Good Housekeeping has released its annual travel awards, and we can't contain our excitement. The publication's 2026 Travel Awards just recognized Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort as one of the Best Beach Villas for Big Groups — Gulfside Golf, placing our beloved destination firmly in the national spotlight.
For those familiar with Sandestin, the recognition feels well deserved. For buyers exploring real estate along the Emerald Coast, it’s something more: a powerful reminder that this iconic resort continues to capture attention far beyond Northwest Florida.
And perhaps most exciting of all, the award shines a spotlight on Osprey Pointe, a condominium community that is now available for ownership for the very first time.
What Good Housekeeping Loved About Sandestin
The award highlights what travelers have been discovering for years — Sandestin offers a rare blend of relaxed coastal beauty and full-service resort energy.
Good Housekeeping editors praised the destination for delivering a “Caribbean-like” experience right here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with powder-white beaches, turquoise water, world-class golf, and endless activities for families and groups.
Their tester, who stayed in a three-bedroom residence at Osprey Pointe, described the resort as beautiful, conveniently located, and full of experiences for visitors of all ages.
One standout feature?
“The pool was the highlight of our trip. It wasn’t too crowded, and it was very clean.”
The tester also noted the stylish interiors of Osprey Pointe’s residences, highlighting large kitchens with quartz countertops, marble backsplashes, and high-end appliances — the kind of finishes typically associated with custom homes rather than vacation accommodations.
In other words, the very same details that vacationers love are exactly what today’s buyers are looking for in a luxury coastal residence.
Why This Recognition Matters for Buyers
The timing of this national recognition couldn’t be more exciting.
For the first time since the community was developed, select residences at Osprey Pointe are becoming available for private ownership. The recently released buildings introduce a limited collection of two-, three-, and four-bedroom condominium residences, designed for both elevated coastal living and long-term investment potential.
These homes pair timeless craftsmanship with modern design, featuring:
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Open-concept floor plans designed for gathering and entertaining
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Custom cabinetry and detailed millwork throughout
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Quartz countertops and a GE Profile appliance package
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Expansive nine-foot ceilings that enhance natural light and space
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Private balconies with peaceful views of surrounding nature and the bay
Owners also enjoy access to the full Sandestin lifestyle — from the resort’s beaches and championship golf courses to the marina, dining, and entertainment at Baytowne Wharf.
It’s the kind of setting where mornings might begin with a golf cart ride to the beach and evenings end with waterfront dining and live music.
Northwest Florida’s Luxury Coastal Market Is Having a Moment
The Emerald Coast continues to attract discerning buyers from across the Southeast and beyond. Many are searching for more than just a second home — they’re looking for a place that blends lifestyle, investment potential, and lasting value.
Sandestin has long delivered on that promise.
With its established resort infrastructure, strong visitor demand, and nationally recognized reputation, the destination remains one of the most desirable ownership opportunities along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The recognition from Good Housekeeping only reinforces what many owners already know: this is a place people love to return to year after year.
From Vacation Favorite to Ownership Opportunity
For many visitors, a trip to Sandestin sparks a familiar thought: What if we could stay longer?
Now, with the introduction of private ownership opportunities at Osprey Pointe, that idea is becoming a reality.
The same residences praised by national travel editors and beloved by vacationers are now available for buyers seeking a place of their own within one of the Emerald Coast’s most celebrated resort communities.
And when a nationally recognized destination opens new residences for ownership for the first time, those opportunities tend to move quickly.
Interested in learning more about ownership at Osprey Pointe?
Connect with The Agency Northwest Florida Beaches to explore floor plans, availability, and what makes this one of the most exciting new opportunities along the Emerald Coast.
