Reviews: Sandaway Suites & Beach

Reviewed by: Markus Hofmann on Oct 13, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This waterfront boutique hotel added a single mooring ball about 200 feet off its private beach in the summer of 2025. It's available for reservation through Dockwa or by phone. We were told that the mooring was professionally installed by the inspector of all Oxford's moorings and is built to hold boats up to 55 feet. Instead of a floating pennant, it has two large-diameter lines with loops that you tie directly to your bow cleats. These usually sit on top of the ball, so you can grab them easily with a boat hook. The setup looks solid and well-kept. Swell can be an issue when the wind comes from the south or west, and there's wake from passing boats during the day, but it quiets down at night except for the occasional crabbing boat.

You can land your dinghy right on the hotel's beach. It's close enough that rowing is easier than using the motor. Or just swim :) The beach is private, so you don't need to worry about locking up your dinghy. Ben, who runs the place, is super friendly and eager to help. He greeted us when we arrived, gave us a quick tour, and even walked us into town when he heard we were looking for ice cream. The town is just a short walk, with restaurants nearby. In the morning, we found a picnic basket with coffee in a thermos, two shortbread cookies, and a couple of protein bars waiting for us by the dinghy landing. Courtesy of the hotel. You'll need to bring your own mugs. There aren't formal showers or bathrooms for boaters, but Ben is flexible if you ask. They also offer discounted hotel rooms if you want to sleep ashore. It's not a typical marina setup, but it's very charming and a pleasant change worth checking out.

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