Henderson Beach Resort is a luxury coastal getaway located on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

I’ve always dreamed of visiting Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast, so when the opportunity arose for a girls' getaway in Destin, I couldn't resist.

After some research I discovered Henderson Beach Resort, which turned out to be the perfect choice for our two-night escape. The resort promised everything I was looking for: stunning white-sand beaches, comfortable and elegant accommodations, incredible food, a stellar spa, and much more.

Florida Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Tampa

I traveled with two of my best friends from high school for some girl time and R&R. Here’s a glimpse into my itinerary during our stay, showcasing a perfect blend of activity and relaxation against the unreal backdrop of the Emerald Coast.

A view of one of the swimming pools and overall property.

Upon arriving at Henderson Beach Resort, I was immediately struck by how much more impressive it was in person. While booking the stay, I had scoured the internet for photos and everything looked wonderful, but the property truly has a “wow factor” that you can only appreciate in person.

We were greeted warmly by the staff and offered a tour of the facility, which gave us a glimpse of the stunning amenities and beautiful grounds. After the tour we settled into our elegant room, eagerly anticipating our dinner later that evening at Primrose.

The light-filled resort lobby has plenty of seating with large windows that offer scenic views.

Why You’ll Love It

Henderson Beach Resort, nestled in the charming town of Destin, is a luxurious haven that seamlessly blends modern conveniences with the nostalgic charm of a grand seaside manor.

Located adjacent to 200 acres of pristine preserve and steps from miles of sugar-sand beaches and emerald waters, this resort is one of the finest luxury retreats on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The resort features 170 spacious, coastal-inspired guest rooms and suites, along with 118 luxury lofts, all offering sweeping balconies or terraces with views of the Gulf, pool, or garden.

Our room was comfortable with charming coastal décor and a balcony overlooking the nature preserve.

Key Features & Amenities

• Private Beach Access: Enjoy exclusive access to a pristine beach with water sports and beach service.

• Pools: Two pools, including an adults-only heated pool and a family pool with a lazy river.

• Fitness Center: Open 24/7 with daily fitness classes and three Peloton bikes.

• Children’s Program: Poppy’s Club offers seasonal activities for kids aged 4 to 11.

• Event Spaces: Over 30,000 square feet for meetings, weddings, and special events.

The resort has two swimming pools—one for adults and the other for families.

Accommodations

The resort features 170 coastal-inspired rooms and suites, plus 118 luxury lofts. Rooms offer Gulf, pool or garden views, and some are dog-friendly.

Rates range from $325 to $1,250 per night. Guests enjoy private beach access with complimentary beach sets and water sports equipment.

Resort rooms offer Gulf, pool or garden views.

Cuisine

• Primrose: Offers breakfast and dinner with a private dining room and a sushi bar.

• Sea Level: Poolside bar and grill serving snacks and beverages.

• Sprinkles: Starbucks coffee, in-house pastries, and grab-and-go items.

• Horizons: Lobby lounge bar with Gulf views and The Rooftop Bar for signature cocktails with sunset views.

Primrose is renowned for its expertly prepared sushi and sashimi featuring the freshest fish and creative presentations.

During our first evening in Destin we dined at Primrose and it certainly lived up to expectations. The ambiance was both elegant and inviting, with a refined yet approachable menu, warm atmosphere, and attentive service.

The menu features coastal-inspired dishes focusing on fresh, locally-sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients. We particularly enjoyed the open kitchen design, which added an element of excitement as we watched the evening’s meals being expertly prepared.

As for the food, we unanimously agreed that we tasted some of the best sushi of our lives, and the filet was hands down the best we’ve ever had. Our group travels well together, and we make it a point to order a variety of dishes, sharing family-style to fully experience the menu and get a true sense of the restaurant’s offerings. Of course we saved room for dessert, indulging in a sweet selection of options.

Our group inside Henderson’s Primrose restaurant.

The next day (our first and only full day), we rose bright and early and headed to the fitness center for a workout. The facilities were impressive, offering classes and all the latest equipment needed for a killer workout, including Peloton bikes and my first experience on Jacob’s Ladder.

After some time at the gym we took a run around the property, enjoying the beautiful beach adjacent to the resort. We worked up quite an appetite and headed to Primrose for breakfast.

It was a delightful meal featuring fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and breakfast tacos. Fully fueled, we were ready to enjoy the sand and sun.

Pancakes at Primrose Restaurant are a delicious way to start the day.

We checked out the pools on-site, including the adult pool with luxury cabanas and the lazy river in the active family pool. Both pools were beautiful, spacious, and surrounded by lush scenery. Large open grassy areas offered lawn games and meeting spaces for guests to enjoy.

Next, we grabbed a drink from the poolside stand, Sea Level, and headed to the private beach for some sand between our toes.

A perfect day spent on the private beaches of The Henderson Resort in Destin.

Though I had heard about the beaches in this region, experiencing it firsthand exceeded all expectations. The white sand was as fine as powdered sugar, and the water was clear, warm, and utterly refreshing. We found a private spot to lounge, swim, and enjoy the Gulf.

We even made some new friends—a group of ladies our age who were also enjoying a girls’ weekend. The warmth and friendliness of the other guests and staff made our day even more enjoyable.

Open green spaces and family-friendly activities can be found throughout the resort.

Spa & Wellness

Next on the agenda, we strolled over to The Henderson Spa for some scheduled spa time—my favorite part of the trip! I've written a detailed account of the spa experience and interviewed the Spa Director for a profile piece.

The Henderson Spa offers a nature-inspired experience with 11 treatment rooms, a luxurious couples’ suite, and the Himalayan Salt Suite. Enjoy personalized treatments using indigenous ingredients and marine properties.

Lounging in style in the relaxation room prior to spa treatments.

The spa was breathtaking, featuring long hallways adorned with art pieces, serene relaxation areas, and a variety of amenities and snacks. Upon arrival, my girlfriends and I checked in and changed into plush robes and slippers. We were then given heated lavender neck pillows and welcomed into a beautiful coastal-themed relaxation lounge.

While quietly preparing for our upcoming spa services, we made new friends with a lovely mom-and-daughter duo, bonding over our shared love of spa experiences. Every person we met during our visit was incredibly kind and genuine.

Inside the spa’s relaxing Himalayan Salt Suite.

We began our journey in the Himalayan Salt Suite, basking in the amber glow and enjoying the respiratory and skin-enhancing benefits of halotherapy. Given our recent travels, we were particularly eager to experience this therapy to help clear our lungs and boost our immunity and detoxification.

Next, I was thrilled to indulge in the 90-minute Ultimate Zen Beach Escape Treatment, a full-body scrub and massage with added scalp therapy. Before departing, I treated myself to a few more amenities including the lavender-infused steam room and the experiential shower. It was pure heaven!

A look inside my treatment room at The Henderson Spa.

After the spa, we floated back to our room to unwind and get ready for the evening ahead. As the late afternoon sun began to dip, we headed to the rooftop bar, where we enjoyed vibrant cocktails and shared an olive and cheese plate. Laughter filled the air as we sipped our drinks, snacked and watched the sun set over the sea from the picturesque rooftop.

We eventually made our way to Horizon’s, another on-property restaurant, where we indulged in a delicious dinner with panoramic views. We shared casual fare like pizza and other savory dishes, and of course, we couldn’t resist the most scrumptious desserts.

As three friends and fellow tired moms, we opted for a quiet night in, turning in early to savor some much-needed sleep. Although our early departure meant missing out on more time in the sun, sand and pools, we unanimously agreed that we would love to return to The Henderson Resort with our families next time.

While the resort offers plenty for an adults-only getaway, it’s also a fantastic destination for kids. Here’s to our next visit

Sipping on a pineapple-infused mocktail as the sun sets.

Insider Tips

• Beach Sets: Available one day during your stay, complete with snacks and beverage service.

• Rooftop Views: Enjoy unobstructed sunset views from The Rooftop Bar.

• Local Art: Explore 465 pieces of original artwork by local artists throughout the resort.

A lovely surprise awaited us in our room upon arrival.

For more information on Henderson Beach Resort, visit their website or call 855-741-2777. Follow on Instagram: @thehendersonfl. Get special rates on your next stay here and find the best deals on flights to Florida.

200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, FL 32541

More luxury destinations:

Escape to a Luxurious Coastal Paradise at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Sensei Porcupine Creek: A Unique and Magical Wellness Journey in Rancho Mirage, CA

[Photos courtesy of Henderson Beach Resort and Alisha Racker]

Luxury Stays and Getaways: Henderson Beach Resort Offers a Blend of Modern Luxury and Seaside Charm in Destin, Florida