Dune House Hotel & Spa, the oceanfront escape inspired by Atlantic Beach’s midcentury design and surf culture, has unveiled its completed transformation, introducing four distinct dining concepts, a revitalized spa, and a fully reimagined guest experience. The independent, 193-room hotel, operated by Sage Hospitality Group, brings together thoughtful design, destination dining, restorative wellness, and locally rooted experiences inspired by the character and culture of Atlantic Beach. Dune House marks a new chapter for the storied 1 Ocean Boulevard address, which first welcomed guests as the Sea Turtle Inn in 1973 and later became One Ocean Resort & Spa.
“This property has always had a special place in the Atlantic Beach community and preserving that sense of belonging has been deeply important to us,” says general manager Erik Kreft. “We’re incredibly proud to have local ownership that understands the significance of this property and shares our commitment to its future. Together, we’re building on its legacy while creating a place that this community can continue to call its own for generations to come.”
Four distinct food and beverage concepts anchor the hotel’s culinary program. Coastal Farmer, the signature oceanfront restaurant led by executive chef Daniel Tederous and director of food & beverage Kiwi Dabold, is the coastal iteration of Sage Restaurant Concept’s Urban Farmer brand. Reimagined for Atlantic Beach, Coastal Farmer celebrates Northeast Florida’s waters and farms with a fresh, unfussy approach to seafood and coastal dining. Highlighting regional purveyors like Mayport Fishery, Georgia’s Chatel Farms, and Claxton Poultry Farms, standout menu offerings include East Coast Oysters, 16 oz. dry-aged NY Strip from Chatel Farms, alongside chef de cuisine Nicolos Kes’ signature flounder served with haricot vert and caper brown butter.
The expansive venue offers versatile indoor and outdoor seating, featuring two private dining spaces, a lively 54-seat Bar Lounge with 10 seats at the bar, and an oceanfront patio seating 48. Cafe Dune serves coffee, pastries, and light fare; Sea Turtle Scoops, named in homage to the former Sea Turtle Inn, serves locally loved Mayday Ice Cream along the path to the beach; and poolside Soothsayer pairs craft cocktails and small bites with a tiki-inspired setting that transitions from day to night.
Led by Sage Studio in collaboration with New York-based Islyn Studio, the design draws from Atlantic Beach’s midcentury architecture and surf culture. Its name nods both to the surrounding dunes and to late Jacksonville architect William Morgan’s Dune House, the iconic 1975 residence built into the dunes less than a mile from the hotel. Interiors combine clean architectural lines with collected furnishings, handcrafted ceramics, and local artwork, while wood, stone, woven textiles, and a sun-washed palette inspired by sand, sea, and vintage surfboards carry the coastal setting indoors. The hotel’s 193 guestrooms and suites feature warm woods, woven textures, original artwork, and expansive windows overlooking the coast.
At the revitalized Dune House Spa, treatments incorporate ocean minerals and coastal botanicals, with signature offerings including the Dune House Signature Massage, Seaside Thermal Renewal Body Ritual, and Luminous Facial. Guests also have access to an oceanfront pool, direct beach access, beach chairs and umbrellas, bicycles, and a 24-hour fitness center.
The hotel is steps from the restaurants, bars, and independent shops of Beaches Town Center, with locally rooted experiences woven throughout the stay. On property, JAX Surf & Paddle connects guests to the area’s coastal lifestyle through surf and paddleboard rentals, guided lessons, and yoga, while a complimentary “Leave One, Take One” library brings a relaxed, community-minded touch to the guest experience. Beyond the hotel, exclusive perks with participating Beaches Town Center merchants encourage guests to shop, dine, and explore the neighborhood like a local.
The transformation follows the property’s July 2024 acquisition by a joint venture including Sage Investments, Aspect Real Estate Group, Corner Lot, and Kelco Management and Development.
“Dune House represents a meaningful investment in one of Atlantic Beach’s most recognizable properties and in the experiences that make this community distinctive,” said Daniel del Olmo, president and CEO of Sage Hospitality Group. “I’m grateful to our ownership partners, the Sage teams and the local collaborators whose care and expertise brought this vision to life. We also appreciate the Atlantic Beach community for its connection to this property and the sense of place that continues to shape it. We’re proud to bring forward an experience that enriches the lives of our guests, associates, and neighbors for years to come.”
