Surf and Sand at The Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach, Florida

The only AAA Four-Diamond Oceanfront resort in Central Florida, the pet-friendly & eco-friendly Shores Resort & Spa embraces its surf and sand inspiration with a location directly on the sandy beach of the Atlantic Ocean. This Daytona Beach, Florida luxury resort is located south of Main Street in a residential area just close enough to the hustle and bustle to keep your stay active. The Daytona Beach Shores community stretches just 5.5 miles along the Atlantic coastline, providing a spectacular ocean view at Shores Resort & Spa.

Accommodations at Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach, Florida

Arrival
My spring visit to Daytona Beach was greeted with a light rain, so the covered entrance was very welcome when unloading our baggage. Covered garage and self-service parking are also available. The valet staff was quick to assist us.  We entered the grand lobby with fountains, rich draperies and colorful – and comfortable – sofas and chairs stretching to the lobby bar at the end. Immediately to the right we were greeted by our personal check-in ambassador in a cozy corner of the lobby.  Within minutes, we were whisked off to our room.

Accommodations
The guest rooms are huge – more than 500 square feet. The focal point of the room is the four-poster feather beds inviting you to sink into the pillow-topped bedding with brightly colored comforters. The rooms are grouped in pairs, creating ease in forming suites, although only every other room offers a balcony.  The bathroom is also quite elegant with marble counters and doorless Italian marble showers.

But wow – when you step onto the balcony, you’re treated to a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway.   Below my balcony, I was also teased with the hotel’s outdoor dining, tiki bar, and beachfront pool. An ocean view room is definitely worth the additional cost!

View of the Atlantic Ocean from your Shores Resort & Spa suite, overlooking the pool and beach.

For those still needing to keep connected, WiFi is available in the room, and the work desk is also oversized, located near the balcony. My only recommendation is to move the chair to face take full advantage of the beachfront view.

Amenities
The best elements of the Shores Resort & Spa are its amenities.  The family friendly resort offers a Shores Kid’s Club activity center for age 2-12 and Kid’s night out programs (when parents want couple time).

The full-service Indulge spa consists of a 2,500 square feet with 6 treatment rooms, located in a quiet corner of the second floor. If you have 4 ½ hours and $425, I’d suggest their Signature Ocean Ritual, an energizing soak in our signature scent “Ocean” followed by a relaxing massage to encourage circulation. You’ll move on to relax with a Signature Red Carpet Facial, followed by a spa manicure and pedicure.

Best seat at Shores Resort & Spa during spring break

The Shores Resort & Spa truly offers a priceless sand and surf experience with its heated oceanfront salt water pool, an opportunity to enjoy the year-round ocean ambience, no matter the weather, with a sundeck, Jacuzzi, beachfront cabanas and miles of white-sand beach steps away. Belly up to the Tiki Bar, and at night, take a seat in front of the beachside fire pits (cauldrons) while roasting the signature s’mores.

Also worth noting is the complimentary transportation service to/from the Daytona International Airport, Ocean Center Daytona Beach, and nearby attractions and dining and shopping districts.

Dining
The on-site restaurant Azure is a favorite seafood restaurant with the locals as well as hotel guests. The Executive chef creates ocean-inspired cuisine, infusing regional flavors with a pinch of outside influences (hint: Asian, Cajun). Azure’s seasonal menu changes with the ocean tide, so no dining experience will be the same. It’ll be difficult to choose your entrée from the menu, but you’ll be quick to note the chef’s outside influences. From locally sourced strawberries to Coriander Seared Ahi Tuna to Atlantic Seafood Etouffee (shrimp, scallops, fresh catch, and crawfish tail, with steamed jasmine rice), the menu is ever-changing but always inspirational!

Ahi Tuna at Azure Restaurant, Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach

Azure serves three meals daily, and the best seat in the morning (weather permitting) is on the deck.

Summary
Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the 212-room Shores Resort & Spa is the perfect beachfront hotel, offering a perfect combination of luxury resort amenities in a relaxed Florida beach setting.