Fun in the Sun at Sandestin

There are many fun destinations your family can experience on a getaway, and so many East Cobbers have discovered the beautiful communities along the beaches of South Walton County from Rosemary Beach to Seaside to Grayton Beach, to Destin/Miramar Beach. During my family’s recent trip to the beaches of South Walton, we enjoyed our stay at the magnificent Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Sprawling across 2,400 acres, this resort has it all, both beach side and the Choctawhatchee Bay side with 1,300 accommodations nestled among 30 communities, ranging from condos and villas to townhomes and hotel options.

We checked out of everyday life and into a 2-bedroom condominium at the Sandestin Luau which may be the most luxurious condo towers located beachside in the Sandestin Beach Resort. The Luau at Sandestin consists of two beachside towers with a Polynesian theme. Our 2-bedroom, two bath condo overlooked the 4,000 square-foot (!) swimming pool and hot tub. We enjoyed the spacious king size bed, complete with a comfy mattress in the master bedroom, and there was plenty of space for my teenagers to have their space in an adjoining living room with pullout couch and another room with 2 full beds. Of course, there were TVs galore and WiFi service as well. Plus, there was a washer, dryer, and a full kitchen, which makes it ideal for family vacations.

While the condo was beautifully appointed, I spent hours on the balcony gazing at the boats zooming along the gulf and the wraparound balcony also afforded a view of the beautiful tranquil Choctawhatchee Bay. We also enjoyed the sunset observation deck on the roof of our building. Since Sandestin has 24 hour gated security, our family felt safe in our temporary beach neighborhood. Sandestin resort has condos to fit any size family from townhomes, villas, penthouses and condos surrounded by beautiful lakes, bike trails, and landscaped green spaces. The beach was just a sort walk away, as well as access to tennis, golf, putting course, canoes, kayaks, bicycles and boogie boards.

Sandestin offers something for everyone in your family. Featuring four world-class golf courses (along with a family-friendly course for junior golfers to enjoy), fifteen tennis courts, bike trails, marinas, fitness centers, restaurants, shops, and fun activities for both children and adults, Sandestin isn’t just famous for its beaches. Take a dip in one of the 19 pools, or better yet, hop aboard the trolley (or reserve complimentary bicycles) and head to the bayside marina for watersports. Sandestin also created the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a wonderful, quaint waterfront pedestrian –friendly “downtown” filled with eateries, shops, and and several fun play opportunities– located on the bayside section of Sandestin. My kids had a blast in the Baytowne Adventure Zone. Everyone in your family can enjoy climbing the tower and zooming 300 feet across the lagoon and back via a zipline before testing skills on the massive ropes course. Baytowne Wharf is the perfect location for everyone to eat, shop and play, as well as being an ideal location for some nightlife fun. . . all without having to drive or leave the resort.

The resort offers free bikes, fishing poles, kayaks, beach chair and umbrella use, tennis court use and tram rides. A tram ride is only a phone call away. Wherever you are, there are courtesy phones and when you call to order a tram it arrives within 10 minutes to take you anywhere within the resort.

While this place is its own little world—with shopping, charter fishing, spas, salons, tennis, water sports, golf, and special events to keep young, old and in-between happy, Sandestin can serve as an awesome base for nearby destinations if you do feel like getting off the resort to visit the nearby attractions, from the outlet mall to exploring.

If you’re interested, the resort offers a full spectrum of themed vacation travel plans, from family getaways to sports-specific adventures to couple’s retreats. One thing’s for certain if you go – plan on having an absolute blast that your family will never forget! You can learn more about Sandestin Beach and Tennis Resort at www.sandestin.com.

By Cynthia M. Rozzo