In Florida, Destin’s Only Luxury Resort Is a Dream Gulf Escape

The Florida Panhandle is known for its white-sand beaches and emerald waters. My recent travels took me to the heart of this coastal region, Destin, for a short beach getaway to the Henderson Beach Resort. I’d visited the area on a previous family trip, but I’d never visited Destin — and I’ve never stayed at a resort like the Henderson.

It’s not just that Henderson Beach Resort is family-friendly, which it is. It’s as if guests are invited into the Henderson family. My experience was filled with genuine care and comfort during every staff interaction, every amenity explored, and every hand-crafted plate set before me while dining. While the resort is a great choice for a beach vacation with the kids, the property appeals to all kinds of travelers.

From the adults-only pool and the private beach to wellness amenities like the spa, fitness center, and yoga classes, everyone from solo travelers to couples and groups should look to the Henderson for a refreshing beach retreat.

I arrived at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) late in the morning with a carry-on, a pair of shades, and plenty of sunscreen to protect my fair, Midwestern skin. The flight was uneventful, which I always consider a win. VPS is one of several small regional and international airports within a short distance of Destin.

I met my driver, Buzz, outside the terminal, and we headed toward the resort. Buzz is a transplant from Colorado. He shared details about Destin and his family’s journey to Florida during the 25-minute drive to the resort. Upon arrival, I quickly grabbed my suitcase and headed into the Henderson’s massive lobby.

The lobby stretches across most of the first floor of the Henderson’s main building. In addition to housing resort check-in, the lobby serves as a central meeting spot and portal to the rest of the resort’s features and amenities. Several large seating areas line one side of the lobby, capped with a luxurious spa at one end and two of the resort’s premier restaurants at the other.

On the other side of its wall-to-ceiling windows is a terrace offering a glimpse of the neighboring beach and state park. I could’ve spent hours in the lobby based on the crisp, clean smell alone. It should be bottled and sold in the resort’s gift shop.

Photo: Kevin Payne

After checking in, I headed up to my Gulf View retreat for the next few days. A small vanity and mirror lined one side of the room entrance, followed by double doors leading to the bathroom on the other side. As a coffee lover, I immediately noticed the gorgeous Nespresso machine and curated collection of coffee pods, with a fridge-like cooler below. I was equally delighted to discover that each floor of the resort has a coffee room featuring an automated single-serving Starbucks coffee maker. The machine offered three options: regular coffee, decaf, and chai tea. The service was complimentary, and I took full advantage of it on many occasions.

The entrance opens into a large, open area featuring a king bed and a dresser topped with a large flat-screen TV. One side of the room features a table for two, perfect for conversations over room service dining, while the other side offers a comfortable couch and a glass coffee table.

The large bathroom was well-lit and featured a large glass-door shower with a rainfall showerhead and a separate handheld shower wand. There was also a separate toilet area with a privacy door. But the star of the show was the large Jacuzzi bath. The wall side of the bathtub featured shutter-style doors that could be opened, providing a near-perfect view of the room’s large TV area. I don’t normally take baths at home, but I’m a sucker for a Jacuzzi tub, especially when I’m traveling solo. I use these rare occasions to unwind and rejuvenate. I knew I’d have access to the bathtub, so I packed individual packets of Epsom salt to soak my winter-worn Midwestern body during my stay. It was heavenly.

My room came with a small balcony, which offered an incredible view of the neighboring state park, a partial view of the beach, the ocean, and the skyline along the Destin coastline. The chaise lounge on the balcony is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee, read a good book, or just be still for a few tranquil moments.

Photo: Kevin Payne

Dining was a major highlight of my stay at the resort. The property recently hired culinary veteran Scott Plumley as its new executive chef. His decades of experience have already left an imprint on the resort and the type of food it consistently serves.

Buzz dropped me off in front of the resort around noon. I was famished after the morning flight, so I quickly checked in, dropped off my luggage, and headed down to the family pool area for lunch at Sea Level. The poolside bar and grill offers a menu of typical poolside fare. Despite the slightly overcast sky, the sun was already doing its work, so I enjoyed the sights and sounds at one of the handful of umbrella-covered tables near the bar.

The service was quick. My Baja fish tacos arrived at my table promptly and were a delightful start to the culinary journey I didn’t realize I was about to experience at the Henderson. The Sea Level staff also caters to guests at the Henderson’s adults-only pool, adjacent to the main pool, where I spent most of the day.

Photos: Kevin Payne

The Primrose, named after Destin’s first commercial fishing boat, offers high-end dining experiences. The resort is in the midst of a transition, during which the Primrose will transition to a menu featuring coastal Italian cuisine. I got to sample some of the new menu, including fresh seafood dishes. The Primrose also has a large pizza oven for guests who want to indulge in a wood-fired pizza.

The Primrose is open for breakfast, offering a full buffet spread that includes an egg and omelette station, as well as a large a la carte menu. I opted for the buffet one morning and enjoyed a pancake stack with fresh berries, accompanied by applewood smoked bacon, on another morning.

Henderson Beach Resort facilitates a variety of unique, private dining experiences throughout the year, including holidays such as Valentine’s Day, New Year’s, and Mother’s Day. I had the pleasure of taking part in one of these experiences. Chef Scott and his team served a curated, elevated four-course meal paired with carefully selected wines from Orin Swift Cellars. Each course offered a beautiful introduction to the Henderson’s coastal cuisine. The butter-poached Gulf blue crab was by far my favorite, followed by the Wagyu beef short rib braised in coffee and stout..

Photos: Kevin Payne

Sprinkles Cafe is located on the resort’s ground floor, just before the entrance leading to the pools and beach. The small, quick-service cafe offers fresh baked goods, smoothies, ice cream, Starbucks coffee, and other beverages and snacks. Sprinkles stops were a constant throughout my stay, whether for a morning pick-me-up or to cool off after lounging by the pool.

I didn’t have a chance to dine at Horizons, one of the Henderson’s other premier restaurants, but enjoyed a round of drinks with other media members outside on the restaurant’s Sunset Terrace. Throughout the dining experiences I did have, the resort’s attention to detail was evident in the care taken in crafting special meals that were still elevated and meaningful for individuals in our press group with food allergies and specific dietary needs. From what I could tell, the resort extends this same level of care to other guests, including parents who want to enjoy refined dining experiences but have children with more discerning palates. Restaurants at Henderson Beach Resort offer something for almost everyone.

Whenever I stay at a beach resort, I intend to do as little as possible to allow for rest and recharging. And as much as I want to recline on a lounge chair by a refreshing pool or the ocean, after 15 minutes, my ADHD kicks in, and I want to move. Luckily, the Henderson has plenty of amenities catering to both getting rest and staying active.

To start, the resort has three pools. The large main pool is family-friendly and features a lazy river. Despite its proximity to the main pool, the adults-only pool is a refreshingly peaceful outdoor retreat. Lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas for shade, the adult pool is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, enjoy a locally inspired beverage, and occasionally take a dip in the refreshing water. One end of the pool is lined with cabanas, which guests can rent for the day. There’s a jacuzzi in a shaded corner of the pool area for additional relaxation.

Just beyond the main pool, a path leads to the resort’s private beach access. Our group enjoyed an entire afternoon at the beach, complete with boxed lunches, chairs, and large beach umbrellas. The previous day at the pool was more than enough sun for my fair skin. I nestled into one of the chairs, taking full advantage of the shade, to people-watch and enjoy drinking from a coconut shell. Resort staff are on hand to take drink and food orders if desired.

Photo: Kevin Payne

Several group members went paddleboarding during our visit to the beach. Paddleboards, kayaks, and bicycles are available to rent, with the cost included in the daily resort fee.

The Henderson also makes it easy for families to stay entertained. Poppy’s Kids Club has half- and full-day programs featuring crafts, games, and lunch. The resort features a green space with a lawn and various recreational games available for enjoyment, including washer toss and cornhole. Kids staying at the resort can also participate in the Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program. A park ranger visits the property weekly to lead a short interactive session, giving kids a chance to learn about local wildlife and conservation. The program is part of a partnership with the neighboring Henderson Beach State Park. We capped off one of our nights at the Henderson with s’mores around a large fire pit and seating area located on the property.

Whether you’re looking to slow down or get moving, the Henderson offers several ways to take care of your body and mind. The Henderson Spa has a comprehensive menu of massages, facials, body treatments, and specialty services, including the Himalayan salt suite where you’re meant to breathe in salt-infused air to promote well-being. I enjoyed a 50-minute signature massage and spent time afterward in the eucalyptus steam room and jacuzzi. Spa amenities are divided into men’s and women’s areas for comfort and privacy.

Guests can also utilize the 24-hour fitness center or participate in complimentary fitness classes, including Pilates, aqua aerobics, and rotating options. I joined a morning yoga class near the beach. The class was beginner-friendly, with the instructor offering modifications throughout to accommodate different skill levels and physical limitations. I found the experience refreshing as a beginner, with the sound of the nearby ocean waves adding to the peacefulness of our time together.

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