Classic Florida Charm Shines at the New Dune House Hotel and Spa
Dune House Hotel & Spa is a 193-room oceanfront hotel in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
“There’s a place off Ocean Avenue where I used to…” plays in my head as I arrive at the very area that inspired this Yellowcard song that went triple-platinum on my iPod back in 2003.
Even as a first-time visitor, Atlantic Beach, Florida, just outside Jacksonville, has a nostalgic, laid-back familiarity that pulls me in as I check into the newly renovated and reimagined Dune House Hotel & Spa.
Coastal and surf-themed artwork can be seen throughout the hotel’s spaces.
The 193-room hotel’s lobby is situated on the second floor, in an area known as the “living room,” where the crashing waves that fuel the locale’s surf culture are on full display through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
An open-concept space filled with art and comfortable seating, guests are invited to settle in and enjoy the pool table, fresh juices, water, and most importantly, the ocean views.
The coastal-inspired rooms and suites capture the easygoing spirit of Atlantic Beach.
Tucked away on the same floor is the spa. Intentionally on the smaller side, stepping into the waiting area is like walking into a cocoon, where I happily sipped blended herbal tea before my deep tissue massage.
Prior to my service, my therapist Kyle presented me with a rolled towel and a ceramic vessel of liquid to pour over it, for a warm hand rinse. This simple but intentional touch really set the zen tone.
Other spa offerings include facial services, an oceanfront couples massage room with hydrotherapy, and a massage that replaces traditional hot stones with seashells.
Dune House Spa’s treatments incorporate ocean minerals and coastal botanicals that nurture the body.
While chatting with the longtime spa manager, who has been with the property through its previous ownership and name, I discovered that the barista behind my morning latte at Cafe Dune (one of four dining options on-site), was her daughter.
Many places claim to have a tight-knit, family-like organization and community, but at Dune House it’s truly a family affair. From the culinary team to the managers, the people bringing the property to life have longstanding relationships that carry throughout the property. There is a genuine sense of pride among each team member that I encountered during my stay.
Guests can lounge by the swimming pool and order cocktails and light bites from the tiki-inspired pool bar.
And what's a beach vacation without the beach? The Dune House boardwalk offers direct beach access from the pool and is set between the protected sand dunes.
Cheery yellow loungers, beach chairs, and umbrellas are available for both the pool and ocean; lunch and drink orders are available from the Tiki-inspired pool bar Soothsayer. Don’t skip the tuna crudo and furikake fries.
The resort also offers direct beach access with loungers, beach chairs, and umbrellas available for use.
A dinner at Coastal Farmer is worth the trip back alone. Led by executive chef Dan Tederous, the oceanfront restaurant is open all day, with an emphasis on local ingredients, sourcing seafood from local Mayport C&C Fisheries Seafood Market, and oysters from New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
For dinner, the blue crab cake is a don’t miss, and I’m not alone in this. The team at the property shared with me that before opening they held a bit of a culinary competition with the chefs making different versions of crab cakes, the winner would make it to the menu. And while I wasn’t able to try them all, I do believe the best crab cake won.
In addition to the seafood offerings, the steaks are the center of attention at Coastal Farmer. Sourced from Chatel Farms in Georgia, each cut of beef is cooked to order with a wide range of signature sauces, and classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Coastal Farmer is the resort’s restaurant that is open all day and sources fresh ingredients and seafood.
For a charming getaway that feels like a nod to the classic days of Florida vacations in all the best ways, step into the laid-back world of Dune House Hotel & Spa.
Insider Tips:
Cafe Dune’s coffee syrups are house made, don’t skip the toasted coconut flavor or banana bread latte.
Book a custom candle making class at nearby The Candle Garden, from there you can browse other shops and if interested in an off-property bite to eat, you can easily walk to Flying Iguana, Angie’s Subs or AB Kitchen.
Fur babies are welcome: the property is pet-friendly and guests that opt for the Dune House Fetch Club for the dog will receive welcome treats, a plush dog bed, pet bowl, and “pet in room” door handle tassel.
Forgot your beach read? No stress, the property’s library has a plethora of book options available for guests.
Skip the rental car desk if you’re flying in, or be prepared to leave the car parked; this area is very walkable, making it an ideal locale for a multigenerational trip, travelers with small children, or anyone looking to disconnect and not drive.
A variety of creative cocktails and mocktails are featured on the menu.
For more information about Dune House Hotel & Spa and to book a stay, visit their website or call (904) 249-7402. For special deals on your stay, click here. Follow on Instagram: @dunehouseatlanticbeach
1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
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[Photos courtesy of Dune House Hotel & Spa]
Sable Massingill is a PR pro, brand consultant and freelance writer who loves to explore the intersection of beauty, travel, and creativity. She has worked in all facets of the media landscape from public relations to on-camera work for almost 10 years.
Her commitment to storytelling has taken her to Helsinki Fashion Week in Finland, the first sustainable fashion week in the world, to learn more about eco-friendly supply chains; to the Sahara in Morocco to collaborate and work with women’s Argan oil cooperatives. Follow her on instagram @sablemassingill