Since opening its doors in 1951, Sandy Beach Lodge and Resort in Naramata has become the most beloved resort in the close-knit community. For over 50 years, it has remained a cherished getaway for families who return year after year to their summer sanctuary, where they can rekindle the joy of family gatherings—a time when you said hello to your neighbour, iPhones were something you’d see on The Jetsons, and families ate together at the dinner table.
With this family-first mindset, the lodge was born from a vision of laughter and leisure, inspired by the founders’ own nostalgic memories of family vacations at Ponderosa Point. These early experiences shaped their dream: to create an idyllic retreat where other families could also make lifelong memories. Today, that dream continues, under the careful eye of Duff Corcoran, whose parents purchased Sandy Beach Lodge from the original Braidwood family in the 80s.
Every aspect of the resort was designed for families and friends to socialise in mind—from the sprawling 400 feet of sandy beachfront, heated outdoor pool and hot tub, basketball and tennis courts, to the cosy lodge rooms and welcoming cottages situated closely together, all scattered across lush greenery.
The beauty of Sandy Beach lies in its ability to blend the simplicity of nature with the comforts of home (hello laundry facilities). New upgrades like speedy WiFi, Tesla charging stations, and air conditioning are thoughtfully integrated, ensuring that each family’s stay is comfortable yet still retains the rustic charm that has defined the lodge for decades.
This commitment to maintenance and improvement is a testament to the resort’s dedication to excellence, where every visit promises to be better than the last. It’s part of the reason why guests continue to come back to Sandy Beach—which also happens to be one of their proudest achievements.
But the enduring appeal of this resort isn’t just merely the upgrades; it’s also underscored by its unique setting that blends privacy and community—a place where kids can safely roam and parents can relax. Whether it’s a barbecue by the lake at sunset or a morning hike along nearby trails, each activity at Sandy Beach is more than just a pastime, it’s a part of a tradition that “sandy beachers” look forward to every visit.
It’s here that families return each year to see their friends from across the country who’ve become like family. Children rejoice upon reuniting with their summer buddies, jumping up and down and hugging their friends, before bolting to the expansive lawn for a game of tag. The digital devices are left inside; this is a place where being present is sacred and building real connections is more important than endlessly scrolling.
It’s here that children race each other to the water’s edge, buckets of ice cream are consumed, and bedtimes are forgotten. It’s where children’s laughter echoes against the backdrop of the hills, where mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, and auntie and uncle can unwind under the shade of old pines, watching as new stories unfold before their eyes. These simple yet profound moments create core memories that one can’t help but so fondly smile back on. This is what life is about at Sandy Beach, and what the owners have worked so diligently at preserving.
But running the lodge hasn’t always been an easy breezy day spent lounging in the shade. The challenges of recent years, including staffing and operational adjustments, have tested the resilience of the resort. However, the spirit of Sandy Beach has remained vibrant, bolstered by a team that values joy and togetherness above all. In trying times, they find strength in the shared commitment to creating an environment where families can escape the everyday and just enjoy being together.
For those seeking to make a mark in the hospitality industry, the family behind Sandy Beach offers this advice: keep sight of what truly matters—the people you serve. In a world that moves too fast, they have mastered the art of slowing down, ensuring that every guest leaves with a piece of the tranquillity that defines the Okanagan—and Naramata in particular.
As the future unfolds, Sandy Beach Lodge and Resort looks forward to welcoming back guests who’ve become like family in their own right, as well as new generations who will continue to add snapshots to photo albums of their time spent at this nostalgic place. And while they’ll always strive to bring modern comforts and conveniences, one thing at Sandy Beach will always remain the same: the unwavering commitment to putting family first and creating a space where loved ones can gather, be present, and make memories that last a lifetime.
A note from the owners:
“The vision for Sandy Beach Lodge was to maintain and restore the original log lodge, built by the Braidwoods, and replace the five seasonal cottages with log cabins to complement the existing log lodge. The new cabins would be winterized for year round enjoyment. The emphasis would be on a family oriented resort, with a low density development, that afforded privacy and showcased the original log lodge and spectacular beachfront. It was our desire to honour the Braidwood’s initial concept, while upgrading the facility for a new generation. With these goals in mind, a number of capital works were undertaken over the past 20 years, always keeping in mind the integrity of the property, and a desire to provide families with a memorable summer holiday experience.”
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