Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

I never flew anywhere growing up. We were more of a road trip family. So, after flying to the first two Zumba Conventions I attended (in 2011 and 2012), it made sense that I opted for a new method of travel eventually…by car. I did my first Zumba Convention road trip last year with my friend Sarah, and it was the best decision by far. We had a blast! Of course, the road trip wouldn’t be complete without a couple great stops, and we visited our same beach pit stop from last year, Hammock Beach Resort.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

We had morning appointments at the spa with plans to do the beach, lunch, more beach, and dinner.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

The day was gorgeous. After the spa, we took a quick trip to check out the beach before heading to the pool area for lunch.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

{No need to pack beach towels!}

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Pictured above is the small hotel section of Hammock Beach Resort. This building is considered the true hotel. The rest of the facility is apparently comprised of condos that people own, though the resort rents the rooms like a hotel. At least that’s how I understood it. The hotel section is also where the Atlantic Grille (yum!) restaurant and golf carts are located.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Hammock Beach Resort seems to have something for everyone – from kids to adults. They have a spa, golf course, cigar bar, crazy-awesome pool (with multiple levels, areas, and a lazy river), and eight dining options. You pretty much never have to leave during your vacation, which is nice.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Sarah and I loved the two restaurants we visited last year, so we hit them up again this year. First up – we had lunch at the Ocean Bar & Cafe.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

The food here is really great, and you have a beautiful view full of palm trees.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

We started with the crudités for some veg servings.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

We really wanted to order the same sandwich we got last year that was made with mahi mahi, but they didn’t have it on the menu. So, we opted for their new fish sandwich – the BBQ salmon with cole slaw.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

It was really good, and I really liked the way they cooked the salmon!

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

While we were eating, a storm rolled in. We stayed at the restaurant watching the rain, hoping the sun would come back. As time passed, we started to think we may end up spending the rest of the day inside the resort. The restaurant is actually located completely outside, so I started wondering if we’d end up soaked if we tried making a run for the hotel. The rain just didn’t seem to want to stop.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Finally, the rain started to clear up, so we had a choice: make a run for the hotel or check out the beach. We were feeling optimistic, so we headed to the beach.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

The clouds rolled out over the ocean, and the sun seemed to be coming back.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

We were so glad we went back out because we had more sun and fun on the beach. Three cheers for staying positive!

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

We visited another fave from last year for dinner – Atlantic Grille. We started with rolls and two kinds of butter – regular and cheddar bacon. That’s right – cheddar bacon butter! It was as good as it sounds.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

Sarah tried a seafood pasta dish with a pimento cheese cream sauce. I tried a bite and really liked it.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

But, the short rib was calling my name. I remembered enjoying this quite a bit last year. This year’s version was served over creamy parmesan ivory lentils with wild mushrooms and carrot purée.

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

And we split a flour-less chocolate cake for dessert. Another great dinner at Atlantic Grille! Great eats all around at Hammock Beach, in fact, including one last meal before we hit the road for convention…

Hammock Beach {Zumba Convention Road Trip}

We opted for room service for breakfast since we were in vacation mode and hoping to save some time. It was a real treat, and the perfect way to start the day. With a session starting at 12:30, I knew I wouldn’t be able to eat a large lunch, so a filling breakfast was just right.

We had another great visit to Hammock Beach Resort! I can’t wait to bring hubby and Bailey here sometime. I think they’ll love it!

Next up – Zumba Convention 2014 Day 1. Thanks for reading!

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