Destin, FloridaCrystal Beach
Henderson Beach Resort
Coastal Southern manor
Crystal Beach   Destin, Florida
Opened
2016
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness ResortOutside the door
Coastal Southern manor
It runs like an expansive seaside manor, where broad porches look out over protected coastal dunes and the Gulf.
“The resort blends coastal Southern style with spacious porches, a full-service spa, multiple pools, and a long boardwalk that leads straight to the beach.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Also in Forbes Travel Guide and AFAR.
The atmosphere at The Henderson is on display as you enter the front doors — you’ll experience a hushed sense of attentiveness once common to the stately manor homes of days gone by.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Henderson Beach State Park borders the grounds with 208 protected acres of coastal forest, hiking trails, and sugar-white dunes.
The rooms
Rooms have hardwood floors and sea-blue linens, and suites add private balconies over the water.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Saltwater pools stretch across the deck beneath tall palms, including a quiet adults-only basin with a corner whirlpool.
The spa and gym
Tufted chaises sit beneath stone arches in the spa lounge, and the gym includes an outdoor workout area.
The Rooftop Bar
Fire pits and high-top tables line the open-air terrace, where cocktails come with sweeping views of the Gulf.
At the table
Primrose prepares house-made pastas and fresh Gulf seafood, and Sea Level serves fish tacos directly to pool loungers.
How it began
Memphis cotton-trading firm Dunavant Enterprises developed the property in 2016, branching into seaside resorts after seven decades in agriculture.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.