Revisiting a Florida Favorite: Hilton Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort
With so many of us eager to leave our homes and venture out for fresh air, I thought a virtual re-visit to the Hilton Sandestin would provide a calming escape from quarantine ….and offer a fabulous idea for summer travel. In journeying to the Florida Panhandle from our new home in Nashville, I had expected to view the same white sand and green waters that I had been accustomed to growing up in Clearwater……yet I was completely blown away by the clear blue water and white sand beach behind the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.
Fortunately, during this time of precaution, the Hilton Sandestin is taking extra steps and measures to keep guests safe and are following guidelines and protocols established by the brand’s CleanStay initiative to elevate hygiene. The hotel is open at 50% capacity while on-site restaurants are open to guests with indoor seating operating at 50% capacity. Outdoor seating tables are spaced six feet apart so you can safely enjoy the sunshine.
For friends in the south, the Hilton Sandestin is located just over two hours from Tallahassee, three hours from Montgomery, four-and-a-half hours from Birmingham, and five hours from Atlanta. It is the perfect road trip for a fun, family get-away.
I knew the Destin area was famed for its family atmosphere and white sand beaches but spending a weekend at the Hilton Sandestin was a unique and special experience that I had to share. As the mother of seven children, it is often a challenge finding a vacation destination that appeases my active teens but still is engaging for five children under nine years old. The Hilton did not disappoint as kayaks were available for my older children while my younger kids took advantage of the beachside, enclosed toddler pool and clear gulf waters.
For those who love to explore the outdoors, visiting South Walton is a perfect vacation destination. More than 40% of South Walton is preserved for nature, providing plenty of options for outdoor adventures! With four state parks, 15 dune lakes, a state forest, and, of course, the beach, there are many places to explore on foot, bike, horseback, or water.
All guest rooms are spacious, with private balconies and full or partial gulf views.. Junior deluxe suites are perfect for large families like ours. We often struggle to fit our family into one room and typically are burdened with purchasing two rooms to fit our children. These family designed suites are equipped with bunk beds, a media center, one king/two double beds and a sleeper sofa.
Private, poolside cabanas are available as well as abundant chaise lounges distanced across the 20,000 sq. ft beachfront deck. An indoor, heated pool makes colder temperatures or afternoon thunderstorms insignificant as this gorgeous pool was a place where we found poolside respite and an afternoon snack. Hilton Sandestin’s Serenity by the Sea salon, a full service spa is offering limited services according to distancing guidelines. You can also dine at the only 4-Diamond steak house in the area, Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, located inside the Hilton.
As a girl who grew up fishing, I was excited to see that Destin is known as “The World’s Largest Fishing Village.” With a fleet of charter boats, the “Billfish Capital of the World” is always ready for half-day, all-day, and overnight trips. At the Baytowne Marina, fishermen can cast a line right off the dock or rent a boat for fishing in the Bay.
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa is not only committed to providing a beautiful seaside retreat for your family, they are also committed to the safety and well being of their guests and staff. With so much to offer during this time of uncertainty, the Hilton Sandestin is a great choice for a saltwater escape.
