Hilton Sandestin Recap

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to stay at the Hilton Sandestin on a media trip, and much needed mini vacay just for me. Let me tell you, from the moment I arrived, I saw immediately that it is the perfect family vacation place. First of all, the Sandestin/Ft. Walton Beach area is where you want to be in general because it is so beautiful and has the most perfect beaches in the world! But it’s close to all of the cutest little towns like Alys Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, and 30A etc! What I love about the Hilton Sandestin is that it’s right in the community of the hottest places to vacation but is it’s own little village, tucked up in a gated community right on the beach. When I arrived, I was getting out of ‘mom mode’ and trying to relax a little, but saw right away why I would come back with my family. My room had bunk beds in it’s own little section which is a huge sell! They have adjoining rooms as well if you want to travel with extended family or friends, and 3 pools to choose from. The breakfast buffet was perfect for a sit down breakfast with everything you could possibly want, but hustling and bustling enough to make you feel comfortable to bring kids to. I know that is a major plus for most parents.

Here is a list of the amenities that I found to be the most important, especially when looking for a summer vacation.

• 3 pools, that stay open pretty late
• right on the beach, great views, easy beach chair set ups (essential if you have little kids, it’s worth it)
• breakfast buffet – so many options
• rooms available with bunk beds
• close to 30A shops
• right across the street from a premium shopping center
• picture perfect amenities on the property from the pool, cabanas, towels, all the way out to the crystal white beaches!
• spa options for adults!
• hair and nail salon, along with bridal and bridal party suites, perfect for desitination weddings
• Seagars – fine dining restaurant on the lower level of the Hilton property (amazing dinner!)
• childcare on property – in case you need a kid free dinner!

The hotel is the perfect mix of a relaxing getaway for parents and adults, but still family friendly enough that it feels easy to actually create a vacation here. My favorite part of this trip was exploring what South Walton has to offer when it comes to art galleries, local shops, and overall culture that is brought to each town. I got to experience this trip with fellow blogger friend Allie from Peachfully Chic!

Here’s a brief rundown of our trip away! Thursday we got to just lounge on the beach and tour the hotel, then ended the relaxing day with a private dinner with local artist Juan Francisco Adaro and his wife, previewing some of his work on display! On Friday, we had a full day of activities, and it was the type of things you wouldn’t normally think to do, or get to experience in your every day life if you live in a large city like I do in Atlanta. We started out the day visiting Mary Hong’s gallery, who was the 2014 South Walton Artist of the Year. She creates art out of glass and it was truly fascinating to see her entire gallery. We walked next door and got to have a class ourselves, where we created our own glass art (my photos are below). After class we got to visit various galleries, Modus Photography gallery and Saczynski Gallery. I also found the Brown Bear coffee shop that serves Stumptown Coffee which is my favorite and that definitely topped the day off! The same night we grabbed the most delicious sushi at Hadashi, the sushi bar in the hotel and headed out to Alys Beach for the Digital Graffiti event. This happens once a year and artists from all over create some kind of art that is displayed on projectors on the white buildings at night. It was an incredible experience and something I will absolutely be back for, I would like to bring my whole family. There were so many kids and families, as every age can get something out of it. On Saturday, we got to have the most relaxing spa day and I was so grateful to have a full body massage. We ended the night at the renown Seagars restaurant on the Hilton Sandestin property. It was the most amazing dinner complete with filet, lobster, table made caesar salad, and a brandy mousse to die for.

I always knew South Walton had so much to offer when it came to vacationing with the most gorgeous beaches, but I truly saw what people see in it and how everyone is obsessed with the area. The atmosphere is so laid back yet you can see how prideful people are of their towns down there. It’s a secret a lot of us are in on, but you can only truly understand it if you’ve been there and experienced South Walton and it’s towns for all that it is. I love the Hilton Sandestin and will return with my family. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling this summer with kids, OR if you are organizing any kind of company trip. Their conference rooms are plentiful and it’s the perfect getaway for literally any occasion because it caters to everyone. My advice is to go down there for the beaches, stay for the art alone, revel in the beauty of the surroundings, and then only tell your closest friends.

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3: