A Luxury Golf Experience at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

For golfers, the resort's gravitational pull is undeniable: four courses, including the nationally known Raven and Burnt Pine Golf Clubs, and the sublime Baytowne and Links courses.

This summer, the resort debuted LeCiel -- a contemporary boutique hotel experience blending tranquility, style and convenience -- to its long list of accommodations options.

Formerly The Bayside Inn, LeCiel (French for “the sky”) opened Memorial Day weekend after a $2 million transformation. The result of the makeover: 130 state-of-the-art rooms, each with wireless internet, terry robes, gourmet coffee, iPhone docking stations, flat screen televisions, and spa-quality toiletries.

While the interior's new look of wood, copper, leather and fabric fosters a sense of serenity, it's the hotel's location along the Choctawhatcee Bay that makes it truly special. Guests can enjoy the bay views while having an evening cocktail in the lounge, by the patio, or poolside. Binoculars are available upon request for those hoping to catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming in the bay.

LeCiel is as convenient as it is chic, putting Sandestin's innumerable amenities at visitors' fingertips. The hotel is just steps from the Sandestin Fitness Center and the Sandestin Day Spa and Salon.

It's also adjacent to the aforementioned Links Course, an intriguing Tom Jackson design that winds along the bay and affords golfers some of the best views on property.

In addition to LeCiel, guests can also choose from The Grand Sandestin, the resort's luxury condominium hotel. With Southern-inspired architectural design and detail, the Grand features a sweeping two-story veranda, lushly landscaped gardens and soothing water fountains surrounding a restful poolscape.



Golf at Sandestin

Burnt Pine Golf Club is private, but resort guests have access via a limited number of tee times. Golfers at the Rees Jones-design receive the complete private club treatment, from use of the locker room to day of play dining privileges.

Raven Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones II-layout, has hosted two PGA Champions Tour events. Incidentally, Raven Golf Club and Burnt Pine Golf Club make Sandestin the only place in the world where Rees and Robert Trent Jones II courses sit side-by-side.

Baytowne, renovated in 2005, rounds out the lineup and is the only course in the region that literally plays from "bay to beach."

When it comes to staying active, Sandestin is more than just golf. Home to 15 hard and clay courts and a designated tennis shop, it was voted one of the “Top 50 Tennis Resorts” by Tennis Magazine.

Sandestin's dining and nightlife offerings are as varied as its daytime activities. The pulse is The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Located inside the resort, the Village features regional cuisine and fine-dining restaurants, and an assortment of bars and clubs.

Baytowne Wharf is the venue for many of the festivals and social events throughout the year. One of the most popular, The Baytowne Beer Festival features some of the U.S. most sought after craft brews. Tickets for the event (Oct. 19 – 20) are on sale now: www.baytownewharfbeerfestival.com.

From wine to windsurfing, beaches to bunkers, craft beers to kids' programs, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort wears many hats, and wears them all well.

More Information: (877) 953-2435, www.sandestin.com.

Getting There: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) offers direct flights from Houston, Baltimore/Washington DC, Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, and Memphis. Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) offers direct flights from Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Louisville and Atlanta.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.