Westhampton Beach - The sun was shinning this week after several days of rain making it a great day at the Beach for Jon Loney as he went about his business managing an oceanfront resort on Dune Road.

Loney's job is nice work if you can get it. The waves rolled up on the sandy beach of the Atlantic while he discussed the coming season at the 101-unit beach front complex known as the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel. The establishment dates back to 1956 when the original hotel was built, followed by a bath and tennis club featuring tennis courts and beachside cabanas.

"We have to warn diners to stay off the dunes," Loney said as he described the beachside Atlantica that takes waterfront dining to another dimension.

Today the elegant resort offers its members, including both co-op owners and guests who rent units that are offered on the open market, the use of five tennis courts, a swimming pool and a private beach. Co-op owners can rent a slip in the marina for $100 a foot, or hop on board with boaters who lease space at the marina kicking in another $4,000 for full use of all the amenities.

The Atlantica and Tierra de Mar offer fine dining open to the public with full service facilities available to those opting to have a beach wedding.

"We have to warn diners to stay off the dunes," Loney said as he described the beachside Atlantica that takes waterfront dining to another dimension. Weddings on the beach are becoming more popular every year as the ample photo album on the Bath and Tennis website demonstrates.

The typical Bath and Tennis member hails from Manhattan, New Jersey and Westchester and usually spends the weekend on the beach. Boaters live on their boats ranging in size from 30 feet to 40 feet and larger during the warm weather months. Two co-op unit owners also have boats docked at the marina.

The Atlantica and Tierra de Mar offer fine dining open to the public with full service facilities.

Loney attributes the popularity of the beachside retreat to its proximity to the city. The destination is the first Hampton you hit once you get off the Long Island Expressway. "You don't have to drive all the way out to Montauk," Loney noted.

Once at the beach you can go out on your boat, play tennis, go out to eat and even have your hair done and get a massage at the on-site spa facility. There is a more than adequate gym on the premises for those committed to physical fitness and looking good in their bathing suits when they hit the sand.

If you decide to go during the week you can rent a unit for $279 a night to $594 a night. Weekend rates increase to $319 to $649. Loney recommends weekdays for those seeking a more leisurely pace. If you like more activity and want to be around people weekends is when you should hit the beach. There are 19 units available that are controlled by the management, as well as an additional 15 to 25 units that hit the open market when co-op owners decide to rent their units. Some of the units are currently for sale ranging in price from $230,000 for a studio to $530,000 for a one bedroom. Not bad for a day at the beach on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean where you don't have to worry about mowing the lawn.

Loney attributes the popularity of the beachside retreat to its proximity to the city.

While life for Loney is a day at the beach it's not a total party. The economic downturn has hit the sand and washed up on Loney's shores. "We lost 17 boats at the marina this season," Loney said referring to boaters who did not return in 2009. "Luckily we have a waiting list, so we were able to fill those slips pretty fast." The final score so far, 17 boats out, 15 new boaters in for 2009 to take their place. A year over year analysis shows business is definitely down this year when compared to the same time last year but Loney remains optimistic as the waves hit the shore.

"We expect things to get busy at the last minute in June. People will be out here in July and August. We may even get busy next week," he said noting time and the tide wait for no man at the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel where rooms are available, the food is good and the beach will make you happy along with the sunshine on your shoulders.