Summer is approaching and it’s time to start thinking about planning a family vacation. We just returned from the Hilton Sandestin Beach on Florida’s Emerald Coast. And if you are contemplating a beach vacation this summer, here’s why you should give the Hilton Sandestin Beach a look.
Every summer we think about going to the beach. But then we remember how much work it is to plan a beach vacation. First you have to decide what beach to go to. And then take the time to find that ideal condo that has the perfect beach access. You also have to plan meals, pack all that beach stuff, and don’t forget about schlepping it all down to the beach each day. Suddenly, that beach vacation isn’t sounding so relaxing after all.
What if you could bypass all that work by making one simple reservation?
This past weekend, I was invited to come and experience the beautiful Hilton Sandestin Beach with a little Mom & Me getaway with my youngest son. We were asked to come and experience all that they have to offer families who are looking for the perfect beach vacation. I have to say, I was really impressed with all the Hilton Sandestin Beach accommodations and amenities. So much so, that it’s making me rethink the way we take a beach vacation.
Hilton Sandestin Beach
Florida beaches have long been a favorite of mine for family fun. In my opinion, the Florida panhandle boasts some of the prettiest beaches in the continental United States. Not only is the sand incredibly soft (feels like baby powder), it is this pristine white color that is just beautiful. And the water is clear and a gorgeous emerald color thanks to shallow beaches. Without any down-flowing rivers to compromise the waters, you can guarantee that pretty color year-round.
The Hilton Sandestin Beach is the only beachfront, full-service resort hotel located on Florida’s Emerald Coast. It is located in the privately-owned Sandestin resort area and is the only hotel in the gated community off US Highway 98. The hotel has been here for over 30 years, yet has remained the standard of what beach resort hotels in the area aspire to be like. It recently underwent a $30 million renovation and now has some very fun & unique features that make it a perfect beach resort for families.
Hilton Sandestin Beach: The Rooms
When staying at the beach with the family, we want room to spread out and relax. I was most impressed with how large the rooms were at the Hilton Sandestin. We stayed in a Junior Deluxe Suite in the Emerald Tower, which included a king-sized bed, sitting area, a large bathroom with 2 sink areas and a large balcony overlooking the beach.
The tower has both the sunrise and sunset sides, so make sure to ask for either depending on your preference. I enjoyed sitting on my sunrise balcony with a cup of coffee each morning, watching the gorgeous pink sunrise – what a way to wake up!
Each Jr. Deluxe Suite was designed with bunk beds tucked away in this little alcove as you walked into the room. My little man loved having his own area with TV to call his own.
Each room has a mini-fridge, microwave and coffee service. I found the rooms to be quiet and relaxing. In fact, it was so quiet, that I opened up the glass balcony door to hear the waves. What an incredible way to fall asleep each night!
Hilton Sandestin Beach: The Food
The Hilton Sandestin Beach has many choices when it comes to mealtimes, which I think is key to making this a great vacation. If you are choosing to stay at a hotel rather than a condo, you want to have a variety of things to eat close by.
Not only does this resort have many options (7 different cafes & restaurants) to choose from, the food is fantastic. You honestly don’t have to leave the resort to find a good meal.
We recommend Sandcastles Restaurant for their incredible, over-the-top breakfast buffet or if you are looking for something quick, you can run to The Coffee Shop, which serves Starbucks coffee and a variety of pastries, cereal, and hot breakfast sandwiches.
Lunch can be enjoyed poolside and overlooking the beach at Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill. They have yummy burgers and sandwiches. Or you can grab a sandwich or salad to go from Picnix and enjoy it on the beach. Better yet – check out this cool tip – don’t leave your seats on the beach and order your lunch from your phone. The staff will deliver it down to the beach for you! Picnix also offers fun ice cream treats to enjoy after a day at the beach.
Sandcastles Restaurant has a fantastic dinner menu with items such as shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, mahi mahi, and even filet mignon. We had a tasting dinner here one evening and everything was delicious. If you are in the mood for sushi, the Hadashi Sushi Bar is located in the lobby. And you can enjoy fine dining at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, where they have over 600 bottles of wine. Like I said, no need to leave the resort for a great meal.
Hilton Sandestin Beach: The Beach
Remember what I said earlier about schlepping all the beach chairs, umbrella, towels, and toys from the car or condo to the beach each day? Well how would you like to reserve an umbrella and 2 chairs in advance (additional fee) and have it waiting each day for you? All you have to do is grab your towels by the pool and head down. It was so very convenient and easy.
Water craft rentals – paddle boarding & kayaking – are available at the beach as well and a staff member will even give you a quick lesson. There are beach volleyball courts for a friendly pick-up game. Or don’t be active. Just sit and stare at the water. Take a walk along the surf. Just enjoy every minute of that gorgeous beach just the way you want to.
I mean really, have you ever seen sand this soft & white before?
Hilton Sandestin Beach: The Spa
The resort also boasts the amazing Serenity by the sea Spa on property as well. This gorgeous 300 foot spa, salon, & fitness center has services for both men & women.The spa recently underwent a major transformation that included an expansion and several amenities that make it a top notch spa. Along with facial and massage services, guests can have a manicure or pedicure and even have their hair done in the salon.
During my visit, I enjoyed a morning at the spa with a hot aromastone massage followed by some time in the whirlpool and a quick nap in a zero-gravity chair. It was a lovely way to begin a vacation.
The spa also offers 24/7 access to the fitness center for guests, as well as fitness classes.
Hilton Sandestin Beach: The Amenities
The Hilton Sandestin Beach has several other amenities worth mentioning that make it a great resort. We found ourselves cooling off in the pool after our day at the beach and it was a refreshing way to end our day. The resort has 3 pools, one is indoors, and the 2 outside are heated during the winter months. If you wanted a day by the pool, you could rent a cabana and have these lovely chairs to sit in all day as well as a private server. Fun!
There are plenty of other ways to keep active at the Hilton Sandestin Beach, with 4 golf courses on site, 15 tennis courts, bicycle rentals, and miles of trails that surround the property to take leisurely walks on.
My son spent time in both the Kids Krew (daytime activities) and Kids Night Out that is hosted at the resort. They played active games, built sandcastles, went on a scavenger hunt, made tie-dyed t-shirts and more. After the morning playing at Kids Krew, he couldn’t wait to go back to the Kids Night Out. He seriously said that beyond the beach, the Kids Krew was his favorite thing about the resort. There was absolutely no guilt in letting him have a few hours of fun while the parents can step away for a lovely date night dinner.
The Hilton Sandestin Beach opened my eyes on how to have a relaxing and memorable beach vacation. I don’t know if I want to stay in a condo at the beach after being spoiled here. It’s a great way to have a beach vacation with the family.
Come back next week where I get to show you all the fun things there are to do at the Hilton Sandestin Beach!
Disclosure: My son & I were invited to visit the Hilton Sandestin Beach. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
