On a thin barrier island in Destin, Fla., in the northwest corner of the Sunshine state, a new luxury resort officially began welcoming guests on November 17. After two years of construction, The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, opened as the anchor property for the still-developing Henderson Beach Resort, with future phases to include condominiums and villa-style accommodations.
The resort features 170 guestrooms and suites, “Gulf-to-table” cuisine, an octagonal bar with panoramic Gulf views, and a rooftop terrace. The Henderson’s Salamander Spa features 11 treatment rooms and for more relaxation, there’s a family-oriented pool with a lazy river and an adult zone and pool.
Planners have access to 10,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, including the 5,221-square-foot Crystal Ballroom, as well as multiple outdoor event spaces, such as the 6,500-square-foot Grand Lawn and several beachfront locations.
Salamander Hotels & Resorts, based in Middleburg, Va., also operates the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg and three Florida properties under the Salamander Golf Collection umbrella: Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay, Reunion Resort in Orlando, and Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast. The company is currently converting the former New Orleans Public Service headquarters into the 217-room NOPSI Hotel, with an opening expected in spring 2017.
