Sponsored by Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Tampa Bay locals know the beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast, but just a few hours east, an entirely different coastal experience awaits. Nestled along the shores of Palm Coast, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa is a true escape—where the Atlantic’s rolling waves meet a secluded stretch of sand and world-class amenities cater to both golf enthusiasts and those seeking pure relaxation. Tucked away from the main highways yet close to everything you need, it’s an oasis perfect for weekend getaways and extended retreats.
Though located just south of Florida’s oldest city and near breathtaking attractions like Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Hammock Beach Resort is a destination in itself. Once checked in, there’s little reason to leave. Guests enjoy access to an uncrowded cinnamon-sand beach, nine on-site restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, a fitness center, a beach arcade, an indoor pool and a sprawling fantasy pool complex. The biggest draw? Two signature golf courses that make this a golfer’s paradise. Accommodations range from boutique-style suites at The Lodge to spacious condominiums and multi-bedroom villas—ideal for those who never want to leave.
While these offerings sound enticing on paper, nothing compares to experiencing them firsthand. During a media visit, I had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the resort’s charm. From the moment guests arrive, they’re welcomed by a gated entrance that enhances both security and exclusivity. Self-parking and valet options are available before stepping into the expansive resort, which boasts 275 guest rooms across three towers, in addition to private condominiums. My tour began with the resort’s impressive event spaces—16,000 square feet of indoor function areas for meetings and gatherings, and 40,000 square feet of outdoor space, an idyllic setting for weddings and receptions.
The Breezes Boutique & Surf Shop offers designer apparel and vacation keepsakes and sits conveniently near Pizza & Gelato, where house-made gelato steals the show. The key lime pie flavor is a must-try! While the gelato delighted my taste buds, the real wow factor came with the Fantasy Pool Complex. This aquatic paradise features upper and lower-level pools, an adults-only pool, a lazy river with complimentary floats, a twisting water slide, a hot tub and a beach-style pool perfect for sandcastle building. And let’s not forget the poolside Ocean Bar & Café, serving up delicious snacks, entrées and fun cocktails—including the Frozen Sunset, made with blue ice huckleberry vodka and served in a palm tree souvenir cup.
For those seeking a bit of friendly competition, the resort offers free mini golf, including the occasional glow-in-the-dark experience. But the real showstopper is the award-winning Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course. With six holes set directly along the Atlantic, it holds the distinction of having the most oceanfront holes in Florida. A short car or shuttle ride away, the 140-acre Watson Conservatory Course, designed by six-time PGA Player of the Year Tom Watson, is equally stunning, featuring sparkling streams, cascading waterfalls and intricate stonework. If you’re like me and still perfecting your golf swing, the mini golf course is just as entertaining, and renting a complimentary bicycle to explore the property and nearby trails is a perfect way to start the day.
Additional athletic highlights include the Tennis Center, named one of “The World’s Top 50 Tennis Resorts” and a “2024 Silver Medal Tennis Resort” by Tennis Resorts, as well as four new pickleball courts. Boaters can also enjoy the marina, which offers 209 slips for vessels up to 150 feet in length, providing access to fishing excursions and coastal cruises.
When it comes to indulgence, the on-site dining options do not disappoint. My favorite was Atlantic Grille—the only resort restaurant that’s open to the public. Between the warm, attentive service, complimentary bread, craft cocktails like the rum-infused Paradise Punch, and flavorful entrées such as the chef’s special mushroom risotto, it quickly became a standout dining experience.
The following morning, after a leisurely breakfast and an embarrassingly high mini golf score, I made my way to the resort’s full-service spa, an exclusive retreat for guests and members. Offering everything from hair and nail services to massages and body treatments, it’s a sanctuary of relaxation. The Marine Algae Wrap is the ultimate indulgence—beginning with an antioxidant-rich full-body scrub before being enveloped in a luxurious blend of algae, essential oils and herbal extracts. Wrapped snugly to let the skin absorb nourishing vitamins and minerals, the experience left me feeling completely rejuvenated. The spa also offers monthly specials, so treatments vary throughout the year, giving guests another reason to return.
While I spent my afternoon poolside, families traveling with little ones will appreciate the resort’s Kids Crew, which hosts activities like snow cone-making, jewelry crafting and themed holiday events to keep younger guests entertained.
For dinner, I explored one of the resort’s other acclaimed restaurants. Loggerheads Sports Pub has a laid-back vibe with big-screen TVs, billiards and casual bites, while Stix Authentic Sushi offers freshly prepared sushi and sashimi in an intimate setting. However, being Italian, I gravitated toward Delfinos Italian Chophouse. With a beautiful bar, cozy booths and plenty of high-top tables for two, it’s arguably the most elegant restaurant on-site, reserved exclusively for guests and resort members. While the restaurant has earned the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” for two consecutive years, the handcrafted cocktails caught my attention. Fans of tart libations will love the Hammock Lemonade. Vegetarian options were also plentiful, but I opted for the ravioli with lemon, mushroom and peas, which paired perfectly with the complimentary focaccia.
After dinner, I returned to my suite, which featured a spacious living area separate from the bedroom, a large soaking tub with a waterfall feature and a balcony overlooking the property.
The next morning began with breakfast at Beach Brew, the resort’s new coffee shop inside the lobby. In addition to breakfast sandwiches, coffee and tea, their retail section highlights goods from local artisans.
Unfortunately, my visit didn’t include a lifetime stay, so it was time to say goodbye and get back to reality. But with its blend of relaxation, recreation and thoughtful touches, Hammock Beach Resort makes it easy to start planning the next return.
To learn more about the resort and all of their amenities, visit hammockbeach.com.
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