A GUEST’S REFLECTION

FAMILY VACATION VICTORY Hilton Sandestin Beach caters to families big and small

JENNY REIMOLD FAMILY Having spent most of my life living on the beaches of Florida, there aren’t too many corners of the state that I have not seen. In journeying to the Florida Panhandle from our new home in Nashville, I expected to view the same white sand and emerald green waters I had become accustomed to … yet I was completely blown away by the clear blue water and white sand beach behind the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

I knew the Destin area was famed for its family atmosphere and white sand beaches, but spending a weekend at the Hilton Sandestin Beach was a unique and special experience that I had to share. As the mother of seven, it is often a challenge finding a vacation destination that appeases my active teens but still is engaging for five children under 9 years of age. Hilton Sandestin Beach did not disappoint as kayaks were available for my older children, while my younger kids took advantage of the beachside, enclosed toddler pool and clear Gulf waters. As a bonus to parents who may need a break from parenting, the Kids Krew activity center offers day and evening childcare with a variety of creative and educational activities. This program is available in spring and summer and offers parents a much-needed day or night out alone while their kids are safely cared for in the comfort of the resort.

Another feature unique to this resort is the Emerald Tower’s standard nautical bunk bed available in every room. When traveling with a large group, we often struggle to fit our family into one room and typically are burdened with purchasing two rooms to fit our children. Our room easily fit all five children with room to spare. There were no children fighting to climb into bed with mom and dad; they were excited to have their own sleeping arrangement perfectly designed for them. In addition to spending our day at the beach, we ventured out to the nearby outlets and Baytowne Wharf, a beautiful area with a variety of boutiques, restaurants, galleries and nightlife — plus an amazing schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. We spent two hours

on their beautiful, ocean-themed, wooden playground, went ice skating at their small rink and enjoyed an outdoor Mexican lunch. There is also zip lining, an aerial park and remote control boats for children. And all of this is a short shuttle ride away.

As a frequent traveler and mother to seven, I cannot recommend this resort enough. We have rented a home in the 30A area before, but this was a much more enjoyable experience for our family. My children were constantly entertained, and there were enough adult activities to keep our family wanting more. From freshly made beds with a sunset view to custom omelets before a day at the beach, this resort has it all. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway this winter or are searching for your perfect spring break destination, trust this mother’s review of the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.

To see more of the Reimold family, Jenny’s HGTV featured designs and a family with a heart for adoption and foster care, visit @jennyreimold on Instagram.

CHERYL AND RICK BAKER My husband and I spent our 25th wedding anniversary at the Hilton Sandestin, and we had a beautiful room overlooking the beach. As we were getting ready to go celebrate our special day, we walked out onto the balcony and saw a wedding taking place on the beach. It was so beautiful and romantic, we forgot all about our dinner and just watched the wedding festivities as the sun set over the water. It brought back such wonderful memories of our own wedding many years ago. This anniversary was one we would never forget. Our stay was magical, and we felt very blessed. Thanks, Hilton Sandestin, for the best anniversary ever!

SONDRA MULDREW There were so many great memories that made this trip, but my ultimate favorite was when my husband proposed to me again in the hotel bar with guests all around. I never got a real first proposal, so he wanted to make it special with a new ring — and with our daughter there this time — in the place that we refer to as paradise. This was also the same hotel we stayed at when I was pregnant with our daughter. It was such a magical trip, and this was icing on the cake!