Destin-ed for the Hilton Sandestin
- Tina Hill
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
When planning a getaway to the Gulf Coast, finding a place that combines comfort, luxury, and a memorable experience can be challenging. Hilton Sandestin Resort & Spa stands out as a destination that meets and exceeds these expectations. This resort offers more than just a place to stay; it delivers an experience that guests cherish long after their visit. I am still reflecting on my amazing late March extended weekend at the beach! Here are my top five qualities that make Hilton Sandestin a must-visit and stand out for travelers seeking a mix of sun and relaxation. #topfive #hiltonsandestin #hilton #destinflhotels
Prime Location with Stunning Views
Hilton Sandestin enjoys a prime spot along the beautiful Emerald Coast, offering guests breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. The resort is a quick 50-minute drive from the teeny tiny Fort Walton/Destin Airport, and Boston is now offering nonstop flights on JetBlue. All major car rental companies are on site. The resort is beachfront, which means visitors can step out of their rooms and feel the soft, powdery sand beneath their feet within minutes. This location also provides easy access to nearby attractions such as golf courses, shopping centers, local dining spots, and beautiful seaside towns (see below). #emeraldcoast #jetbluenonstop #jetblueflorida #floridaseasidetowns
On our Daily Beach Walk
My husband enjoyed two days of golf with clients at championship level courses, Emerald Bay and Raven, while I took a stroll over to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Only a seven-minute drive from the resort, the outlet has a good mix of retail and a few nice designer shops. #emeraldbaygolf #ravengolf #silversandspremiumoutlets
Tee Time!
View from our Balcony
Spacious and Comfortable Accommodations
One of the standout features of Hilton Sandestin is its spacious rooms designed for comfort and convenience. The resort offers a variety of room types to suit different needs. Our Deluxe Junior Suite was thoughtfully furnished and offered plush bedding, a set of bunkbeds (a nice surprise), a good size bathroom, and a private balcony. These features make it an easy choice for families, couples, or solo travelers.
Deluxe Junior Suite
Wide Range of Amenities and Activities
Hilton Sandestin provides an impressive array of amenities that cater to all kinds of travelers. The resort features multiple swimming pools, including a family-friendly pool and a quiet adult-only pool, giving guests options to relax or play. There is an oversized hot tub in multiple areas, and for fitness enthusiasts, there is a well-equipped gym. #kidfriendlyhotels #kidfriendlyresorts #floridafamilyvacations #kidfriendlyfloridaresorts
Pools and Beach
Families will appreciate the planned activities that keep younger guests entertained. I was very impressed with the staff and how they interacted with the kids. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the spa services, which offer massages, facials, and other treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. $$$
Outdoor lovers can take advantage of the resort’s access to water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing. #floridaoutdoors
Exceptional Dining Options
Dining at Hilton Sandestin was a highlight. The resort hosts several restaurants and bars that serve a variety of cuisines. Hadashi offers fresh sushi, Sandcastles has an American menu and fire roasted pizza, Barefoot's Beachside Bar and Grill has amazing salads and a great overall menu, The Coffee Shop has coffee, muffins, and quick service dining, and Seagar's is a 5-star steakhouse $$$$. The steak and service on our last nite here were exceptional and reservations are recommended. Whether you want a quick bite, a leisurely meal, or a 5-star experience, the dining options at Hilton Sandestin cater to every taste. #hadashisushi #sandcastles #sandcastlessandestin #sandcastleshilton #barefootsbeachsidebar #barefootshilton #barefootshiltonsandestin #seagarshilton #seagarsrestaurant #seagarsfl
The Coffee Shop and Menu
Sandcastles and Hadashi
Lunch Poolside - Tuna Sesame Salad from Barefoot's
Outstanding Customer Service
What truly sets Hilton Sandestin apart is its commitment to outstanding customer service. The staff is known for being friendly, attentive, and eager to assist guests in making the most of their stay. I witnessed this with our room upgrade and with the way the staff interacted with guests and children, especially. From the moment of arrival to check-out, the staff members worked to ensure every detail was handled smoothly.
Scenic Highway 30A and the Emerald Coast
The Hilton is a stone's throw away from this absolutely gorgeous coastal drive that runs along the Gulf Coast between Destin and Panama City Beach. It's renowned for its beautiful beach towns, coastal dune lakes, stunning multimillion dollar homes, and clear emerald waters. We met up with friends Ryan and Martha, who are local to the area, and they took us to their favorite stops: Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and finally Seaside...all along the 30A! #30a #scenic30a #30acoastaldrive #30abeaches #emeraldcoastfl
Our Hosts Touring 30A
A little about each beach town we visited
Grayton Beach is a favorite of our friends, and they took us to Santa Rosa Beach, which allows you to drive right on with your car. Grayton has an artsy/surfer vibe...light, breezy, and relaxing. People are casual, walking around in swimsuits...nothing fancy here! Afterward, we had dinner at a Grayton staple, The Red Bar. This is by far, one of the coolest restaurants I have been to. Absolutely loved the vibe! It's a funky, bohemian feel with soulful music. The menu has an assortment of wonderful seafood choices. This is a Must Visit. #redbar #redbargraytonbeach #redbarfl #graytonbeach #graytonbeach30a
Alys Beach offers a more luxurious and upscale feel. It's known for its Mediterranean and Bermudian inspired white buildings/homes. Booking vacation rentals are the way to go here. There is a mix of shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, and the beach is a striking stretch of white sand. We had afternoon drinks at Fonville Press and sat outside enjoying people watching. #alysbeach #alysfl #alys30a #fonvillepress
Alys Beach
Alys Beach
Rosemary Beach felt like being in a small elegant European seaside town with brick paved streets. The town center has boutique shops, galleries, and dining. The vibe is upscale but still laid back. The pics do not do it justice. We had open air drinks upstairs at The Pearl Hotel, which is luxurious, stunning, and perfect for a special occasion ($$$). The Pearl offers oceanfront views with rooftop dining. The beach is private and only hotel guests and owners/renters have access with keycard. I did peak thru the gate and saw a beautiful white sand beach with clear turquoise water. #rosemarybeach #roasemary30a #thepearlhotel #thepearlrosemarybeach #floridafishhouse30a #floridafishhouse
Rosemary Beach
The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach
Quick Stop Here for Drinks - Menu looked delish!
Seaside Beach is a lively and charming pastel-colored coastal town along 30A and a family favorite. Founded in the 80s, Seaside was designed to encourage walkability. Everywhere we looked, people were either walking or riding bikes. The movie The Truman Show was filmed here (not a movie set, an actual place!) What makes Seaside so dynamic is its iconic architecture, featuring colorful cottages, white picket fences, and its central square. The town center is young people central! This is where the kids hang out...I can tell you that much. It was so much fun to walk around and take in this town's personality. The center has food trucks, dining, boutique shops, and features entertainment. It's a laid back and lively vibe day and nite. #seaside #thetrumanhouse #thetrumanhouseseaside #seaside30a
The House from The Truman Show movie
Seaside Beach (30A) Town Center
Pickles Sandbar
The Hilton Sandestin's natural beauty surrounding the resort only enhanced our overall experience. The scenic views created a peaceful atmosphere helped me unwind and reconnect with nature. The beach is expansive in both directions, and each day, I took the opportunity to go on walks, enjoying the shoreline. This was a perfect 4 nite getaway, and I really hope to send more clients to this location. I felt it was understated late March weather is ideal with the highs being in the 70s. In the sun, it felt like 80. There was a constant breeze, and the beach is perfection. I look forward to returning same time next year. #picklessandbar #picklessandarseaside #beachgetaway #beachvacations #oceanfronthotels
If you would like to learn more or book a vacation, please contact me at thill2@aaanortheast.com. I work in the Newburyport, MA branch. #travelconcierge #travelagent #prioritytravelservice #aaanortheasttravel #aaanewburyport #aaavacations #traveladvisor
Best, Tina
Comments