Sandestin Honeymoon

by Linda Holloway, Holloway Productions

Escape to a Florida hideaway where the sugary white sand is so unique that it sparkles like diamonds. The Gulf of Mexico surf that curls around these shores is tinted emerald with a backdrop of a brilliant blue sky. Here, the feisty ocean breeze blows away all pre-wedding stress. Of all the gems at this honeymoon paradise, it is the ruby sky at sunset that makes you aware that you have chosen the perfect romantic retreat. Enter the world of Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort where the elements have conspired to seduce your senses.

Sandestin is located in beautiful Beaches of South Walton along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast where you will find the perfect mix of romantic atmosphere and amenities for active couples. The brilliant marketing team at this popular resort invites guests to step into their "world," and what a world it is. The scope of Sandestin's world includes 2,400 acres of village neighborhoods featuring condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations. Transportation is as easy as boarding one of the 20 property trams for easy access from beachside to bayside of the resort. We checked into the new chic Luau, a two-tower Asian-inspired condominium building. Our suite in tower II featured a view of the ocean and came complete with rich wood furniture and luxurious bedding. The expansive balcony was our favorite amenity where stargazing became a midnight ritual. Also, the 20th floor observation deck is a great place to view the sunset and stars. After dark is a good time to swim in the 4,000-square-foot saltwater swimming pool with a swim-behind waterfall.

Daylight brings an array of recreational opportunities; but first, you will want to stop by Another Broken Egg Café located at the bayside of the resort. Come early, because the restaurant's gourmet breakfast delicacies are no secret. You will have more than 128 menu items to choose from, but our favorite was the blackberry grits. Take advantage of the resort's complimentary amenities that include use of the fitness center, bicycles, and one hour of canoes, kayak and tennis court rental each day. An early morning run along the beach with the surf chasing at your heels is also a great workout. Start your engines! For a rip-roaring water adventure, stop by Baytowne Marina where you can rent a WaveRunner and skim the water upwards of 40 miles per hour. Sailing lessons are available, or try "flying" with the seagulls while parasailing high above the bay with the Sky Pirates team. We also decided to check out the locals-dolphins that is, and reserved a seat on the American Star for a guided nature cruise. As promised, the dolphins made an appearance with their usual antics as they played hide and seek around our boat.

After resting from a whirlwind day of activities, get ready for a romantic dining experience at Sandestin's signature beachside restaurant, Finz. Start with the award- winning gumbo while talented Chef Robert Theriot adds his magical touch to favorite dishes such as Grouper Elizabeth and Hawaiian Tuna Sashimi. Look around and you may see a friend. According to Sandestin Living, magazine, Finz is a favorite restaurant for actress Courtney Cox. The former star of "Friends" finds Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort a great place to vacation with husband David Arquette and daughter Coco. After dinner, we were "uninvited" guests for a beachside sunset wedding adjacent to Finz. The bride and groom didn't seem to mind as people in beach attire also stopped to witness the barefoot couple exchange vows minutes before sunset. In fact, everyone gave them a rousing round of applause. As well as beach, lawns and poolside weddings, Sandestin makes dreams come true inside as well. The resort offers 65,000 square feet of interior space, including rooms located directly on the bay, private clubs and on-property restaurants where all the details and stress are handled in Sandestin's world of wedding planning. The best part is there is no need for a passport or long flights to reach your honeymoon destination…you are already there.

Because the rhythm of the seasons changes very little in this sunny Florida area, there is not a bad time to honeymoon at the resort. And, there is a plus side to visiting while parents are back to work and children are in school-you can steal their playhouse. Ask one of the restaurants to pack a picnic lunch and bike or walk over to Capt. Joe Lee's Tree House along the boardwalk near the Village of Baytowne Wharf. This huge treehouse has a real-live tree growing in the middle; and beware, the ambiance may include a flock of begging seagulls.

In the world of Sandestin, I am sure the capital must be the resort's 28-acre pedestrian Village of Baytowne Wharf. Here you will find restaurants, shops, boutiques and nightlife venues, but first things first-start your day by tossing a coin in the Fountain of Youth and make a wish. Then, test your culinary skills with a cooking class at Gerard's Cookery and Cajun Market. Owner Kay Snipes notes that more couples than ever are enjoying cooking classes together. Outside Gerard's Cookery, relax to the soothing jazz tunes echoing throughout the New Orleans-style Tupelo Courtyard. Just when you think you have collected every known piece of lingerie for your trousseaus, step into the whimsical shop, Listen Honey Art and Gift. Reading the quips scrawled on the oversized nightshirts is pure entertainment. One nightshirt declared, "We are very happy. He adores me and so do I." Now, girls… that's a souvenir.

By night, stroll around the Village of Baytowne Wharf where there is plenty of musical entertainment from Jimmy Buffett-style to rock'n'roll. At Hammerheads, relax by the bay and enjoy the live entertainment and dinner, and dance the night away at John Wehner's Village Door. Getting away from the crowd can be as simple as strolling hand in hand to the Grand Lawn where gas lanterns light the way along the shell-paved Market Street.

For the golfing couple, Sandestin boasts 72 holes of award-winning golf on four championship courses, including the famed Raven course. Guys, if your newly betrothed doesn't golf, but you have found a fairway that has your name on it, mention that there are more than 48 retail offerings at Sandestin. If that doesn't work, simply give her a gift certificate for a morning of pampering at Sandestin Day Spa and Salon. What a "win-win" proposition.

After an afternoon of relaxing along the beach, we returned to the Baytowne Wharf Marina for our last romantic evening aboard the Solaris, a 125-foot luxury yacht for a three-hour dinner cruise. Request the last table in the back of Solaris, and all that you will need for a great time is your dancing shoes. David and Gwen Hall sing with the band Harmony that combines love and dance tunes that will have you on your feet. Make sure you visit Solaris' 1,400-square-foot sky deck just before sunset where the wind, water and sinking sun combine to make a lasting honeymoon memory. This spot is also popular for weddings where Captain Steve Issacs presides over the nuptials.

As we purposely lingered to be the last couple to exit Solaris, it is the sounds of the summer night that I remember the most. Noises were as simple as the clopping of our shoes along the wooden boardwalk, to the sloshing white caps spanking the hulls of private yachts-tucked in their slips awaiting dawn. The flags atop the yachts were fiercely flapping in the breeze camouflaging our intimate exchanges in the night and, at that moment; the world of Sandestin belonged to us.

Fast Facts:

For Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort reservations call, 800-470-7389 or visit www.sandestin.com

For area tourist information call, the Beaches of South Walton TDC, 800-822-6877 or visit www.beachesofsouthwalton.com