Hammock Beach Resort

The Hammock Beach Resort is a huge pastel-colored building rising up out of palm tree-dotted lands. The sprawling surrounding grounds are equally striking, with azure pools aplenty, including a lazy river meandering past palms and lush plants, two excellent golf courses, and a beautiful private beach. The grounds are immaculately maintained, with plenty of options for soaking up some sun or relaxing poolside -- kids will love the waterslide and waterfall in the main pool and adults will be happy to learn that there is a designated adult pool. The resort lacks entertainment, however, be it poolside activities or evening music or performances.

Interiors are classic and traditionally decorated. The vast lobby is bedecked in shades of coffee and cream with dark wood details, along with several sitting areas throughout the space, such as the lobby bar in one corner, full of patterned chairs around round wooden tables, floral print rug, and olive drapes framing huge windows. Another cozy corner resembles a grand living room, with couches and armchairs surrounding a fireplace flanked by bookshelves. The lobby is elegant and very traditional, which some might find a bit stuffy for a beach resort. This property is geared toward higher-end stays and leisure travelers looking to relax. It is popular with golfers and families that take advantage of the on-site amenities and kids' camp.

The Hammock Beach Resort is located on the Palm Coast, set on an unspoiled and quiet beach. The resort is spread over sprawling grounds in a quiet area with few businesses or shops around, though there is a Publix supermarket within walking distance. The resort is located 23 miles south of St. Augustine and 33 miles north of Daytona Beach. The nearest airport is the Daytona Beach International Airport, located a 40-minute drive away. Orlando International Airport is a 90-minute drive, while the drive to Jacksonville International Airport is 10 minutes shorter.

Self-parking is included in the daily resort fee.

The Hammock Beach Resort has several different lodging options in different buildings, including Main Tower Suites, Ocean Tower Suites, the Lodge, Villas, and vacation rentals. Rooms are tastefully and traditionally decorated, but being condos, decor varies greatly between units; some are modern while others are dated and in need of a refresh due to patterned bedspreads and old green carpet. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including mini-fridges, TVs (though many guests have complained of them being faulty or lacking directions for use), coffeemakers, and Wi-Fi, as well as private balconies with beautiful views overlooking the grounds and ocean. Some guests complain that rooms are dark due to the large balconies that can shade the sun.

Suites are spacious and suitable for families, especially the three- and four-bedroom suites that have fully equipped kitchens, as well as living and dining areas. Suites in the Ocean Towers and villas even have laundry rooms with washers and dryers. Two- and three-bedroom villas are a bit of a walk from the main building, but offer more privacy. Guests in The Lodge building receive access to a lounge with coffee and afternoon cheese and non-alcoholic beverages, in-room robes, and turndown service.

Surrounded by sprawling lush grounds and bordered by a beautiful beach, the Hammock Beach Resort is a world onto itself with an extensive list of features. A popular destination for golfers, the resort has two exceptional golf courses that have been host to PGA Tour events. The first is the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course, while the second is another 18-hole course designed by Tom Watson. Guests receive free access to the driving range after 2 p.m. Additionally, a free-to-use nine-hole putting course is on-site.

The Resort has an extensive Water Pavilion that includes five outdoor pools (one of which is a designated adult pool) surrounded by palm trees and lush plants, as well as a waterslide and waterfalls. There is a lazy river as well as an indoor pool complex. There’s a beautiful private beach and towels, umbrellas, and chairs are provided, while cabanas are available for rent as well.

The resort also has a spa offering a wide list of treatments and services, as well as a sauna, steam room, and large and well-equipped fitness center. For those wishing to do some outdoor sports, there is a beach volleyball court right by the beach, a state-of-the-art tennis complex with eight clay courts (though there is a fee to use them), and free-to-rent bicycle. The kids' club, known as Kids Crew, is for children aged 4 to 12, and it offers a daily program of activities such as scavenger hunts and beach games.

The daily resort fee covers parking and Wi-Fi. A marina has slips for boats.

Dining options are varied and consist of several different restaurants and bars on the premises. Delfino’s serves Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood, the Atlantic Grill specializes in seafood and has great ocean views, and there is also a Sushi Bar, Ocean Bar and Café, and lobby bar. Loggerheads Lounge is an elegant dark-wooded space that also houses a cigar bar. There is a free coffee bar located in the lobby, though it is only open in the mornings.