A Secluded Oasis

By Karyn Slovin

Beach vacations are wonderful childhood memories for those of us who grew up on the East Coast. However, once I experienced the Gulf paradise of Miramar Beach in South Walton, Florida, I discovered what a real beach vacation should be. The Newman-Dailey Resorts onsite concierge staff greeted me as I entered the secluded, 27-acre gulf property of Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort. Following the winding footpaths through beautifully landscaped gardens, I passed charming cottages and villas, until in front of me appeared the exquisite high-rise condo where my weekend getaway would begin.

The condo had panoramic views and felt like a five-star resort, decorated in pristine white furnishings with well-appointed décor and artwork throughout. The kitchen was equipped with state-of–the-art appliances and gorgeous granite countertops. The plush master bedroom allowed me to wake up to a magnificent view from the wrap-around balcony.

The Gulf front resort features a private beach access and amenities galore including three pools with hot tubs, a natural gas grill, picnic areas, a clubhouse, on-site Newman-Dailey check-in and concierge service, complimentary tram service, 24-hour gated security, complimentary seasonal beach service, and a Newman-Dailey gift card which can be used toward area activities and movie rentals. Hidden Dunes features six, well-manicured championship Rubico clay tennis courts. For all my fellow Atlantans and Alta players, this place is a hidden gem. Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort is ranked among the top 50 tennis resorts for the fourth consecutive year, and is also known for their fabulous tennis staff and coaches.

As I stepped onto the gray-green gritty pebbles, I remembered how much I enjoy playing on soft clay courts. Greeted by the very energetic Tennis Director Rene Broxson, I knew I would not only receive a great tennis workout, but have a fantastic time. Rene and her team take great pride in helping their guests put together matches and find appropriate level opponents.

After tennis, I hit the beach to stretch, walking to The Beach House, a new ocean-front restaurant in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. At the helm of the bar, I met Bar and General Manager Brandon Hall, who had a hand in planning the redesign and layout of The Beach House. They serve fresh caught fish and house crafted food. I liked the blue crab dip and crispy pita chips on the large beach front patio with a coconut mojito.

Later, I drove up 30A to Seaside for an afternoon of unique boutique shopping and strolling the pastel-lined cottage streets finding dinner at The Vue on 30A, with its sleek, contemporary art deco-like décor and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Chef Giovanni Filippone, with 15+ years of culinary experience, is nationally known for his appearance on Hell’s Kitchen. We tried the Pistachio Crusted Grouper, which apparently is a dish that never leaves the menu because it is always a guest favorite.

After a wonderful weekend of sun, tennis, delicious food and breathtaking views, I didn’t want to leave paradise. The hospitality of Newman-Dailey Resorts and their staff made my stay so enjoyable. As one of Destin’s premier vacation rental and real estate companies, they pride themselves on having the highest level of customer service with an array of well-appointed vacation rentals ranging from spacious beach homes to gulf-front condos, villas and cottages. I am already dreaming of my next visit.  

Article reposted from AlpharettaLifestylePubs.com.  

Please visit  www.HiddenDunesDestin.com