photos & story by
Steve Barber
T
he Henderson opened its coastal-
inspired and luxurious doors on
November 17. One of the finest
resorts built along Florida’s Gulf
Coast in a generation, the sweeping resort
hotel overlooks Destin’s famed sugar-white
sands and emerald-green waters.
Located along one of America’s top
beaches and adjacent to a 208-acre
environmentally protected state park,
The Henderson is reminiscent of a grand
seaside manor of yesteryear. It captures the
romance of traditional coastal architecture
by complementing its stunning natural
backdrop with striking shingles, steep
gabled rooflines and a reverence to Florida’s
nautical history.
The resort features 170 spacious
guestrooms and suites, a nature-inspired spa,
Gulf-to-table cuisine, an octagonal bar with
panoramic Gulf views, a rooftop terrace, two
outdoor swimming pools, 30,000 square feet
of flexible indoor and outdoor event space
and private beach access.
The property is owned by Memphis-based
Dunavant Enterprises, Inc., and is managed
by The Salamander Group the luxury hotel
management company founded by Sheila C.
Johnson.
VIP Destin at Henderson Beach Resort
26 | VIPDestinMagazine.com
Michelle Dunavant & Liz Helmsing
Jerry Sullivan, Chatham Morgan, Leslie Sullivan & Allen French
John Russell. Kelly Galloway & Scott Russell
Mary Lucchesi, Ron & Debbie Lazarov & Alice Suttle
Kevin Boyer, Shane Moody, Bob Perry, Domenica Farmer & Jean Encardes
Jon Elliot & Bobby Sweat
Mary Anne Windes & Scott Fischer
Grand
Opening
26 Event Henderson Beach Inn Grand Opening.indd 1
1/24/17 6:52 PM