Sand Dune Shores

Sand Dune Shores is a beachfront resort in Palm Beach Shores for the kind of stay where the sea does most of the entertaining. You have direct access to the beach, a sun terrace, an outdoor pool open all year and a hot tub when your legs have had enough of both swimming and sightseeing. No elaborate resort theatre is needed; the useful things are close at hand.

The accommodation suits couples who want a proper base rather than a small room with a bed and little else, as well as families who appreciate space and kitchen facilities. Air conditioning, seating areas and free WiFi in the public areas make the return from a warm, salty day rather more civilised.

You are in Palm Beach Shores, on the beachfront, rather than in Riviera Beach itself despite the nearby area name sometimes used for the property. Riviera Beach is about 0.1 mile away, and the sand is directly in front of the resort. Palm Beach is around 0.6 mile away, while John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is about 2.3 miles from the property.

The immediate area is useful rather than remote. Islander Grill and Tiki Bar is about 0.1 mile away, with Johnny Longboats and Seaview Bagel Cafe & Deli also within roughly 0.2 mile. For a change of scenery, Bicentennial Park is around 1.3 miles away, and the Palm Beach Maritime Museum is about 3.3 miles away. Palm Beach International Airport is approximately 9 miles from the resort.

The room choice makes a real difference here. A Studio is the straightforward couple’s option, with a king-size bed, private bathroom and the essentials for making coffee or a simple meal. If you want the room itself to contribute something to the holiday, the One-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View puts the emphasis where you would expect: towards the water.

The one-bedroom suites are the sensible step up for two people who like room to spread out, or for a family using the sofa bed. The Two-Bedroom Suite gives four guests separate sleeping space, which is considerably more comfortable than negotiating every movement around one shared room. Family rooms are available, and children of any age are welcome; cots and extra beds are not available, so the existing sleeping arrangements matter when you book.

Kitchen facilities are more than decorative. You have a refrigerator, microwave, oven, hob, dishwasher, toaster, coffee machine, dining table and kitchenware, which means cold drinks, breakfast supplies and a simple supper can all be handled without turning the evening into a restaurant operation. Air conditioning is available for cooling down properly, while private bathrooms include a shower, towels, toiletries and a hairdryer.

There is no hotel restaurant or bar information to build a dining plan around, so the kitchen in your accommodation becomes the useful centre of gravity. A dining area, table, sofa and seating area give you somewhere to eat without balancing a plate on the edge of the bed. The refrigerator is particularly handy for cold water and provisions when you return hungry and not in the mood for another outing.

For dinner away from the kitchen, Islander Grill and Tiki Bar is about 0.1 mile from the property, while Johnny Longboats is around 0.1 mile away. Seaview Bagel Cafe & Deli is roughly 0.2 mile away for something less ambitious. There are also BBQ facilities on site, so you have another practical option when the weather and your appetite agree.

The main post-dive decision is whether to choose sand, pool or bubbles. Direct beach access puts the Atlantic within immediate reach, with sun loungers, beach chairs and parasols available for the classic horizontal part of the day. The sun terrace gives you another place to dry off and read, while the year-round outdoor pool is there when you prefer calmer water.

The hot tub is the obvious choice when you want warmth without making an event of it. There is no need to arrange a full programme: beach time, a swim and a slow hour outside cover the essentials. Cycling is also available as an activity, and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is close enough by car for a change of shoreline and scenery.

Palm Beach International Airport is about 9 miles away. Free private parking is available on site, with no reservation needed, which is useful if you are hiring a car for the coast and local attractions. WiFi is free in the public areas, and the accommodation includes air conditioning, heating and a flat-screen television.

Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. You need photo identification and a credit card at check-in, and a refundable security deposit is taken on arrival. Guests must be at least 21 to check in. The front desk has limited opening hours and is closed on Sundays, so a Sunday arrival requires arrangements with the resort in advance; arrivals outside normal hours also need prior contact with the property.

The cancellation and prepayment conditions vary by accommodation type, so the terms attached to the room you choose are worth checking before you commit. Pets are not allowed.