A simple truth occurs to me around the time I clumsily push the room-service cart into the hallway of the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. With one leg propping open the door and the rest of me trying not to upset the cart piled-high with plates and glasses, empty ice cream bowls and scraps of my kid's grilled cheese, I clear the wheels past the doorframe and soon someone will come and disappear the whole mess. All that's left to do is return to the sanctuary of the room where through the sliding glass door I see the setting sun has begun its final approach for landing on the horizon. The ocean breeze feels warm and the light of the golden hour bathes everything in a surreal burnt orange hue. With wife and son happily fed, room tidy and bed neatly made I have this very thought: this is how you do the beach.
Now that's not to say I don't appreciate the joys of renting a condo or beach house in the summer--big glasses of wine enjoyed in big living rooms, lots of space for everyone to spread out, feeling like you are part of a complex. These are good things.
But along with all that comes cooking, cleaning, making coffee, making the bed, hauling luggage, the taking out the garbage, washing and rewashing the beach towels. I have done it many times and I can safely say that these are most definitely overrated activities.
When I sojourn to the beach I want all the good parts of the coast and none of the domestic chores which I sought to leave at home in the first place. Without sounding too much like a sloth, if lift a finger I want it to be mashing a button on a phone to ask someone to bring me something. I want to dine within moments of leaving my room. I want to swim indoors if the weather's bad. I want to walk through the lobby to acquire a hot cup of Starbuck's coffee. When I go to the beach I want a nice comfy chair set for me. And when I leave the beach, I want to bundle up and then deposit my sandy towels into a bin and ultimately return to a pristine room. I want a resort.
Straddling a perfectly positioned patch of sugary white sand on Florida's panhandle between Country Road 30A (home to highbrow developments like Seaside, Watercolor and Rosemary Beach) and Destin proper (home to stacks of condo towers, water parks and putt-putt courses), the Hilton Sandestin has cornered the market on pretty much the full spectrum of beach traveler: family vacations, romantic couples escapes, corporate retreats, guys golfing expeditions and girlie getaways.
Built in the late 1980s at the start of Destin's ascendance to one of the top tourism destinations in the southeast, the property feels refreshingly current. Each year, management continues to invest millions of dollars into the property and experience, ensuring that it keeps up with the latest trends and state of the art hospitality advances. Last year they upgraded the properties meeting spaces and its crown jewel on-site restaurant, Seagar's.
Currently, the property boasts six on-site dining establishments, a world-class spa and fitness center, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool and a kid’s center, all with superior service. The staff is anchored by dozens of chipper, seasoned professionals, many who have been there since the property opened its doors. And while there are you could easily stay on property for the entirety of your visit, you are but a shuttle ride away from two championship golf courses, one of the largest upscale outlet malls in the south and across the street from an entertainment complex with 12 restaurants, 15 retail shops and several nightlife outposts.
The formula is simple: beach vacations are about simplicity. Simplicity equals relaxation. And with its embarrassment of resort riches, the Sandestin Hilton makes visiting the Emerald Coast as easy as busing your room service cart into the hall.
IF YOU GO
- Sandestin Hilton Resort and Spa, a AAA Four Diamond resort has been cooking on the panhandle since 1987 with 598 rooms and 32,000 square feet of meeting space. 850-267-9500 or www.sanddestinbeachhilton.com. Room rates range from $199 single or double occupancy in off-seasons. For spring break and summer, rates start at $259.
- While most folks drive, Delta operates direct flights from Atlanta into Fort Walton Beach (VPS). The property is located 24 miles or about 38 minutes from the airport. Rental cars are available there or a taxi will charge an estimated $55 not including gratuity.
- The Serenity by the Sea spa just celebrated its 10th birthday and was also voted among top spas by Condé Nast Traveler 2013 Reader's Poll.
- Seagars Prime Steaks and Seafood, Destin's only AAA Four Star Restaurant and arguably the best upscale dining establishment on the panhandle, is located right on the property. Reservations recommended.
- The Sandestin complex boasts four outstanding golf courses: The Raven, Baytowne Golf Club, Burnt Pine and The Links. All are available for play to Hilton guests.
- The Villages at Baytowne Warf are located just across the main drag (Highway 98) from the Hilton. The complex is set on a lagoon with restaurants, shops and activities like zip-lining and rock climbing.
- The Silver Sands Premium Outlets are 5 minutes from the resort and boast 110 stores including Coach, Saks 5th Avenue and Nike.
