About Us

Hilton Sandestin Beach

Today, Hilton Sandestin Beach continues to build on that legacy of service and setting. Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay, Hilton Sandestin Beach is part of a 2,400-acre coastal community that offers recreation and relaxation in equal measure. The resort features 590 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony and views of the sugar sand shoreline. Families enjoy Junior Suites with bunk beds, while Ambassador and Presidential Suites offer expanded layouts for added comfort.

Every element of the resort—its coastal design, thoughtful amenities and personalized service—reflects a legacy of hospitality refined over four decades. Guests can choose from seven distinctive dining experiences, including the AAA Four-Diamond Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, a nationally recognized fine dining destination. Resort amenities include three pools, 15 tennis courts, and the award-winning Serenity by the sea Spa.

With more than 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, Hilton Sandestin Beach is oe of the Gulf Coast’s leading destinations for conferences, weddings and gatherings of all sizes. Venues range from grand ballrooms to Gulf-front decks and a 104-seat theater, offering the versatility to host everything from corporate events to coastal celebrations.

Milestones in Hospitality

• 1982: Frank Flautt acquires beachfront property within Sandestin for hotel development.
• 1984: Official opening of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (initially 400 condominium-hotel units).
• 1998: Major expansion brings ~200 guest suites, a new pool deck and the debut of Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood.
• 2001: Serenity by the sea Spa opens, redefining wellness on the Emerald Coast.
• 2005: Work begins on the Emerald Tower, expansion of the outdoor pool area and the addition of Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill.
• 2024: The resort celebrates its 40th anniversary with a $35 million property-wide renovation, featuring refreshed guest rooms, redesigned indoor pool areas and upgraded meeting and event spaces.

A Lasting Legacy

The strength of Hilton Sandestin Beach lies in its people. Many team members have been part of the resort for decades, and several families have built multi-generational careers here — a testament to a culture of commitment and pride in service.

That dedication continues to shape every guest experience. Families return year after year to celebrate milestones and traditions by the Gulf, drawn by the warmth of the team that welcomes them. This shared loyalty keeps the Hilton Sandestin Beach legacy alive and evolving.

Frank L. Flautt, Jr.

Co-Founder, Sandcastle Resorts
Mr. Flautt began his hospitality career in 1963 at Holiday Inns, Inc., eventually becoming Senior Vice President of International Franchise Sales. After six years, he became President of W.B. Johnson Properties, the owner of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. In 1974, Mr. Flautt founded Flautt Properties, Inc., offering comprehensive real estate services. Eight of their managed hotels were named in Holiday Inn's Top Twenty, and the company received numerous development awards. In 1990, Mr. Flautt sold his interest in Flautt Properties, which at the time managed 18 hotels, to focus on expanding Sandcastle Resorts and developing condominium projects throughout Florida.

Fred V. Alias

Co-Founder, Sandcastle Resorts
Fred V. Alias began his career in the hotel industry after earning a BBA in marketing and sales from the University of Mississippi. He joined Holiday Inns, Inc. as National Sales Representative in Los Angeles, and later became Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Marketing, overseeing international sales offices in Tokyo, London, Paris, and Zurich. In 1973, Alias joined Atlanta-based W.B. Johnson Properties Inc., the owner of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, serving as Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of Development, Executive Vice President of Operations, and Chief Operating Officer. Under his leadership, the company expanded from five Holiday Inns to 12 large Holiday Inns on the East Coast and developed five Marriott hotels, including the 1,500-room Orlando Marriott—the largest franchise ever granted by Marriott in the United States. From 1975 to 1982, Alias was Vice Chairman of W.B. Johnson Properties, Inc. In 1982, he co-founded Sandcastle Resorts, Inc. with Frank Flautt, Jr.