Posted on 6/8/2012
Sometimes on a special occasion, just you and your loved one want to get away together to the Beaches of South Walton along The Emerald Coast. Perhaps it is a special wedding anniversary, birthday or just a restful, romantic getaway. This time it's just the two of you spending intimate quality time, without the usual family fanfare or big reunion among friends, so sharing a charming Boutique Hotel room with each other would be perfect. Here at Ocean Reef Resorts we have a few options for you to consider at the Sandestin Golf Tennis and Beach Resort, Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach and quiet Seacrest Beach down along Scenic 30A. These boutique hotels offer affordable, luxurious accommodations in superb locales where you may find romance, rest and renewal as you reinvigorate your life together.
The first option is Hotel LeCiel 6891 which is nestled along the shore of the Choctawhatchee Bay on the grounds of the sprawling, sensational Sandestin Resort. LeCiel itself is brand new having just completed a major $2,000,000 renovation to an existing bay side hotel building. LeCiel is French for "the sky" and there is a lot of sky here since you have almost 360 degrees of unobstructed views across the bay and beautifully landscaped grounds of this award winning resort. The bay extends five miles across to the main land which offers stunning water views. Usually a refreshing breeze blows during the day with cotton like fluffy clouds in motion, hovering high above the bay. However sometimes around sunset, the breeze abates creating a giant mirror of the spectacular sunsets that occur over the water during the Spring, Summer and early Fall. The effect is tranquil, heavenly and unbelievably romantic. During the Fall, Winter and early Spring a full moon can be seen rising above the water for a nocturnal, ethereal effect which is equally romantic. The recently completed sun deck around the big swimming pool faces the bay to take full advantage of nature's splendor. Since it is situated only two feet from the water's edge, you almost feel like you are on the pool deck of a cruise ship. Dolphin can be seen swimming by in the distance while squads of pelicans seem to follow them from above. Columned arbors, lounge chairs and cushioned seating create an outdoor living space complete with a Tiki Bar as well as a trickling, decorative fountain. The interior renovations and brand new furnishings are decidedly hip with a hint of South Beach style. Giant three dimensional sea shells hang lighted behind the main desk in the lobby that is decorated with rich leather seating, chrome, copper, mosaic tile and even a water wall which has a calming, mesmerizing effect. Nearby is a popular restaurant called Another Broken Egg Cafe which specializes in delicious breakfasts and brunch. A Health Club and The Links golf course is right on the premises as well. Then of course there is the rest of the Sandestin Resort to explore with over 2,400 acres that span the peninsula from the bay all the way over to the sparkling white sand beach on the emerald green gulf. Besides the beach, the charming Disneyesque Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is only five minutes away and offers a unique community of restaurants, bars, live entertainment, shopping, a big marina and weekly fireworks during the Summer season. LeCiel 6891 has southerly views across the lushly landscaped golf course and lagoons. Two comfortable double beds face the state of the art flat screen TV that sits on a big dresser next to a desk by the window. A granite topped wet bar has a stainless steel sink, refrigerator and microwave. It's the perfect place to make your cocktails before you amble down to the bay side pool deck to catch that amazing sunset.
If South Walton is where you want to be, another option is in Santa Rosa Beach at Gulf Place 221. Gulf Place is the unofficial town center of Santa Rosa Beach and sits on a sand dune directly across from the gorgeous gulf. This fairly new community has restaurants, cafes, bars, boutique shops and unique galleries that feature local artisans. A grand grassy lawn in the center plays host to numerous free musical concerts, art shows and seasonal events. Besides the quartz crystal sand beach and jewel toned waters of the gulf, you have a selection of pools to choose from along with hot tubs. The palm studded locales are awesome and one of them sits beside a lagoon with splashing fountains. The pools are also seasonally heated to be enjoyed year round. Additionally there are tennis courts available for guests here and the Santa Rosa Beach golf course is right next door. Gulf Place 221 is a spacious studio suite with its own large, covered balcony that has views of the gulf in the distance. The main living area has a row of windows to see the sunny views and a double glass side door leads out onto the balcony with a table that can seat four. The modern furnishings are very sharp and incorporating bright red cloth couches, black lacquer tables and cabinetry. A white walled kitchen that is open to the living area has a full sized refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, sink and dishwasher. The sleeping area has a new queen sized bed, is decorated in soothing, tanned earth tones and highlighted by glowing orange bed lamps. The living room has a queen sized sofa sleeper that can accommodate two little ones, just in case you plan to bring the young ones along as well. (Sometimes you can't get a Baby Sitter.)
Near the far eastern end of Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton we have a wonderful boutique hotel accommodation at The Inn at Seacrest Beach 206. You know you have arrived in a laid back community as soon as you cross into Seacrest Beach since the town marker is a tall, decorative life guard tower that bid you welcome. This small residential enclave is nestled in between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach on Scenic Highway 30A so there are plenty of restaurants and other venues of entertainment very close by. The Inn at Seacrest Beach is an attractive low density four story building with a charming art deco styling. It faces a large swimming pool that sits diagonally across the front and is centered so that it almost looks like a reflection pool. A tiled sun deck wraps around it on all four sides with an adjacent Hot Tub. Number 206 at The Inn at Seacrest Beach is an open bedroom studio suite with a long galley kitchenette at its entrance with shiny black granite counter tops, white paneled cabinetry above, a full size stainless steel refrigerator, a sink and a microwave oven. This leads towards the sleeping portion with a luxuriously appointed queen sized bed. Adjacent sliding glass doors lead out onto your own private balcony that faces the pool with views of the gulf in the distance. This is a very romantic place to stay during the Fall and Winter months because at that time of the year you can see dazzling sunsets over the gulf waters. If you visit during the Spring and Summers you may see a full moon rising over the gulf instead which is equally enchanting. Another added perk for Seacrest Beach is that our Ocean Reef Real Estate, Scenic 30A office is conveniently located here, so be sure to drop by for a visit and grab a cold beer or soda out of our cooler after you arrive!
Enjoy checking out these three wonderful Sandestin & South Walton Boutique Hotels and other South Walton Vacation Rentals on our user friendly web site, complete with pictures and pricing of each. We think you will be pleased with what we have to offer and will be somewhat amazed at the incredibly good values. Why would you want to stay anywhere else?
