Spas have been around since ancient Greek and Roman times but have continuously evolved. Spas offer pampered luxury to those who aspire to beauty and good health with a little hedonism thrown in for the pleasure of a personal massage. Destin spas certainly fulfill these aspirations for many of our Ocean Reef guests. Besides the soothing rejuvenation that a beach vacation provides, many visitors take that feeling one step further to experience the kind of personalized, sensual pleasure available at a state of the art luxury spa. If you have never treated yourself or a loved one to such an experience, it is a memorable gift of appreciation that you should consider on your next Destin Vacation.

One of the best spas along the Emerald Coast, aptly named Serenity by the Sea, is located at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on the beach side. It is a multiple year, award winning spa per the reader's survey in Emerald Coast Magazine. This luxury oriented 11,000 square foot facility is complete with a full service salon and state of the art spa which includes a fitness center. The first thing you notice when you enter Serenity by the Sea is a gorgeous vase of pure white calla lilies which of course symbolize peace and solace. The spa is divided into a private gentlemen and ladies section with friendly but unobtrusive personal attendants, accommodating the guest needs in each. A coed exercise room looks out onto a secluded, landscaped courtyard. Robes and slippers are provided for the locker room area which has an incredible, rectangular hot tub with a cascading waterfall which can be turned on or off. This adjoins a comfortable living area with a small wet bar with icy, fresh squeezed juices, fruit, nuts as well as a choice of soothing herbal teas. A flat screen TV is usually plugged into sports or financial reports in the men's section while shopping or fashion is usually tuned on in the ladies lounge. There is a dry sauna and a large steam room depending upon whether you want a dry desert like heat or the steamy, jungle type variety. A  silver ice bucket nearby contains rolled, cold clothes for  soothing refreshment as men tend to sweat in their section and the women "perspire" in their own. Showers, plush towels, private lockers and nicely supplied dressing tables are available to get dressed after-wards.

Serenity by the Sea opens daily at 6am and closes at 8pm but remains open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The day rate is $25 but full service spa packages are offered from $125 and up depending upon the degree of luxurious, sensual pampering required. Packages include multiple types of massage, facials, body wraps, manicures, coconut cream and tropical nut oil moisturizers, aroma therapy, exfoliation techniques, mud treatments, personal luncheons and even some wine if you like that option. The salon provides haircuts, shampoos, highlighting, hair coloring, curling, uncurling and five different types of pedicures. These include massage with lava rocks or Tiger Clam shells, callous buffing, special paraffin booties and foot massage.

Over on the bay side is the Sandestin Fitness Center and Spa. This facility is located above the Linkside Conference Center and is conveniently positioned near a bay side pool and the golf course. The exercise room contains nautilus equipment, free weights, aerobic bikes, Stair Master, Nordic Tracks and a variety of treadmills. The individual gender sections contain saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, showers and lockers. Personal attention is available for both individual and couple's massage, the latter of which has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Ah, you've got to love these Florida fads!

Group exercise classes are available throughout the day which usually last between forty-five minutes to one hour. These include Pilates, Zumba, Abs & Ball Training, Gentle Yoga and Advanced Yoga classes. Personal Trainers are also available offering full, sixty minute sessions.

The Sandestin Fitness Center and Spa is open Monday thru Friday from 6am to 7pm; On Saturdays it is open from 7am to 5pm and on Sundays hours are from 8am to 1pm.  A Day Pass goes for $15 but a four day pass is $35 and an 8 day pass is only $60. Even lower rates are available for extended periods so be sure to inquire depending upon your time needs.

Two more spas are located in Destin and are right across the street, (Emerald Coast Parkway), from each other.

The Spa at Silver Shells uses traditional European as well as special Swedish massage techniques. This spa also has access to the large lagoon type pool which is adjacent to the beach. Hydrotherapy, aroma therapy, dermabrasion techniques, facials, manicures, pedicures and body treatments are also available. The Royal Palm Spa at The Palms of Destin features an additional full service spa for men and women which is near their tropically landscaped, island accented swimming pool. At The Royal Palm the staff specializes in massage techniques and body wraps that originated in Bali as well as other parts of the Polynesian islands.

For special, individualized treatment at another hip and popular spot, check out the new Avant Garde Salon and Day Spa. This fashionable salon is the latest hot spot in Destin and is located east of Destin Commons on the Emerald Coast Parkway near Destiny. A full professional, uniformed staff of attractive "Aestheticians" are there to tend to all your needs and pleasures. Creative hair stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists and special musical ambiance abound here with multiple full service packages available.

Another award winning salon, The Edge of Paradise Day Spa, is located just east of Big Kahunas Water Park in Destin. Emerald Coast Magazine readers named it as among the Best of Local Spas in years past. The Edge of Paradise also offers a number of massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, wax jobs and body wraps. They specialize in a unique Hydra Facial Therapy method which combines exfoliation, cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing techniques simultaneously.

No matter where you decide to rejuvenate your body and soul, here at Ocean Reef it is our pleasure to help you find your own pleasure. Like the old adage says, "You're worth it." We agree and know that your loved ones are especially worth it.  You might want to offer them a special day of pampered indulgence as well on your next Destin Vacation!