Plane Conversations

Destination:  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Destin, Florida

Mode of Transport:  Jetstream 32 (executive configuration)

Closest Airport to Destin:  Destin Fort Walton Airport

Now that the weather has well and truly cooled off, it’s time to head south for some warm sun.  And Destin, Florida, is the perfect getaway to recharge and take in the warmth and natural beauty of Florida’s Emerald Coast.  I knew this trip would be a lot of fun.  Firstly, it is a beach getaway.  Secondly, I was staying in a stunning condo on the edge of a golf course.  And lastly, a group of friends came along with me!

As wonderful as Destin is, the best time I had on the trip was the flight down there.  Huh, you ask?  I know that might seem strange considering the majority of travelers in this country find flying a chore and irritating to say the least, but we were flying down on our own private, executive aircraft; so, the commercial experience of long lines, removing your shoes and sitting in an airport terminal waiting, was thankfully removed.  Instead it consisted of arriving at the FBO 15 minutes before the flight, walking out onto the ramp and stepping into a gorgeous aircraft with large cabin and luxurious seats.  And none of my friends who joined me had ever flown on a private aircraft before; so, to see and share in their excitement was priceless.  For that hour of flying, with wine in hand, we actually did feel like rock stars flying to a resort!  It’s a very cool feeling.        

So the trip started with a long day losing myself at the beach.  Situated along Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast, Destin’s beaches are among the best in the US.  The sand is like sugar and the water is clear and warm.  It has been said that the best season to visit Destin is in the shoulder season.  Golfers, shoppers and fisherman, in particular, find the shoulder seasons are great times to be at the beach.  The weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists.  And compared to Florida’s other popular beach destinations, such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Destin is less of a party town, and more of a place where you can enjoy the many offerings of the area. 

After a full day at the beach, the next day consisted of hitting the shops.  I could write an entire blog on the shopping in Destin!  And the funny thing is, I didn’t even expect this trip to involve any shopping at all.  But it did, as I discovered that a short drive from the resort is the Silver Sands Factory Stores, the nation’s largest designer outlet mall.  Yes, you read right, the largest in the nation!  It features more than 100 designer and name-brand factory stores, and is the best factory outlet mall I have ever been to.  My wallet can vouch for that.  Sandestin Resort also offers a variety of retail experiences.  Shoppers can choose from the boutiques at The Market Shops, or the specialty retailers at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Now something for the guys – Sandestin features four championship golf courses reputed to be the best in Florida.  Located on 7.5 miles of beach and bayfront property between Pensacola and Panama City, Sandestin’s championship courses have been designed by world-renowned course architects.  Our condo was situated right on the edge of the course, and although I didn’t play this time, I can see how the course has gained the reputation as one of the finest in Florida.  If you golf, you must play one of these four fantastic courses.

By Sunday evening, everyone was worn out.  It really is tough work relaxing on the beach, shopping, swimming, eating at fine restaurants and golfing.  Especially when it has been packed into two days.  So, no doubt, the Sunday evening trip home consisted of the entire group curling up in our luxurious seats, snuggly blankets, and dreaming of our return to beautiful Destin.

www.sandestin.com

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