, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels, and lemon slices, all cooked in a large pan, garnished with herbs.

A Taste of Family & Culture

Food is a heartfelt expression of culture for the Estefans, and Costa d’Este reflects that passion. Many of the recipes at the resort trace back to Gloria’s grandmother, who once cooked in Cuba’s presidential palace, blending tradition with family heritage. The Wave Restaurant carries this spirit forward, serving fresh, locally grown ingredients that highlight the flavors of the Treasure Coast. Through every dish, guests are invited to experience the Estefans’ story, their roots, and their love for sharing meals that bring people together.