Pampered by the Gulf: Discover luxury resorts

Be in the lap of luxury as the waves lap at your feet. Destin-Fort Walton Beach luxury resorts add exquisite finishing touches to your time in paradise.

The second you walk through their doors, pampering awaits at every turn. Check in to designer rooms, suites and condos with sweeping views of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and the area’s renowned white sand. Step out on private balconies and breathe in the warm, salty breezes. Freshen up in lavish bathrooms. Drift off into pleasant dreams on sumptuous beds with the softest of sheets.

Outside, private beaches are steps away. Lounge on complimentary chairs under umbrellas to watch jumping dolphins, sailboats and stunning sunsets. Top off your stay with gourmet cuisine, fine wines, cocktails, sparkling pools, hot tubs and heavenly spa treatments. The gracious staff is waiting to spoil you.

The Destin in “Destin” ation

Many of the area’s premier resorts have vistas that take your breath away.

One is the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. Bordering a state preserve, it’s like an elegant castle surrounded by some of nature’s most gorgeous gifts. It even has an accommodation fit for a king–the 1,226-square-foot Hagerman Suite on the top floor. The resort features suites and guest rooms, as well as condo units. The spa is pure bliss with glasses of its signature lavender champagne, caviar facials, and even a healing Himalayan salt suite. Four restaurants cater to an array of cravings and occasions, from intimate sophistication to an old-fashioned malt shop. The rooftop bar is a hotspot with spectacular scenery while you sip. Bicycles, paddleboards and kayaks are conveniently available for exploring land and water.

Also next to Henderson Beach State Park is Silver Shells Beach Resort & Spa, a condo resort complex with Gulf-front penthouses and a 7,500-square-foot lagoon pool featuring a waterfall and whirlpools. Its luxury spa was the first in Destin and still keeps up with the latest, such as CBD hydro jelly facials and LED light treatments.

For a more bustling atmosphere, the Emerald Grande overlooks Harborwalk Village, an entertainment hub full of restaurants, a kid’s Adventure Zone, water sport rentals and charter boats, and a pirate-themed attraction. The condo resort’s Grande Vista Bar & Grill has fine dining all day long, and the Captain’s Deck is legendary for enjoying a drink as the sun sets.

An Island Oasis

If you’re looking to get happily stranded, The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is a unique upscale place to stay on a real island – Okaloosa Island.

The resort features a variety of guest rooms and suites. In its iconic Grotto pool, you can swim through the waterfall to a bar inside the rock and sip on drinks named “No Stress” and “Island Zen.” From some rooms, you can just dive into the pool from your back deck! On weekends, Misty the Mermaid splashes in to greet awestruck children and read them her book, “The Missing Tiara.” For entertainment, there are “dive-in” movies at the heated cabana pool, and every evening, you can dance the night away to live music.

See below for more resort options.