Early September vacation for my husband and myself. Interested in the Florida Panhandle but not in a condo or private home because we want full service. Are there any luxury hotels in the area? Requirements for us would include great beach, excellent food on premises or nearby. No crowds; getaway feeling but don't want to rough it. Need pool, gym, good service. Am I looking in the wrong area? I know one of the attractions of the panhandle is that it hasn't been over-developed but I still wonder if there's a good compromise somewhere. P.S. We are in our 40s and don't want a party scene either. We want a quiet romantic vacation where we can really chill out but not sacrifice a little pampering. Thanks for any suggestions, even if it's to go elsewhere. P.S. I was looking into Naples area but it feels a little too much like you're still in a city even at the nice resorts.

A li

Seaside may have what you're looking for. Check it out.

www.seasidefl.com

the sandestin resort was nice. Do you golf? the gulf of mexico is great...check out destin area too.

It sounds like you want all the amenities of a full-blown resort without staying at a full-blow resort. (Like having your cake and eating it too)

Try staying at the Henderson Park Inn in Destin. It's small, sits directly on the water and has a superb restaurant that serves fresh Gulf seafood. You can find them at http://www.hendersonparkinn.com/

The inn is adjacent to a state park that is rarely used (because most people are already staying on the beach anyways) As you look to the west as the sun sets, you look over the state park, not over the ugly high-rise condos that mar downtown Destin.

There is a pool and daily chair and umbrella service are provided in the rate as well as breakfast each morning. There is a brand new upscale Gold's Gym that is a few miles down the street. You can jog there (if you're up to it) or drive your Jaguar, BMW, or Mercedes to it like the rest of us.

I have never stayed at Henderson Park, but I did stay right down the road. It is very beautiful and quaint. One of my close friend's mom loves the restaurant--as a matter of fact she ate there most every day we were at the beach.

I can account for the Henderson Park Inn firsthand. We spent the first leg of our honeymoon there and it was fantastic: canopied beds, whirlpool tubs, robes for two, etc. The restaurant is a veranda type, overlooking the ocean. We actually stayed there during January and they had a cozy roaring fireplace with honesty bar and afternoon snacks. Also, great outlets just down the beach. Funny to add, yes, but we got our last minute shopping in before jetting off to Europe for skiing. The Back Porch restaurant in the area also serves good seafood in a casual atmosphere. I wish we could return to Henderson Inn sometime, but now that we have a child, I discovered they don't accept little ones. It is a very couple friendly place to stay, however, and we can understand that. Good luck and happy travels.