Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Disclosure: I was invited to stay at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa on a media trip but all opinion and photography is my own.

 This past weekend I spent four days at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach, Florida with six other amazing bloggers. I was beyond thankful to trade the cold and rainy weather of Atlanta for the white sand and crystal clear blue water of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Hilton Sandestin Beach has been recognized with the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating and has been named one of the ‘Top 20 Florida Golf Resorts’. To say I was excited is a huge understatement. I had such a great time and I couldn’t wait to tell you more about it in case you are looking for a sunny vacation destination!

   

 A few of my Atlanta blogger friends and I flew into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport via Delta, which was an easy 45-minute flight. As soon as we got off the plane, C2 transportation was waiting for us with a sign that listed all of our names. Our driver loaded our bags into the car, and we were off!

     We arrived at the Hilton Sandestin Beach and entered the beautiful lobby, where they quickly checked us into our rooms in the Emerald Tower. When I entered my room, the first thing that caught my eye was the spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico. A sense of calm washed over me and I immediately went into relaxation mode.

     My room consisted of a large king bed, sitting area, vanity, and a newly renovated bathroom. I couldn’t help but keep my door open during my entire stay – I loved listening to the waves while doing some light reading on the balcony whenever I had some free time. We all enjoyed a casual lunch, toured the property, and took a walk on the beach before we slowly finished unpacking.

Our first official event of the trip was a dinner at Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge. We had a gorgeous private room and enjoyed a five-course meal that included fried green tomatoes, oysters, a tasting of three of their entrees, and grilled brown butter pound cake. Executive Chef Dan Vargo introduced himself and told us about the unique styles and flavors provided by the restaurants on the property. The dinner was a great venue to get to know the other bloggers, and I loved learning more about each of their styles and unique backgrounds! The first night was definitely a success.

     The next morning we had an early morning yoga class and then breakfast at Sandcastles (they have an AMAZING breakfast buffet that we ate at every morning) and got into a limo to head to The Shard Shop. At the Shard Shop, we created art out of recycled glass. I made an ombre design that faded from a pretty blue into white and it was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

     On the way back to the resort someone spotted an ice cream shop and naturally, we each had to cater to our respective sweet tooth and grab a scoop (or two). After ice cream, we had some free time to lay by the pool and catch some rays. Later that evening, we had an amazing dinner at Hadashi Sushi Bar and followed that up with a cozy bonfire on the beach. We continued to share stories and get to know each other while we listened to music and made s’mores.

     The next day we all slept in and had a lazy morning before meeting up for lunch at Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill. I love having the chance to eat outside, so having a lunch filled with shrimp tacos and unobstructed views of crystal clear water was right up my alley!

     Once we finished lunch, we all headed to the Serenity by the sea Spa for our massages. The world class Serenity by the sea Spa is fully equipped with a sauna, whirlpools, steam rooms, and zero gravity chairs. I got into my robe and relaxed in the whirlpool until I was called back for my massage. The massage was so relaxing that I actually fell asleep (whoops).

     After I reluctantly handed in my robe, I showered and got ready for our final dinner. We dined at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, a AAA-Four Diamond steak house on the Hilton Sandestin Beach property. This was the best meal of the trip and I wasn’t surprised to hear that Seagar’s has been recognized as one of the top five steakhouses in all of Florida. We started with tuna tartare and a crab cake neapolitan, moved to a table side caesar salad, then to our entrees (I had the dover sole) with macaroni and cheese, truffle fries, asparagus and brussel sprouts. Somehow, we still had room for dessert and finished the meal with a Grand Marnier soufflé and table side bananas foster. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip.

From the turn down service to the attentive and friendly resort staff, there is not a detail overlooked at Hilton Sandestin Beach. I highly recommend it and hope you consider it when looking for your next beach getaway!