Are We There Yet? Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa - Miramar Beach, Florida

By Linda Holloway Photography by Larry Holloway

Memories by the Sea 

Nothing bonds a family like a beach vacation. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa located in Miramar Beach, Florida comes complete with sugar- white sand, emerald- green Gulf water, and exhilarating activities for all ages. Etched in my memory are my barefoot babies running along the sand. Remember, you only have approximately 18 summers to make memories for a lifetime. Hilton Sandestin has conspired with nature to make the ideal family beach destination.

Families can choose from 590 guest rooms and suites. The Deluxe Junior Suites are perfect for families, with bunk beds that include their own TVs, and are available with either one king bed or two queen beds, both with a queen sleeper sofa. My personal star attraction –a private balcony with stunning beach views for total relaxation. Of course, your kids did not come to relax, and the drill begins with begging, pleading, and whining until you succumb to their wishes. Yes, you are following the crew to the beach even though you are not fully unpacked. After all, there are sandcastles to be built and treasures to be found.

Here, the sand is known to make ideal sandcastles, and the only interruption in the architectural wonders may be occasional screeching, “Look, Look” as dolphins entertain all along the Gulf.  You will want to reserve a beach chair and umbrella for a front-seat view of the greatest show on earth—water slapping sand.  You can rent watersports equipment at the Beach Services Hut.  In addition to pre-beach necessities, the resort offers all the essentials for a great Gulf Coast experience including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, beach volleyball, and beach bonfires. As the sun dips into the Gulf, families gather to watch the wonder of the sky painted by nature. Moms deserve to experience a facial or massage at the resort’s award-winning Serenity by the sea Spa. The spa takes relaxation up a notch, and their facials are legendary.

Pools Galore and Places to Explore

As a salt and sand- free beach alternative, the resort offers guests the use of two outdoor pools and an indoor pool.  There are also two whirlpools and a toddler pool. The indoor pool is a luxurious oasis in any weather. Adjacent to the outdoor pools is the vast beachfront deck, perfect for sunbathing, as well as the poolside cabanas for those who seek some shade. There’s no need to pack a beach towel since the resort provides complementary pool towels.  For the active family, there are four nearby championship golf courses, putting course, and 15 tennis courts. Ask about boating, sailing, and fishing charters at Baytowne Marina.

Explore the Sandestin area on a resort bike!  Ask the concierge to set up a family bike rental along the cart path to safely explore the bay side. Park the car and take the resort’s Tram that is free to guests. Ask about Tram times and Sandestin destinations.  Spend a day or evening at the nearby Village of Baytowne Wharf where you can soar across the Village’s lagoon on a zip line, and try a ropes course at Baytowne Adventure Zone. Other Village offerings include seasonal programming such Boomin’ Tuesdays, and Thursdaze Lights Show. Plus, there are weekly summer festivals offering face-painting, crafts, and fireworks. Venture off-property for a teen treat. Nearby, Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park packs high-adrenaline thrills with slides built for speed and a variety of water park adventures.

Restaurants at Hilton Sandestin Resort have a variety of food to satisfy everyone’s taste, including the younger set. For breakfast, stop by The Coffee Shop for pastries and coffee or Sandcastles Restaurant to experience the breakfast buffet. You will want to bring the family back for dinner where the seafood is delectable. Take the Tram to one of the resort’s on-site dining options at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.  While playing by the pools, try Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill, where great food and casual dining merge with the Gulf for a backdrop. Picnix Poolside Market features an assortment of breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, and wraps, as well as personal pan pizzas, and ice cream treats.  Hadashi Sushi Bar has the best sushi anywhere and offers a variety of food as well.

Warning: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa is never a one and done vacation spot. I spoke with friends who have made the resort their annual vacation respite.

Mayor Joe, Alexa and the Barger Crew - Two Decades of Memories

Alexa Barger is the wife of Mayor Joe Barger of Brookwood. They have two children in college and a teen. Alexa shared the family’s Hilton Sandestin story.

“For over 20 years, Hilton Sandestin has been our family vacation spot. It is our one last hooray before school starts back every year. It is more than just a place we visit—Hilton Sandestin is where so many of our memories have been made, year after year, as our family has grown and changed.”

“As the children got older, their interests grew right along with them.  They started loving the water activities onsite, and the zip line at Baytowne Wharf became something they looked forward to every trip. It was fun watching them get more adventurous and independent with each passing year. Some of the most special times were when my mom, Grannie Barb, came along and we traveled a short distance to Kilwins Ice Cream Shop, along Grand Boulevard.  Ice cream runs with her turned into such sweet traditions—just walking, talking, and enjoying being together.”

Alexa noted, “Now that our kids are teenagers and young adults, things look a little different, but in a good way. They love having the freedom to bounce between the different pools and do their own thing. Lunch at Barefoot’s is still a favorite, and it is where we all come back together to catch up and relax. One thing that has never changed is how easily they make friends.  From playing with other kids in the sand when they were small to meeting people from across the United States, they enjoy connecting with others at the resort.”

Alexa added, “Looking back, it has been special to have a place that is grown with our family.  Every trip holds a little piece of the past, mixed in with new memories, and no matter how much time passes, every visit to Hilton Sandestin will feel like coming home.”  Alexa Barger

For more information, visit www.HiltonSandestinBeach.com or call 1-850-267-9500