If you live in the Panhandle of Florida, then you know right where Sandestin is and what they are known for: sugar-white sand beaches, great shopping and fishing!  If you don’t live here (and most of you don’t), then put it on your short list of vacation destinations.  I am lucky enough to have this world-class vacation spot just a couple of hours away from home.  Recently, we got away for a weekend in October (one of the best times of the year to visit, in my opinion) to the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa and had a blast!

This hotel is Northwest Florida’s largest full-service beachfront resort (which also includes a convention center) and home to Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Destin’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant.  They leave no stone unturned with regards to service and attention to detail or amenities.  There are two separate towers with plenty of room to accommodate both leisure guests and convention attendees.  While we were there, there were three conventions going on and three weddings scheduled over the course of the weekend.  But you would never have known because the resort did not feel crowded at all!

Upon arrival to our Suite, we were amazed at how spacious it was and perfect for a family too!  Sandestin is a huge family beach-vacation destination, so the adorable bunkbeds and separate TV in the kids area of the suite were a welcome delight!  Our suite was complete with a mini-refrigerator, coffee area and balcony overlooking one of the two pools and offering a gorgeous sunset view!

Our first morning started with room service, Eggs Benedict with Seasonal Fruit, followed by massages at the resort’s renowned Serenity Spa by the Sea.  The spa experience was amazing.  It is a full-service spa complete with separate men’s and women’s dressing and relaxation areas, a gym and more.  I was escorted back and given my robe and slippers and a locker for my belongings with a code that only I knew.  After getting dressed, I was instructed to go to the ‘waiting room’ area which had a sunken hot tub and all kinds of waters, juices, healthy snacks and more.  My masseuse got me before too long and I enjoyed every minute of the hour-long massage, wishing it wasn’t really time to leave!  I would seriously consider driving over just for the spa, and in speaking with the spa attendant, I learned that many do!

Finally it was time to take in the pool – or at least the sun by the pool since the mid-October water was a little chilly – and the beach!  We grabbed some beach towels from the pool hut, a Pina Colada from Barefoot’s, the outdoor sports bar/restaurant, and settled in for some relaxation.  There are two outdoor pools as well as one inside and a hot tub, and we enjoyed being outside next to Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill so we could keep tabs on the day’s College Football games!  They had banners up for all the area teams including my own Florida State (Go ‘Noles), so it really felt like a gameday atmosphere.  We love football, so that was good for us.

We also noticed that there were two weddings happening that day, both at the same time, both on opposite sides of the resort’s beach!  It was obvious that this happens all the time because no one seemed bothered by us vacationers gawking at or walking through their set ups – pre-wedding of course!  Later, as we got ready for dinner at Barefoot’s, we watched the weddings from our balcony and again were amazed at the resort’s ability to pull off two events simultaneously while also hosting meetings/conventions inside.

Dinner was al fresco at Barefoot’s and once again, we enjoyed taking in all of the College Football games that were on.  Get there before sunset and you’ll enjoy incredible views over delicious cocktails!  Taking in the sunset is a Florida Gulf Coast event every night.  Those who live here look forward to it every night and you will too!  Since we were watching football, we decided to go for their famous burger and enjoyed it immensely.

Before checking out, we had an amazing continental buffet breakfast at Sandcastle’s.  Sandcastle’s features a huge, open, indoor dining space with a few buffet lines and laid-back but attentive service.  Choose from hot breakfast items such as sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs and grits or cold items such as cereal and greek yogurt with fresh fruit OR grab the ingredients you most like in your omelet and watch as the omelet master makes it right in front of you.  I grabbed some greek yogurt and a veggie omelet and it was amazing!

While you’re in the area, make sure to take in the shops, including the famous Silver Sands Outlet Mall, Bass Pro Shop, Baytowne Wharf and one of the nicest Goodwill’s around!  Also head over to 30A and Seaside, where The Truman Show was filmed.  It’s only about 20 minutes from the resort and a must-see!

If you’re looking to get away during the holidays, check out their special packages:

• Thanksgiving Shopper Package – available November 21-25 and includes a $50 Giftcard to Silver Sands Outlet Mall.
• Black Friday Special – 30% off.  Call on Black Friday, November 23rd, to make your reservation with this special discount.  Must travel by February.
• Our Gift to You Package – includes your choice of one $50 Giftcard to Seagar’s, Serenity Spa by the Sea, Silver Sands Outlet Mall or Sandestin Golf Courses.  Available November 25th – January 31st.
• Beach, Baytowne and Breakfast – New Year’s Eve package including Breakfast at Sandcastle’s and transportation to Baytowne Wharf.  Available December 27th – January 3rd.

We really enjoyed our time at the Hilton Sandestin and will certainly be back!

Disclosure: I was provided with a stay at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa for my opinion and my review. All opinions expressed are my own and should not be substituted as your own.

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