Wondering where stay this year on your vacation to Florida? Try Sandestin Resort along the white sand beaches of Miramar Beach near Destin, FL. This place will satisfy any need for indulgence without necessarily emptying your wallet.
Website : http://www.sandestin.com/
Phone Number: (800) 622-1038
Rates: $150-$450 without discounts. Discounts for FL residents, military members, last minute bookings.
Amenities: Several pools, onsite Baytowne Wharf Village with restaurants and shops including the all famous “Another Broken Egg” restaurant, kid-friendly activities, Golf, Beach, Spa and Salon, Fitness Center, free resort shuttle.
Pros: Everything you need for vacation is at this resort. Choose to stay walking distance to the beach or in a more remote location near the village. Very clean rooms, friendly staff, free resort shuttle to and from different locations within the resort. Luxurious grounds and rooms.
Cons: Won’t fit into everyone’s budget. Internet is not free.
Ideas: Take your family to the resort, there are kid friendly activities with the option of dropping them off at the resort “day care” for some adult time during the day. Or, go with friends and enjoy the night life and grab a drink on the beach under your own resort umbrella!
Overview: Sandestin Resort is perfectly situated on Miramar Beach near Destin, FL. A luxury-style resort that is still reasonably affordable to many, it is a resort that is above all others. Sandestin offers free shuttle within the resort grounds so once you arrive, park the car and ride the shuttle from your condo to the village for some dinner or take it to and from the beach. Don’t forget your golf clubs as there are four golf courses to play. They also offer a salon & spa and a fitness center.
Rooms: There are four types or locations to chose your rental property; Beachside luxury condos, Village Condos, Lakeside Villas, and Bayside Condos each offering their own styles to help you fulfill your vacation desires. Beachside condos represent their name and are located within walking distance to the beach. The Village Condos are located near the Baytowne Wharf Village, close to the night life and the restaurants that are offered at the resort. Bayside condos are more remote if you desire a stress-free, quiet vacation while Lakeside Villas are located near the Baytown Marina. Rooms offer full kitchens in studio, 1 or 2 bedroom units. Granite countertops, comfortable furniture and plush beds are a few of the luxuries found in the rooms.
Dining and Entertainment: Sandestin Village at Baytowne Wharfe offers several dining options so whether you are in the mood for Sushi, Italian or BBQ, you’ll easily find your craving for the evening. Sit outside and eat your meal while you watch the kids zip-line over the pond or ride the Merry-Go-Round. You can’t visit Sandestin without eating at Another Broken Egg Cafe for breakfast. Entertainment is often provided in the Village Square so grab your ice cream and sit on the lawn while you listen to Celtic Music on St. Patty’s Day or whatever the theme is that night.
Tips: If the rooms at Sandestin are over your budget, try staying at one of many national hotel chains that are on Sandestin’s property such as Hilton and Residence Inn. You’ll still be inside the resort at a lower cost but you won’t have access to some of the features that Sandestin itself offers such as Sandestin pool access.
My family discovered this resort last June when we happened to stay there during the notorious BP oil spill. Even though the beach was clean and free of oil, we spent more time at the Luau pool, at the Village or at the Marina than at the beautiful white sand beaches they offer. This will be an annual trip for us and is worth every penny. Lucky for us, we receive the military discount. Secret: if this place is over budget but you still want to enjoy this resort as a resort guest, try booking through VRBO.com as many homeowners rent their units to vacationers for a nightly rate comparable to Sandestin’s military rate.
