Right in the center of everything you will find the crown jewel, the Grand Sandestin and Conference Center. This majestic, old Florida style huge luxury hotel is the anchor of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Large rooms, kitchen and balcony over look the massive pool and hot tubs. Within easy walking distance is The Village of Baytowne Wharf which offers guests’ boutique style shopping, casual and fine dining, night clubs, live entertainment and so much more that there is no reason to ever leave.

We strolled around the cobble streets which are closed to traffic. It was really bustling with life and something was going on around every corner. While I checked out the boutiques the children spent time hand painting pottery at Paint’n Place. We dined at Graffiti’s and The Funky Blues Shack and enjoyed fresh Hazel Grouper served up in a funky artistic way and cooked to perfection. The children had a lot to keep them occupied in this restaurant as colorful eye popping art is displayed all over the walls. Kids get to show their artistic talent by designing the menu cover. After our meal, Brooke and I joined in on the karaoke. If you only do one thing while at Sandestin you must eat at Graffiti’s or you will have missed a truly unique and wonderful dining experience for the whole family.

As night came The Village twinkled with little lights that reflected off the bay’s water and the pink sunset was spectacular. We heard screaming and looked up to find someone flying 52 feet over our heads on a thin wire, across the village. Sandestin just opened their latest attraction, the Zip Line. We all had to try this; the thrills along with the great views were really worth it.

I could go on and on about the Baytowne Wharf area but I haven’t told you about the beach! Once you drive past the golf course, high rise hotels and condos you will need your sunglasses as the beach here has the whitest sand in the world which is made even more stunning by the emerald green colored water. It is easy to see why it was voted the ‘Best Beach Destination’ two years in a row by the readers of People Magazine. Boogie-boards are complimentary for guests.

Guests also enjoy access to the Sandestin Fitness Center, one free hour per day of kayaks, canoes, and bicycle rentals. If this isn’t enough to keep you and your kids occupied then how about sailing lessons at Baytowne Marina or a golf lesson at the Hawk Johnson School of Golf on the world renowned championship golf course at Raven Golf Club. Tennis lovers are not left out. There are 15 world-class courts in hard and Hydrogird clay.

I needed some R & R so I headed over to the Sandestin Day Spa & Salon. This full service spa offers Body Treatments, Massages, Facials, Manicures and more. Within minutes I had forgotten all my worries as I was pampered with a Swedish massage.

We found rates starting at $147 at the time of print. Please check resort for special deals at 800 277 0800 or www.sandestin.com.