Nothing says family vacation quite like an oceanfront resort in sunny Palm Coast Florida. When planning our summer vacation we knew we wanted somewhere low key, amenities on site, and being that we were bringing a 4 month old, somewhere as close as possible. That’s what led us to Hammock Beach. We didn’t want the fast pace of theme park with a baby. Been there. Done that. We wanted somewhere we could play at our own pace, walk (or stroll) everywhere we wanted to go, and really soak in the sweet memories of summertime with our little family. That’s what we experienced at Hammock Beach.
“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Rooms At Hammock Beach
When it comes to accommodations at Hammock Beach you have a variety of choices of suites and villas from 700 ft to 2350 ft. We stayed in a 3 Bedroom Suite which was more than enough room for our family of 5. We could’ve easily added a few more family members and been quite comfortable.
What I love about the suite option is that you can have the conveniences of home while still being in vacation mode. Amenities like a laundry room and kitchen make for less packing (wash and re-wear) and less eating out which can save money and your sanity if you have 3 little ones.
I also loved that it felt more like a fabulous beach home which magically gets cleaned and less like a small hotel room. The kids had plenty of room to enjoy themselves and settle in for the weekend. I also loved that I never heard anyone next door or worried about them hearing us, which is really helpful for naps!
Rooms With A View At Hammock Beach
You can’t beat a room with a view and at Hammock Beach, the views are amazing! My husband and I kept commenting on how beautiful the landscape was. The vibrant greenery that surrounds the hotel simply highlights the coastal blues of the Atlantic. The perfect Florida Oasis. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting (and sipping) on our balcony with the steady sound of waves crashing in the background.
Activities at Hammock Beach
There are so many activities for every age range at Hammock. As a mom of 3, I really loved the fact that so many things are complimentary- bike rentals, beach chairs, putt-putt, spa access…It’s the little things.
The Pools at Hammock Beach
If I had to pick what I valued most about Hammock Beach is that everything you need to reach your summer vacation goals is within walking distance. A few steps or a quick stroll is all you need to get to the beach, the pool, the spa, putt putt, oceanfront golf, dinner, I could go on and on..Maybe it’s because we are in a stage of life where we have to buckle and unbuckle 3 sets of car seats for every car trip but there was something wonderful about everything being on site.
If you love pools, Hammock has you covered. Indoor pool, outdoor pools, kids pool and slide, adults only pool, you name it, they have it. When we asked our little guys what their favorite thing we did on vacation they quickly replied with the lazy river.
The Beach At Hammock
Heading to the beach with 3 littles is never easy, unless of course you stay at a beachfront resort where someone else takes care of the towels, the chairs, and the umbrellas (complimentary I might add). What I would pay for that option at every beach!
This beach location was perfect for our little dudes. They loved getting to explore the rocks and catch anything and everything that moved…crabs included. Just be prepared with a good reason as to why all of the beach critters can’t come home with you as the new family pets.
Oceanfront Golf at Hammock Beach
During our stay, the boys were fortunate enough to have a golf lesson from a PGA Golf Professional. On a sad note, they may now be better at putt- putt than their mother. If I’m being honest, I’m not a golfer, but this oceanfront course made me want to try. As one of only six resorts to receive Golf Digest’s “2018 Best Golf Resorts in Florida” it’s definitely a must for the golfer in your group.
Golf hats off to the instructor who had plenty of patience with our little Tiger’s and also didn’t judge their take on appropriate golfing attire.
The Spa at Hammock Beach
Last but certainly not least, my favorite activity- the spa. Just a few steps away from the kids pool (an excellent drop off point with dad) you’ll find the indoor pool and spa. From facials, pedicures, to massages, they have a full service spa ready to meet your every relaxation need. They also have a steam room, sauna, and inhalation room that’s open to all guests with or without a service (love that).
I can highly recommend the signature “ Hammock Massage” (Valerie was wonderful) it’s a blend of Lomi Lomi, hot stone, aromatherapy and Swedish massage, it’s the best of everything. They use high-quality essential oils and as someone with sensitive skin, that was very reassuring. SPA TIP: allow time for pre and post spa indulgences. Take time to calm your mind and body beforehand in the relaxation room and get full use of the amenities after your treatment (sauna, steam, etc).
Dining at Hammock Beach
Although you can have the option (and the space) to make every meal at Hammock Beach, sometimes it’s more fun and less mess to eat out. If you’d rather not make a single meal at Hammock, you also have that option.
Ocean Bar
During our stay we took advantage of the Ocean Bar. Located steps away from the kids pool it makes for an easy lunch or snack without having to dry off and go to the room. It’s also a great place to enjoy a drink with a view of the ocean. I can recommend the fish sandwich and a mojito, and my kiddos can recommend the ice cream stand that’s steps away from the pool!
Atlantic Grille
For dinner we were able to enjoy the Atlantic Grille. This is a great option for families looking to have a nice dinner without it feeling too formal. The view of the ocean and the shore to table experience was the perfect grande finale to our beach vacation. The locally caught red snapper was delicious, and as a self-proclaimed connoisseur of crab cakes I can confidently say these were superb! They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Here’s to summers and soaking up every moment with those you love and to Resorts like Hammock Beach that bring luxury, convenience, and a lot of fun to beach vacations. Beach vacations as a family of 5, with an infant in tow can seem a bit daunting, but Hammock Beach made it easy and enjoyable. We will be back!
We would like to thank Hammock Beach for hosting us so that we could share our experience with you. As always, thoughts and images are our own.
