The Club at Hammock Beach
The humble pineapple – did you know it’s the international symbol of hospitality? The next time you venture away from home, try a test. Cast an eye around the hotel lobby and look closely at the dÃ?©cor. Can you find the pineapples?
They might be discreetly placed, perched atop a luggage carrier or woven into the fabric on the upholstery. I’ve seen them in fountains, on banners, and skillfully carved into paneling. Chances are good you’ll spot at least one.
But at The Club at Hammock Beach, pineapples in the d�©cor take center stage, signaling an enthusiastic welcome to all who enter.
The Club is an all-suite, luxury property on the Palm Coast, midway between Daytona and St. Augustine. Although each suite is privately owned, many are on the short-term rental market at least part of the year. The development is on one of the last major tracts of oceanfront on Florida’s East Coast and has over two miles of beach frontage.
The Club is experimenting with a fairly new concept in the hospitality industry-the personal concierge. This individual acts as the host or hostess, similar to the proprietors at a small inn or Bed & Breakfast. It’s a service concept not usually found at vacation resorts.
The personal concierge at The Club phones guests before they leave home to determine any special needs and their expected time of arrival. They can arrange tee times, spa treatments and all other resort services, staying in touch with wireless PDA that serves as a phone and provides internet access.
I asked my fellow (during his preliminary call to my house) for foam pillows, instead of feather. As I found out later, he actually had to go out and purchase my foam pillows! I didn’t expect that. Basically, your wish is their command.
Among other things, the service is meant to eliminate the “run-around” you sometimes get at a large hotel. You can deal with one person and one person only, during your entire stay.
My suite was a 3-bedroom, 3-bath unit, including a patio with an ocean view. The architects skillfully managed to contrive an ocean view for every suite in the 12-story structure.
It was definitely one of those “wow, all this for me” sensations as I entered for the first time. While The Club has all the usual amenities, lodging there feels nothing whatsoever like a hotel. You’re in someone’s home, which makes all the difference.
Wandering from room to room, I spent an hour noticing all the small details. The interiors of my suite had an African influence. Small figurines of monkeys in top hats graced my dining table, while ceramic tigers watched over the deep, oval bathtub. The color palate was a comfortable mixture of dark woods and neutral fabrics.
Like a nosy neighbor, I opened every single cabinet in the kitchen and in each bathroom. The kitchen was well-stocked with all the appliances you might need, along with all the standard dishes. Even laundry soap and fabric softener was provided.
I spent quite some time wondering why I don’t have the amazing interior design sense, these people clearly possessed.
Since my talents lie elsewhere, as my mismatched living room can attest, I eventually gave up fretting over my lack of decorating skills. Besides, I needed time to relish the plush surroundings and look forward to pampering in the spa.
Matching the rest of the property, The Club has a sizeable spa featuring Pevonia Botanica products. This was my second experience with Pevonia, a company with a commitment to the environment and a solid stance against animal testing. I had a facial and massage, my preferred combination.
If cooking doesn’t appeal, or your just need a break, The Club has fine dining in the Seaside Grille, snacks at Loggerheads Lounge and 24-hour room service is available.
If you bring the kids, they will quickly discover the multi-million dollar water pavilion. A lazy river ride and a 65-foot water slide, among other things, will keep them busy for hours. An indoor pool is also available. If salt and surf are more your thing, the ocean is just steps away.
Florida is a state with golf courses in every direction and Hammock Beach is no exception. Adjacent to The Club, with eight holes overlooking the ocean, is the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Hammock golf course. Fresh ocean breezes add to any game and help keep the temperature comfortable.
For an afternoon away from the resort, historic St. Augustine is a good choice. Brimming with centuries old buildings and a stone fort, St. Augustine can be visited on foot or via their hop-on, hop-off trolleys. There’s no shortage of restaurants and shopping as well.
