Located between the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay, Hotel Effie was designed to welcome all guests of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to an experience that exemplifies genuine southern hospitality and exceptional service wrapped in comfortable luxury. The 250-room hotel features multiple room configurations with thoughtful design and exquisite detail. Taking inspiration from the locale, the fully appointed rooms and suites welcome guests with a complement of amenities, including an upscale spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and a rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Add 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space to include a 13,000 sq. ft. ballroom, plus all of the unique offerings of the hotel and resort, and Hotel Effie is the perfect setting for a dream wedding, corporate meetings, memorable events and unforgettable vacations.
“The design draws from the textures and tones of the dunes and the movement of water,” said Sara Becnel, GM of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort/VP, development. “Sandy hues are prominent in the neutral envelope of the interior spaces while accents pull in rich jewel tones.”
Hotel Effie was also designed with women in mind, winking at female empowerment.
“With women being the predominant travel planners in the household, we created a hotel space that would encourage guests to not only visit the first time but become lifelong guests,” Becnel said. “The Southern elegance of Hotel Effie Sandestin features hand-selected fixtures, furnishings and meaningful decor that reinforces the attention to detail. A quality we know all women strive for. There is surprise and delight around every corner of Hotel Effie.”
The guestrooms, specifically, were strategically placed with women in mind, Becnel noted. “Ultra-chic luxury bedding, overstuffed pillows, cozy throw blankets and refined furnishings add to the guests’ comfort, where soothing coastal color palettes and luxurious fabrics all create a cohesive guestroom experience,” she said.
Flexible spaces within the guestrooms have design features that were specifically placed with a woman’s needs in mind. In the shower, there is an accent light and a toe bar, which allows women to comfortably place their foot on while shaving their legs. The bathroom has an enlarged countertop with an illuminated mirror for ease of makeup and skincare application. For those seeking the ultimate natural light when applying makeup, there’s also a second vanity space mirror at the desk near the window, complete with plugs for styling tools and easy access. Each room also comes with a steamer and strategically-placed electrical outlets to ensure curling irons and blow dryers have their own space in the bathroom. The rooms are also conducive to multiple people using the bathroom at the same time.
As for dining, Ovide, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, embraces the fresh, forward flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast. The menu showcases Acheson’s creativity and passion for distinctive ingredients and cooking techniques by fusing coastal cuisine with a sophisticated French influence. Ovide has an identity and atmosphere yet feels at home within the ground floor’s open format. Here, darker wood tones and deeper colors are offset by the unexpected ceiling murals with flourishes of gold, coral and verdant greens. At the bar, there is a nod to traditional elements: the extensive millwork, antiqued mirror and brass accents. The black and tan upholstery with brass details and beautifully finished wood seating are luxuriously comfortable.
“Like its namesake, Hotel Effie exudes Southern hospitality,” Becnel said. “The goal of the design was to create a hotel that was elegant and approachable. Spaces flow from one to another and while cohesive, each have their own character and opportunity for experiences and connection. The porte cochere, with traditional brick and warm wood beam sets, welcomes guests into the expansive lobby, where the design balances clean interior architecture with captivating finishes, comfortable seating and intriguing details. The lobby also features a portrait of Grandma Effie herself with a pair of replica rocking chairs, just like her own. Many spaces feature artwork from local and Southern artists who celebrate the natural influences of the coastal landscape. Each space draws guests in and invites them to sit awhile, in flop flips or stilettos, enjoying a beverage of choice.”
Hotel Effie’s signature rooftop is home to Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge, which has a full menu of wine, craft cocktails and bottle service served daily. The rooftop pool has a stylish vibe, and amazing views of the resort, Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Ara’s open-air event environment provides an ideal location for a poolside DJ to provide chill music by day and up-tempo beats by night.
“Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge offers as much impact in its design as it does in its views,” said Stephanie Boyd, associate/project director, of Design Continuum Inc. in Atlanta. “The continuation of the light, neutral finishes from the rest of the property creates a canvas for the punchy yellow, melon and turquoise splashes on the pool deck. Surrounding the bar, there are garage doors that fully open for all-weather enjoyment of the space, and maximal panoramic views. White and black tile flooring continues out from the bar to the upscale pool deck with lounge seating and cabanas. A green turf play zone at rear of the pool deck features LED color-changing, over-scaled lounge seating and lawn games including a large chess set for all-day, all-ages fun.”
The Lobby Bar (TLB) is an ideal gathering place and social hub where guests can unwind over a menu of creative libations and signature small plates. The bar overlooks the hotel’s expansive lobby which features several original art pieces, including a custom dimensional ceramic art installation by Alabama ceramist Deb Paradise and two custom resin originals by local mixed-media artist Brendan Parker, all of which were created specifically for the property.
“Commissioned art pieces, large and small, grace the walls, ballroom and guestrooms throughout the hotel,” Boyd said. “The custom works of Deb Paradise and Brendan Parker draw inspiration from Effie’s coastal location while reflecting on their own acute interests in nature. The ebb and flow and quiet moments of the coast are reflected in Parker’s artwork, while the creative expression of nature manifests itself in the delicate, three-dimensional porcelain installations of Deb Paradise.”
