St. Andrews Sojourn

The Panhandle’s newest destination resort is well worth the drive.

- Megan Padilla

A FIVE-MINUTE HELICOPTER flight is all it takes to get a 500-foot birds-eye perspective over sprawling St. Andrews Bay. The 69,000- acre estuary is encircled mostly by pine forests except for one endless ribbon of white dunes lapped by the Gulf’s turquoise waters.

This corner of the Panhandle is often overlooked by Orlandoans because it takes about six hours to drive there, and flights into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport require a connection. So, is it worth it? Absolutely.

The new Sheraton Bay Point is a destination resort that puts you in the heart of St. Andrews Bay, about 10 miles south of Panama City Beach. Though not technically all-inclusive, the Sheraton Bay Point draws from its unique location that is both an estuary and home to the most visited state park in Florida. It provides a well-rounded getaway that includes 36-holes of golf, a full-service spa, and direct bay access for paddle boarding and kayaking, as well as three different beach experiences. There’s some pretty good food, too. A three-night vacation is perfect for both couples and families to unplug, recharge and reconnect.