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.
Named after owner Tom Becnel’s grandmother, Hotel Effie exemplifies all the charm and personality of its namesake. Best described as the ultimate hostess, Hotel Effie creates a personalized experience that surrounds each guest with a welcoming environment and authentic style of service that defines genuine southern hospitality. Hotel Effie welcomes guests as part of the family.
Upon walking through the grand entrance of Hotel Effie and past custom, one-of-a-kind artwork by local artists Brendan Parker who’s custom original pieces are showcased throughout the property, and fresh flowers lined in vases, guests are welcomed with a craft cocktail and cool-temperature oshibori towel at check-in to beat the heat. Hotel Effie provides guests complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies everyday. The cookies are prepared using Grandma Effie’s special recipe.
Ovide is the first restaurant in Florida by James Beard Award-winning chef, Hugh Acheson. Known for BRAVO TV’s Top Chef, Acheson embraces the fresh, forward flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast. The menu showcases celebrity chef Hugh Acheson’s creativity and passion for distinctive ingredients and cooking techniques by fusing coastal cuisine with a sophisticated French influence. Ovide embraces the fresh, forward flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast.
Menu highlights include a 63C Farm Egg, served on a bed of crispy rice, collard stem kimchi, peas spring onion and oyster mushrooms, a Smoked Mackerel Toast with super 100 tomatoes, dill, pickled shallot and bay leaves. Entrees include the Pan-Roasted Red Snapper with a Thai chili emulsion, pigeon peace, rice and charred escarole and the Strike chicken and add Mahi or pork chop. A meal at Ovide wouldn’t be complete without Effie’s Biscuits, which are a nod to the hotel’s namesake.
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. As Northwest Florida’s only rooftop pool, 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.
Spa Lilliana welcomes guests with a tranquil pampering experience featuring 10 spacious and well-appointed treatment rooms. Guests start their journey when the elevator doors open to reveal floor-to-ceiling, mother-of-pearl walls bathed in warm candlelight. Innovative facial treatments from Paris-based Biologique Recherche are offered. The salon offers blowouts, up-dos and makeup, including bridal services, waxing, lash tints, brow shaping, and manicures and pedicures for men and women using Smith & Cult eight-free nail formulas for chip-resistant color.
Guests at Hotel Effie have access to the full complement of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort amenities including more than seven miles of pristine beaches and bayfront, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, a 123-slip marina, and an additional 65,000 square feet of meeting space. Additionally, the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife, is located within walking distance of Hotel Effie.