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