IN ON THE FUN Even

Rising with the sun, the Recreation Team secures spots in the sand with shaded lounge chairs.

MASTERS OF FUN

Our entertainment options will get you moving

BY HANNAH BURKE

Ask Tiffany Howell and Caidan Cryar what their role is at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, and they’ll tell you they’re in the “fun” department.

Indeed, Howell and Cryar, the Director and Assistant Director of Recreation, are master distractors, packing so much action into guests’ vacations, that they’ll never need to venture off property to seek entertainment.

Both ladies got their start at Hilton Sandestin Beach’s pool hut, a summer job that led to their life’s calling. “I know for Caidan and myself, it’s been a joy to work our way up to the positions we’re in now,” said Howell. “We have a really great team in recreation that works hard to bring joy to everyone — especially when it’s raining.”

Rainy day diversions almost always include complimentary movie marathons on the lower lobby level of the Emerald Tower. Cryar will usually organize a game of bingo or one of her famous scavenger hunts that the whole family will love.

But chances are that fi ckle Florida weather will give way to sunshine, and you’ll be beach bound in no time. With direct access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Hilton Sandestin Beach offers numerous amenities to ensure you experience the ultimate getaway.

“Reserve your beach chairs and umbrellas in advance to make sure you get a perfect spot,” Howell advised. “For those who don’t, we recommend getting to the beach services hut before 11 in the morning as the beach fi lls up quickly.”

Capable and compassionate recreation staff entertain our littlest guests with games, movies and Kids Krew activities.

LARRY DAVIDSON

TIFFANY’S TIPS

◆ Reserve your beach chair setup well in advance of your visit.

Dial (850) 267-9500 when you make your hotel reservation and ask to speak to our beach services team, or visit

HiltonSandestin.ipoolside.com to reserve online. ◆ Before you hit your day of play, be sure to visit the

Pool Hut to gear up for some fun in the sun — including complimentary beach towels. Feel free to leave the beach chairs and pool noodles at home. ◆ Teens (14 and older) are welcome to climb aboard a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Don’t have your “sea legs”? No worries, a member of the beach crew will be happy to show you how. ◆ Kids Krew activities may be available at varying hours, and under the capable watch of Cryar, children aged 5–12 can enjoy themed parties, face painting, tiedying and more. ◆ The Pool Hut will infl ate your kids’ fl oaties and pool toys free of charge.

THE WORKMANS

Depending on the day’s water conditions, the recreation team has kayaks and standup paddleboards available for rent for guests that are 14 years old or older. If the waves are too choppy, there are plenty of pleasures to be had in the sand. A volleyball net is set up for free play, and the rec crew is standing by with footballs, Frisbees, soccer balls and other equipment for some friendly competition.

You can have s’more fun by arranging a private beach bonfi re before you arrive. Gather your tribe around a fi re pit stocked with three hours worth of fi rewood, and make memories as the sun gives way to a sea of stars.

If you wish to soak up the sun sans sand and salt, Hilton Sandestin Beach offers two handicap accessible pools on either side of Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill, plus an indoor pool, two whirlpools and a shallow toddler pool for the littlest ones.

Don’t worry about bringing your own towels. The pool services team offers a complimentary supply that guests may check out and return at the end of each day.

“We also sell sunscreen, noodles, goggles and anything else you may need for a pool day at the pool services hut,” said Cryar. “Guests can also reserve a poolside cabana at the pool services hut, which are great for families and small groups to enjoy.”

Poolside cabanas can seat up to six and include a shaded dining area, sunscreen, ice-cold water bottles and souvenir koozies. Consider upgrading to a premium cabana to accommodate eight people with lounge chairs and a cozy couch that grandpa will enjoy using for his afternoon siesta.

The pool deck sets the scene for the resort’s seasonal events, such as the Fourth of July carnival. Before an evening of an outdoor barbecue and a bombastic fi reworks fi nale, guests have a blast on the deck with games, poolside performances and kid-centric festivities.

Whether you’re looking for help arranging a proposal for your sweetheart or simply need some extra towels, all you have to do is ask.

“We wouldn’t be able to do our jobs without our wonderful recreation team,” said Cryar. “Especially these last two years, our team has shown up and really carried our department. We all appreciate each other and love what we do.”

ALWAYS Menu ON

Travel to any locale, and the area’s musttry dining options are the fi rst thing on any visitor’s agenda. When you arrive at Hilton Sandestin Beach, you’ll quickly notice you won’t have to go far for good eats.

The resort’s award-winning restaurants offer some of the best and most unique culinary selections in the area. No matter what you’re in the mood for — an intimate dinner or a family night out — you’ll fi nd a delicious answer to your quest. And, many of these are available from the comfort of your guest room via in-room dining.

Sandcastles and The Coffee Shop are great places to start the day, offering an array of breakfast favorites, baked goods and caffeinated beverages. Sandcastles also offers coastal cuisine throughout the day to help refuel.

Need a bite on the run? Picnix Poolside Market has sandwiches, pizza and a bevy of other comfort foods to tempt your palate. Closer to the shore, Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill mixes up classic Gulf Coast and American fare for appetizing meals with a view.

After sunset, Hadashi Sushi Bar merges fresh-caught fare with traditional Japanese cuisine, and that includes some of the best sushi rolls you’ll fi nd this side of the Pacifi c.

For that spark of fi ne dining, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse, will light up the night. Prime USDA steaks and inventive seafood dishes will delight any gourmand.

So don’t wander far; our great dining always delivers.