By Barbara Salter
Getting three generations of people who live in three different cities to agree on one weekend for a family vacation is, well, it’s kind of like herding cats! But despite the grown-ups’ different work schedules and all of the kids’ activities, we finally got it together.
Ever since I first set foot (and eyes) on the magnificent Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, I knew that my family would love to stay there. I was right! Everything, and I do mean everything, exceeded my expectations from the moment we checked into the magnificent four-diamond resort until we reluctantly drove back to our respective homes. It was the best family vacation we’ve ever had!
The luxurious, elegantly appointed three-bedroom ocean view suite was open, spacious and perfect for catching up with each other. “This is how princesses live,” said one of my nieces. “Nah, I think Batman lives here,” a nephew suggested. “Well, I’m gonna pretend I’m rich and this is MY house,” piped in another voice.
“Me too,” I thought to myself. “Me too!” I could have spent the entire vacation just sitting on the balcony.
Instead, we spent the majority of our vacation at the Resort’s fantasy pool complex. This fabulous water park had something for everyone—including the teenager, the 3-year-old, and even me and Grammy! There were all kinds of swimming and wading pools, a lazy river, and a three-story waterslide amid a beautiful tropical landscape.
My favorite place was the lazy river. We must have spent hours there. Sometimes we used the large inner tubes supplied by the Resort—and other times we all just floated along together powered by the moving waters as we chatted, splashed and enjoyed each other’s company in the refreshingly cool waters.
The kids, however, would probably cast their vote for the three-story water slide. A few of the adults, including the very brave Grammy, made several trips down the twisting, turning slide while the rest of us basked in the sun, sipped delicious frozen drinks, and listened to a talented guitarist play and sing songs we knew by heart.
Whenever anyone got hungry or thirsty, all we had to do was think about it and a pool attendant would magically appear with a smile and a menu—and, of course, the extensive children’s menu ensured there was something for everyone’s taste.
We ate. We drank. We played. It was the kind of family vacation that will remain in all of our memories for a lifetime—absolutely perfect in every way.
Summer is almost over but it’s not too late for you and your family to enjoy a wonderful family vacation at the Hammock Beach Resort. In addition to the extraordinary water park, the Resort has an indoor pool complex, two championship golf courses, and some of the finest restaurants in Flagler County. What more could you ask for?
Photos by Barbara Salter