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The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, Opens in Destin, FL

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Published
11/17/2016 by

The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, opened its coastal-inspired and luxurious doors. One of the finest resorts built along Florida's Gulf Coast in a generation, the sweeping resort 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 and captures the romance of traditional coastal architecture.

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 Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel company founded by Sheila C. Johnson.

"After a decade of development and meticulous planning, our family is thrilled and humbled that opening day is finally here," said Bill Dunavant III, President and CEO of Dunavant Enterprises, Inc. "It has always been our vision to offer a level of luxury previously unavailable between New Orleans and Sarasotawhile also providing a destination resort of which the entire region can be proud. Today, I can confidently state that we have delivered."

From the moment guests arrive at The Henderson, they are embraced by a residential and old-world charm. There is no lobby but an expansive Living Room with high ceilings and a wall of windows that faces a maritime forest and the beach.  The interior feels like it has been part of the coast's landscape for over 100 years and the resort is infused with several, intimate gathering areas and commissioned artwork created by local and regional artists.

Guest rooms and suites are larger than typical luxury resort guestrooms and include custom furnishings, luxurious bedding, elegant bathrooms featuring louvered shutters, and gracious balconies or terraces.

The Henderson celebrates Destin's Gulf-to-Table seafood traditions at its Primrose restaurant, named for Destin's first commercial fishing boat. The open-kitchen design restaurant also features a sushi bar as well as extensive outdoor terrace seating. With a striking octagonal-shaped design, Horizons Bar presents signature cocktails and panoramic views of the Gulf and adjacent nature preserve. Sea Level poolside grill offers chilled drinks and casual fare, while the old-fashioned ice cream shop, Sprinkles, serves up frozen delicacies and children's candy favorites.

Drawing on the inspirational venue with treatments that incorporate the natural surroundings, The Henderson's Salamander Spa features 11 spacious treatment rooms and numerous amenities, including a ladies steam room, sauna and whirlpool which overlooks the treetops of the secluded park. Treatments are derived from the Gulf's crystal waters, untouched dunes and indigenous plants. In addition, there are also specially constructed spa guest rooms, furnished and equipped with a variety of spa amenities.

The Henderson also offers a sun-lit fitness room and a variety of other water experiences, including a family-oriented pool with a lazy river and an adult zone and pool. There are numerous family activities, including a dedicated Kid's Club called Poppy's. Guests can also use the wide, pristine beach as a base for activities like sailing, snorkeling and volleyball.

The resort also features nearly 30,000 square feet of unique indoor and outdoor function space, including several beachfront locations and a Grand Lawn. In its dedicated and flexible event wing, the resort offers the soaring 5,221-square-foot Crystal Ballroom, as well as a junior ballroom. On the fifth floor, the Sunset Vista Terrace provides stunning views of the beach and the state park's foliage.

"It has been a pleasure getting to know the Dunavant family and team over the past few years," said Salamander Founder and CEO Sheila C. Johnson. "Their attention to detail and vision is incredible, and it is a great honor for Salamander to have the opportunity to create a hospitality environment befitting of the resort's stunning setting."

The Henderson's design architect is Cooper Carry of Atlanta, and interior design was provided by Karen Kent of Kent Interior Design in Atlanta. The general contractor, DPR Hardin, is also based in Atlanta and is one of the country's leading hotel builders, while project management was provided by Shannon Howell of Destin-based Devcon Services Group.

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