Posted on 10/17/2014
For thirty-three years Ocean Reef Resorts has received high marks from our visiting guests who have enjoyed their stay in our distinctive Destin vacation rentals. Literally generations of guests have been accommodated in the diverse selection outstanding beach homes and luxurious condominiums that we manage. The provision of fine rentals is no wonder since many of those who own them regard these same residences as a special beloved second home.
Family or friend beach reunions are often held here as well as corporate outings since many of these vacation properties are quite large with multiple bedrooms that can provide sleeping quarters for many guests. They are also a choice option for weddings and special anniversaries. In recent years many churches are also taking the same opportunity to hold special retreats here in Destin and South Walton for members of their congregations. After all, if you want to spend some time with a higher power you might as well find him on this side of Heaven in our own special paradise.
Inspiring handiwork can be seen and experienced everywhere here in Destin and along Emerald Coast from the crystalline sugar white beaches to the glistening jewel toned gulf; from the frolicking dolphin in the water to the squadrons of pelicans soaring above in the air; from the rich salty scent in the air that caresses your face to the soothing sound of the surf that hearkens your soul; from the spectacular sunsets that signals the end of another glorious day to the silvery sheen of the moon that casts its magical glow upon the water at night! These experiences leave us in awe of this magnificent part true majesty and refreshes our spirit.
You may enjoy planning such a retreat in Destin with your own church. It will allow you to encounter the Supreme Being in your own personal relationship as well as with the fellowship of others. Such Church retreats allow participants to regain parts of themselves that they may have lost in the stress and strain of surviving everyday living. It provides a time for deep reflection and meditation which promotes spiritual rejuvenation. Retreats also includes sharing a meaningful dialogue with others that deepens the bonds of friendship which leads to a group renewal. Sharing fun times with this kind of bonding also buoys the spirit providing a living sense of purpose and a pathway for obtaining loving spiritual growth which is supposed to be life's highest aim. Such growth leads to an evolved maturation of spirit with compassion for others as well as for ourselves.
As you and your Church group begin to plan your first retreat in Destin decide how expansive you want to be. Some church retreats only include members of their own individual congregation but it can be as big as you want it to be. It could include a community of diverse churches in your town or a variety of denominations that are committed to a common cause or concern of ministry. Such retreats can be educational and create synergy to be dedicated to begin solving problems that face these communities.
The key to a successful Destin church retreat is in long term planning which should begin months before the event is scheduled. Start by getting your minister, priest, pastor or rabbi involved. These key people can help coordinate and publicize the proposed event. They may also help you find others within your fellowship that may have experience in helping to organize the retreat. Prayerfully seek such help by publicizing the proposed retreat to seek interest.
A theme, purpose and planned itinerary of events needs to be decided upon either for a more formal educational purpose or for a more informal simple fellowship. Be sure to involve a lot of others in helping come up with fun ideas, workshops and mutual interests. You may do this as you get started with an interest survey among the parishioners. When planning a time for the retreat be sure to not be competing with busier times of the year when members may be involved with other activities like graduations, sporting events and special holidays. Besides summer, three day weekends can be ideal for scheduling a retreat since most people do not have to work on these occasions. Form a committee with a lead coordinator in charge as well as ancillary support groups. You may use our resources here at Ocean Reef Resorts to see what kind of accommodations are available either right on the beach or nearby. You may want multiple adjacent homes or individual condos in the same building depending upon the size of the retreat. Some of these vacation rental properties also have conference rooms or special neighborhood club rooms available for use. Our friendly reservation specialists can provide you with information, rental rates and availability during different times of the year. It may be noted that rental rates are at their lowest from early fall into early spring for economic feasibility. Once you have formulated a time table and initial price structure, you can start to disseminate info to garner interest about the planned retreat. Use your church website, bulletin, news mailings, flyers and the pulpit itself to get the news out. Decisions need to be made concerning transportation and meals. Are buses going to be used or will everyone caravan down by car? Most of our Destin Vacation Rentals come with a full kitchen and many of the large homes have big dining tables, breakfast bars, balcony seating areas and even poolside dining options on patios with Tiki Huts. You have the wonderful options to create a fun group feast by dining in to save money, have fun dining out at a fabulous beachfront seafood restaurant or a combination of both. This should be set up in the itinerary as well as scheduled get togethers, workshops and free time. Set a time period a few months in advance for getting deposits and answered RSVPs along with a final deadline for the event. This will allow you to get a preliminary attendance count in advance of the now scheduled retreat for secured reservations.
Our Ocean Reef Resorts website is very user friendly and provides a great preliminary resource to start gaining interest, getting an idea of rental rates, availability and location. Our photographs and vivid descriptions of each property available should start to create excitement among your group. Be assured that our experienced professional staff will be more than happy to assist you in making these arrangements, gleaning information from you to research suggested venues on your behalf and helping you begin planning your Destin Church Retreat. Your retreat will be a spiritual journey for everyone in your fellowship that will never be forgotten and may even become a meaningful annual tradition.
