A GUEST’S REFLECTION For

MORE THAN A VACATION

BY MARK FORMBY

In 1992, I was invited to speak at a convention at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The then 7-year-old resort’s amenities and accommodations were obviously a cut above those offered among surrounding properties.

Little did I know, that convention would ignite a 30-year love affair with Hilton Sandestin and Miramar Beach.

I married my wife, Rita, in 1994 and this became our favorite vacation spot. Every summer, we would make at least one trip to enjoy the sugar-white sand, Gulf breezes and spectacularly painted sunsets. But, it was being pampered by a well-trained and highly personable staff that made our stays most memorable. No matter the time, there was always someone ready and willing to help.

Sometimes, our getaways felt like a necessity. Rita was an emergency room nurse in the New Orleans metropolitan area, while I was in real estate and sales. Late afternoons on the beach, spa treatments and delicious seafood dinners would melt away the stress of “real life.”

The summer of 2007 ushered in a new era of family fun. We brought along our 1-year-old daughter, Rebekah, and as we started to unpack, she pulled herself up and waddled across the room.

Those were her very first steps.

Next year, our son, Eli, made his Hilton Sandestin debut at the ripe old age of eight months.

But life took a turn when, at 16 months, Eli started having seizures. They were ugly, uncontrollable and unstoppable. Brain surgery, implants and huge doses of medication began to take an intellectual toll on our little man. But, even with his challenges, Eli loved his trips to the beach.

In turn, Hilton Sandestin fell in love with Eli and his sister.

Throughout the resort, I became known as “Eli’s Daddy.” The Kids Krew staff gave us great peace and reassurance that we could leave our children with them while Rita and I enjoyed a rare dinner together. Most nights, Eli would require one-on-one interaction, but they handled it.

Over the years, traditions began to take shape: Eli’s increasingly sophisticated sandcastle construction, early lunch at the pool cabana and Rebekah’s daily double order of watermelon.

Our family has found a home away from home at the Hilton Sandestin. This summer, we’re looking forward to building more castles and making new dreams come true. We’ll see you soon!