Sandestin stay-and-play deals from $96/night

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is offering some of the best rates in years on stays now through Spring!

Sandestin has received multiple national awards for its golf package experiences, including recognition in GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the "75 Best Golf Resorts in America."

The "Classic Golf Package" offers the best value on the Emerald Coast with a choice of play (a round of golf per person, per day) at either of the two original Sandestin courses. Baytowne Golf Club straddles both the bay and gulf side of the resort with some of the only elevation change in the area. The scenic Links Course meanders along the Choctawhatchee Bay for five holes. Per person, per night rates range from $102-$115 this fall; $96 in winter and from $111 early spring.

The "Stay Play Golf Package" is designed for those who prefer a bit of a warm up prior to the golf experience with a choice of play on all four of Sandestin's award-winning courses. Choose one day oneone the original two courses, Baytowne Golf Club or The Links Course, and the next day on one of the two premier courses, Raven Golf Club or Burnt Pine Golf Club. Per person, per night rates range from $124-$137 fall; $111 winter and from $126 early spring.

Play two of the most highly regarded courses on the "4 1/2 Star Package." Choose from a round of golf per person, per day at Burnt Pine Golf Club, the semi-private Rees Jones design available only to registered resort guests, or Raven Golf Club, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout that hosted the PGA Champions Tour in 2006 and 2007. Courses are rated 4 1/2 Stars by Golf Digest and were named to Golf Magazine's list of the "Best Courses Near You" in the state of Florida. Per person, per night rates range from $146-$159 autumn; $126 winter and from $141 early spring.

All of the packages include (based on a minimum two-night stay and two days of golf):

• Nightly accommodations
• Golf cart and green fees
• Unlimited use of the resort practice facilities and practice balls
• Complimentary replay rounds booked at the course the day of play, based on availability
• Complimentary draft beer and well drinks at John Wehner's Village Door in the Village of Baytowne Wharf from 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Complimentary tram service on Sandestin property
• Complimentary use of the resort fitness center

Seasonal dates for packages are: Fall, Sept. 7-Oct. 31; Late Fall: Nov. 1-30; Winter, Dec. 1-Jan. 31; and early spring, Feb. 1-March 18.

Sandestin is a 2,400-acre destination resort with 30 distinct neighborhoods featuring 1,500 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations.

The resort is situated along more than seven miles of beaches and bay front with 15 tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, certified children's programs and a fitness center and spa.

The package rates shown above are based on four golfers sharing a three-bedroom Dockside Villa with four beds.

Other accommodations include the Village of Baytowne Wharf (a pedestrian village featuring a host of boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife venues); standard hotel rooms at Bayside Inn; two bedroom Grand Sandestin condominiums or Grande Fairways Villas.

Stays also include a wide variety of guest amenities, including complimentary use of bicycles, canoes, kayaks, boogie boards and tennis court time.

Get more details on these and other packages at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.