Hello, hello! Coming at you very refreshed after a family vacation to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort that I cannot wait to tell you about! It was much needed as we haven’t been to the beach, much less on a vacay, since 2018. I went on a girls trip in 2019 but with the fam it’s been almost four years. Crazy what pandemic life did!

Prior to the pandemic, I did lots of travel collaborations and I’m excited to get back into it. When I usually do one, I will visit the place for the collab. We usually don’t return soon after, not because we didn’t like or enjoy the place but because once was enough and we did everything there. So we usually look for a new place. However, Sandestin was the opposite!

We will be returning time and time again to Sandestin. The beach (water and sand) is beautiful, Charli loved it, and there is so much to do. You know how people find their “beach spot” and stick to it because “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Well, Sandestin is officially our beach spot and will be returning here for years to come in the future. In fact, my father-in-law is ready to make it an annual family vacation and, truth be told, he’s not even a beach person LOL! He is now though! So let me fill you in on the spot and activities so you can see why I’m head over heels for it and am already planning a return (no joke)!

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Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin is a stunning 2400 acre resort with something for everyone of all ages! I loved that we were able to do so much family stuff, including dinners, arcade, and beach days, being that we had a toddler and a kid with us. They have some great attractions for kids! But, with the grandparents there, Dean and I were also able to sneak off to have a drink at the 21+ rooftop lounge, Ara, located in Hotel Effie. It was such a cool chill vibe so I’ll chat about it below.

I want to note the entire staff was so nice and helpful in all areas of the resort!  At check-in they explained the entire resort and even told us how to get around, which pools were more private, and filled us in on all the upcoming events. The restaurant’s staff, beach staff, housekeeping, etc. were all so awesome and that’s a huge plus for a large resort!

Here’s a quick 90-second recap of our trip and I’ll get into details on everything below!

Osprey Pointe Condos

Osprey Pointe Condos where we stayed! It’s the newest family luxury condo, including 2, 3, and 4-bedroom condos, with gorgeous interior design. The view and setting is an awesome mix of lake and beach vibe. It is perfect for a family vacation and met all of our needs. The condo set-up and decor is immaculate and gave me so much inspo for our home renovation. Our families kept saying over and over how gorgeous it was and how they could just move here so, of course, I’m going to try to push that further lol! Kind of not kidding though. Just outside the condo is a lake view with little peers where you can walk and fish. You can also kayak through the little lake areas and it is so serene.

Osprey Pointe is located in the center of the entire resort so it’s super convenient to get around from place to place. And the wildlife in the area was Charli’s favorite part. She was all about feeding the rabbits and raccoons as you saw in the video above :).

Each condo has it’s own pool area so if you don’t feel like heading to the beach for the day you can enjoy the heated pool at Osprey Pointe. Charli was ALL ABOUT the beach so we only walked by the pool to check it out but I was ready to go in if it wasn’t for her nap time. Speaking of nap, wow, it is so much easier when you have a beach day before it lol. I’m convinced to move 🙂

Side note for those, like me, who need to work on the road! Each condo has their own wifi and it was great. I was able to work and get everything done during downtime, aka Charli nap time.

Housekeeping was so awesome! Usually, in condos, housekeeping doesn’t come everyday but you can get daily housekeeping if you choose. We washed towels and clothes ourselves so we didn’t need them to switch them out but they have/bring toilet paper, soap, dish/laundry detergent, tissues, etc. All the essentials are included so you don’t have to bring all of that from home. They also have everything you need for cooking so all you need to bring is the food. If cooking isn’t your thing, they have LOTS of dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the resort. We ate out for two dinners and cooked the rest of the meals so we did a mix of it. I would have loved to do breakfast at Another Broker Egg Cafe but, next time … toddler life lol!

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Also, transportation note! Being that it is a Golf and Beach resort golf carts are a big part of transportation in the resort. It’s per condo so ask at check-in but we loved that you could grab a golf cart to get around easy too 🙂

Sandestin Beachfront Condos

If staying beachfront with the sound of waves crashing from the shore is a must for you, that option is available as well! Ranging from studio to four-bedroom condos, you can enjoy their beachfront properties overlooking a panoramic beach view as well. They also have their own pool. Cool thing, is that you can go in any pool in the entire resort, it doesn’t have to be the one just in your condo area.

The Beach

Destin beach water is one of my favorite beaches because it’s always so crystal clear and the sand is just perfection! Never too cold, the temperature was perfect! There were lots of people on the beach but it never felt too crowded! We rented some chairs and umbrellas but you are allowed to bring your pop-up tents on the beach. In the video, you can see Charli’s first steps on the beach :). She questioned it at first but then LOVED it and asked to go back over and over, that’s my girl!

I cannot even count how many DM’s I received on this trip not only of people saying that Sandestin was one of their favorite vacation spots, but also how much they just love that Destin water and sand! I’m glad we are all on the same page!

And, of course, you have to take an evening visit to the beach for some coordinated family photos! I was so happy we got these and will cherish them forever!

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Floating Water Park

You read that right! Could that get any cooler? On the Sandestin beach area, just past the crashing waves, there is a floating water park for ages four and older. Since we had Charli with us, we didn’t get to make it over there but we saw people on it all day and it looked sooooo cool! I would say it’s a super fun activity for the kids but it’s just as fun for adults too, as we saw lots of adults on it.

Sandestin Baytowne Wharf

Besides the beach, because that’s always my favorite attraction, The Village of Baytowne Wharf was my favorite area to visit! I definitely want to add an additional day to our next trip to Sandestin just to spend a full day here. It was so family friendly and so much fun for all. We went on the last day and I regret not going sooner and longer.

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It is compiled of specialty stores to grab memorabilia and/or souvenirs to bring home as well as some trendy beach attire, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, exciting nightlife, and fun festivals and events.

Just a few things to do here:

• Baytowne Adventure Zone – Everything from ziplining to the Sky Trail Ropes Course to the Tower Climb, the adventure is there! I actually caught a zipliner in the video above
• Blast Arcade and Laser Maze – We had so much fun here! We want to go back for the laser maze but Dean and I definitely peeked our head in to check it out and it was so cool! Charli had a blast playing all the games. We helped her rack up some tickets and she loved picking out her toys. She got a stuffed animal (fox) and two of those little pop it things that you turn inside out and they fly in the air. Remember from when we were kids? It cracks me up the things that entertain kids and we’re over here buying all the toys lol!
• Baytowne Carousel – This was Charli’s first carousel ride and she wanted to drive the race car (see end of video). It was soooo cute! She had a blast and it was perfect timing because as soon as she was ready to get out, the ride stopped!
• Shopping – I need about two hours to myself to go back and shop! Again, I regret not going earlier in the trip. I walked in one or two stores and wanted to get about four different outfits that were so cute as well as some jewelry accessories that were so simple and pretty. Maybe next time, I can send Dean and Charli to the arcade and I can go shop. That way, he doesn’t see what I spend and they have fun, it’s a win win!
• Dining – I also want to go back for more of this! Award winning restaurants?! How could I not! We grabbed some food to go at Charlie’s Cafe (hehe) and it was delicious! I got the bacon, egg, and cheese croissant and Dean got the Turkey Ranch sandwich. This wasn’t like a deli sandwich or fast food croissant. They were hand-made to order in house and they were delicious. They were also huge so very filling. We also got Strawberry Banana smoothies and Charli would not let hers go lol! I’d love to go back for a dinner as well and try out other restaurants as well as some cocktails. Oh and adult beverages and daiquiris are available throughout the wharf, which is perfect for a Florida summer day!
• Festivals and Events – Each day of the week, they have a different event, i.e. Wildlife Mondays, Boomin’ Tuesdays (fireworks), Wednesday Concerts, and Fly Guy Thursdays! We went from a Thursday – Monday so, when we return, we will do a Sunday – Friday so we can attend these events because things like this are so fun after a day outdoors and/or on the beach!

Marina Bar & Grill

If there is any place to kick back and feel at home immediately, it’s the Marina Bar & Grill. We went here for an evening dinner and we saw the most gorgeous sunset overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay! Inside is bar seating and tables are just outside for a very relaxing atmosphere on the bay. This is the perfect family spot.

Just down the wooded walkway, they have a real treehouse for the kids. Charli thought it was the best thing ever to have a real treehouse that big! And don’t forget to stop and see Maryann the macaw!

At our table, most ordered the seafood platter, which was delish and highly recommended. Dean got the shrimp quesadillas and I got the fish tacos, which I highly recommend as well. They were so good! The kids got chicken nuggets, of course, lol but they loved them.

And don’t forget cocktails! I got the Goombay Smash and it’s a must try! My mother-in-law did as well and she loved it! Dean got the Grand Sandestin Margarita and he said it was delish as well. And my mom got a frozen Piná Colada and loved it!

Spa Liliana at Hotel Effie

I’m getting major FOMO just typing that title because the massage was so relaxing and I need another one lol! I was able to sneak away one afternoon to get a much needed 90-minute stress relief massage! They only reason I was able to get off of the massage table after was because I had a two-year-old wanting me at the beach lol but, I was so relaxed, I didn’t want to move. Spa Liliana was such a luxurious and relaxing setting. From the changing rooms, to the relaxation room, to the Rosé, you’re in for a blissful, serene visit! Worth noting, it’s a full-service spa, not just massages. They offer facials, nails, hair, etc.

Ovide at Hotel Effie

If you’re looking for a fancier dinner vibe or date night spot, this is it!! And you can still go with the whole family because we did and we all enjoyed it! It’s a very modern and luxurious setting but, randomly, the floral design on the ceiling was my favorite part of the decor. If you’re there, be sure to look up because it’s stunning! The staff everywhere was so nice but I was extra appreciative of the waiter trying three different booster seats to make sure Charli was comfy. She’s a tiny tot so we had to lift her lol! And they brought her and Olie, our nephew, colors and color pages to entertain them so they were happy!

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The food and drinks at Ovide were delicious! When it’s renowned chef, Hugh Acheson, I wouldn’t expect any less but we were very pleased and “happy full” after indulging. I go the red snapper and Dean got the grilled grouper and we loved both. Portions are smaller at fine dining but that wasn’t the case here. The portions were perfect. In fact, with the appetizers, we were VERY full!

For appetizers at the table, we got prime beef tartare, half shell oysters, and classic gulf shrimp cocktail. The tartare and shrimp were both delish! I am not an oyster person so I didn’t try them but I will say that there were none left on the table and we ordered two so I think that speaks for itself lol. My first choice was the lobster risotto but they had ran out that night so I highly suggest trying it. When we go back, I definitely will because, like I said, we will be returning to our “official beach spot” hehe! Oh, and, the kids got nuggets and fries, of course (lol), which were also delish though.

For cocktails, we got the sun kissed drink and the sunset swing drink and loved them both because we, of course, had to try each others!

Ara at Hotel Effie

Ara, located in Hotel Effie, is the only rooftop pool and lounge in northwest Florida and it’s definitely a must see when you visit Sandestin. The vibe is so modern and chill at the same time. This area is equipped with a bar setting, a pool, poolside cabanas, an area with life-sized games of chess, connect four, and cornhole, and a breathtaking view of the city! And the color-changing furniture is so eclectic and fun!

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For cocktails, I got the French Spritz and Dean got the El Diablo and we truly enjoyed both drinks! Oh and dress poolside chic for some great photo opps 😉

They also have a great mural for a really cute photo app!

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Things we didn’t get to do, but next time …

• Golf – I’m not a regular golfer but I love the look and chill vibe of the course! If we were there longer, I would have taken a hand at a round but, due to pandemic, it’s been so long since we’ve been to the beach that we were all about the sand in our toes. However, for the golf lovers, this is a MUST because the course is stunning. And if your significant other is the golfer, enjoy the beach or Baytowne Wharf while they have a day on the course!
• Dunes Putting Course (Putt Putt) – I loved playing Putt Putt as a kid so definitely looking forward to bringing Charli to this attraction next time we visit. I think she will have lots of fun!
• Bikes – You can ride the bike paths all over the resort!
• Boating – From renting a pontoon boat to fishing to Crab Island Cruises, there are lots of boating fun options.
• Marina Beach bonfires – There’s nothing like a good bonfire beach setting so this is a must do for us next time we visit! Smore’s required lol! Also, for those who do the destination wedding, this would be an adorable proposal setting, just saying!
• Water Activities – Your can rent kayaks for the bay/lake area or wave runners at the beach. Wave runners are a fav of mine so definitely next time! Boogie boards and paddle boards are available for fun as well!
• For the brides – If you’re looking for a destination wedding, Sandestin would be an amazing place to pick. I know that’s random but we saw some photos and they were gorgeous. I loved our wedding day and it was one of my favorites days ever but Dean and I always say if we had to do it over we’d go to a beach lol. So I had to mention it for any brides on the hunt!

Sandestin App

Yup, there is a free app that you can download that has all the info you need. You can see upcoming events, dates, times, map of the resort, tee times, menus, etc. I loved this and used it throughout our stay, as it was super helpful. Highly recommend using it because what can our phones not do these days, right! And you can even book your next vacay through the app, it’s a win win!

Most Common Instagram Questions during/after the trip:

1. What condo did we stay in? Osprey Pointe Condos
2. Do they have beachfront condos? They sure do! Lots of options overlooking the beach if that’s your preference.
3. What is the price per night of the condo? The price will always change based on the area you pick and the season at the time but you can always check availability on their website at any time!
4. Is it all inclusive? No, it is not because there’s so much to do that you get to pick and choose what you want to do. However, they do have golf packages available on their website!
5. What do you suggest bringing to the condos as far as silverware, dishes, soap, etc? You really don’t need to bring any of that! They had everything you need and full-service housekeeping for when you run out. I mean, I use a specific shampoo/conditioner so bring what you need but they have toilet paper, silverware, laundry/dish detergent, soap, etc. They actually have a great shampoo and conditioner but I use the purple shampoo for my highlights so I had to bring it being out in the sun all day! And don’t forget your sunscreen!
6. Did they have jellyfish and how was the water? We didn’t see any jellyfish and the water was gorgeous! You could see through the crystal blue water. Some seaweed but not a lot!
7. Was the beach crowded? They did have a lot of people on the beach but it never felt overcrowded! Everyone is doing their own thing and just staying in their zone! And we even always had people offer to take pics for us, which was so nice!
8. How many nights do you recommend staying there? We went Thursday – Monday so three full days and I recommend at least four but six if you can because there is so much to do! And, let’s be real, there’s never too many days at the beach!

Before I go … here’s some extra Charli cuteness!

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Sandestin, need a model?:)

I love them so much!

Until next time …

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask below! I hope I introduced you to a new vacay spot and wish you all the best memories with your loved ones. And please tag me or DM me letting me know how much you love it when you visit! Oh, and they are pet friendly, always a plus! Stay tune for my self-tanner blog post coming soon. Then I’ll start working on the makeup tutorials from the looks on this trip!

XOXO,

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