Sandestin Investments is scheduled to open Hotel Effie Sandestin in Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast early next summer.
The hotel will have 250 guestrooms with multiple room types; a restaurant, craft cocktail lobby bar, and in-room dining; a spa; fitness center; the only rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast; and 20,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 13,000-square-foot ballroom.
Named after owner Tom Becnel’s grandmother, Hotel Effie’s development is aided by Becnel’s daughter, Sara Becnel, vice president of development for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Hotel Effie’s design is a fresh take on a coastal Florida hotel. Design Continuum, an interior design firm, worked with Sara Becnel to conceive the interiors for Hotel Effie.
Taking inspiration from the property’s location, sandy limestone floors and a palette of natural textures form the neutral envelope while bold chartreuse highlights interior features. Linear grained grey wood is utilized as a contemporary framework throughout and is paired with classic linen and mixed maritime metals, as displayed in the lobby pilasters with large-scale sconces. Movement in the floor patterning echoes dunes and water upon shore grounded by substantial cleft-face stone slab walls. Light fixtures are inspired by naval lamps and will be elevated with crystal and glass accents.
Chef Hugh Acheson is developing the food and beverage outlets throughout the hotel, including a three-meal restaurant, coffee bar and market, lobby bar, rooftop pool bar and in-room dining.
Hotel Effie is being constructed by Batson-Cook. Cooper Carry, which specializes in the design of hospitality, residential and restaurant projects, is the architect for the hotel project. Highgate will manage the hotel.
Photo credit: Hotel Effie Sandestin