Located at 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd.,

One of the most notable features of Hotel Effie is the Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge, named after the constellation. Sara is quite known for treasuring a setting under the sun or the stars to get to know strangers Walking up to the pool area, eyes immediately dart to the view. Looking past the many buildings and trees, one can spot the glistening emerald ocean. As the sun sets, guests grab drinks to wait for the fireworks as the local DJ plays his favorite songs The smartest of guests secured cozy cabanas earlier in the day, relaxing in the shade, poolside The bar is located centrally with an industrial feel. Iron lanterns on the bartop and pipes strung along the ceiling provide a feeling of an open submarine. TVs bring guests back to reality, featuring sports and other events The heated pool itself is very relaxing, both because of the atmosphere and the jets. Some nights, the hotel hosts adult only night swimming events, perfect for a couple’s night.

the hotel began as an empty lot with plenty of potential Hotel Effie quickly became the newest luxury leisure hotel after opening in 2021.

With 250 rooms and suites, many guests ranging from small family trips to larger groups or events can enjoy the amenities offered by Hotel Effie. Being able to cater to any size, the hotel hosted a rooftop wedding Providing for these guests is important to Hotel Effie, but vacationing as a couple can unlock a new side to the hotel Providing wine tastings and cocktail classes as well as rooftop yoga on Saturdays, the hotel adds multiple unique experiences. Meditation and yoga classes are provided a couple times a week, allowing guests to fully relax and embrace the getaway. The goal is to have each season at the hotel, to introduce a new class for guests, taking note of which classes are popular and answering what their lovely guests are wanting more of.

Keeping with the southern take on luxury travel, the hotel provides cookies made with Effie’s special homemade recipe. Much of the food would make her proud as all concepts and menus are provided by Georgia-born Chef Hugh Acheson

Having been a Top Chef judge and Top Chef Masters competitor as well as owning The Five & Ten and Empire State South, Chef Hugh has made a name for himself in the culinary world. The chef gifts Hotel Effie with his years of expertise in the culinary industry, ranging from the local foods at Ovide to the coffee and tea blends at Sweetbay Coffee. Chef comes a few times a month to ensure quality matches his expectations, but also to incorporate changes to the menu

Ovide, named after Effie’s husband, feeds guests local foods of the Gulf Coast, but sprinkled with French influence A beautiful floral mural shows intricate flowers of deep reds and soft pinks against a dark background The cushioned wooden furniture and glass fixtures remind guests they are at Miramar. A taste of the emerald ocean is skillfully prepared then artfully displayed for guests to enjoy.

To pair with the food, high-end wines are handpicked by Steven Grubbs, brought on by Chef ugh, and cocktails are crafted by Kellie Thorn As ad of mixology and beverages at the hotel, Kellie in charge of all drinks flowing out of the various rs, ranging from artfully crafted cocktails to rfectly blended coffees. Through Kellie’s idance, both Ara and The Lobby Bar, TLB, ovides beautiful works of art in a glass.