Destin Magazine Winter 2009

architecture, the two buildings which comprise the inn, was originally a popular, if less opulent, place for visitors and locals.

In 2004, when Hurricane Ivan hit the Gulf Coast, the Henderson Park Inn was damaged and closed for two years. Enter Dunavant Enterprises, the world’s largest privately owned cotton company. The Memphis-based company bought the property and major renovations began.

While still undergoing renovations, the inn was opened for victims of Hurricane Katrina, who were able to stay in the Inn for six months. The inn re-opened to accolades in May 2007 with its newly refurbished rooms, outdoor wrap-around decks and pool overlooking the Gulf. The staff at the inn prides itself on their proactive approach to personal customer service, striving to give guests the “wow factor” by anticipating the needs of every guest. “We offer a very unique experience,” said Olin. “Our motto is ‘act before asked’.”

The understated charm and luxury of the inn lends itself to a very grownup sophistication. Entry lobbies have hardwood floors, art on the walls and comfortable sitting areas. Rooms are elegantly appointed with four-poster beds, sitting areas and writing desks, flat-screen TVs, micro waves, refrigerators and fabulous views.

As the only all-inclusive hotel in the region, meals, snack refrigerators accessible 24 hours a day, and other amenities such as DVDs, are provided to guests. Complimentary beach umbrellas and chairs on the beach and bicycles are available for guests as well.

Each morning, guests awaken to the smell of freshly cooked bacon luring them to the gulf-front dining room

where they will find a ham carving station, made-to-order omelets, waffles and perennial Southern favorite, grits. Lunch is a picnic-style box lunch which guests often enjoy on the outside deck, overlooking the water. Sometimes they take their lunch out on the beach for a romantic picnic.

The back of the main building has a large
wrap-around deck where many of the guests
convene for a popular happy hour each day.
Freshly made margaritas, wine and beer are
served and a small tiki-style
bar is a popular meeting and
gathering place.

The Beachwalk restaurant serves dinner each night and this is the only meal not included in the cost of a stay. This award-winning eatery has been a regional favorite for years and is the only area fine-dining restaurant located directly on the beach. With meals served onsite, many guests opt to never leave the hotel.

Rooms range from the popular Executive Suite which can run up to $520 a night in peak season to the Presidential Suite which can cost up to $1,400 per night. In the off-season — and, perhaps, the most romantic time of all at the beach – rooms can go for as little as $169

“We offer a

very unique

experience,”

said Innkeeper

Ryan Olin. “Our

motto i s ‘act

before asked’. ”

per night. Considering the hotel is all-inclusive, that is one fantastic deal.

Word has gotten out about Henderson Park Inn. With press coverage from national media outlets including ABC television and Southern Living magazine, the hotel draws quite a lot of seasoned travelers, who have their pick of exotic and luxurious destinations.

“A lot of our clientele travel to places like Aruba and Europe. When they are here a lot of them go ahead and book for the same time next year,” said Olin.