It’s official: Hotel Effie Sandestin is coming to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and the city of Miramar Beach, Florida, on Feb. 1. COVID-19 setbacks delayed the 2020 opening, but now the community welcomes the 250-room hotel with its upscale spa; state-of-the-art fitness center; 20,000 square feet of meeting space; and the only rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast.
And that’s not all Hotel Effie Sandestin offers. Chef Hugh Acheson takes the helm at four on-site eateries — Ovide, Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge, The Lobby Bar and Sweetbay Coffee. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Ovide showcases the fresh flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast. At the stylish rooftop lounge, fine wine and handcrafted cocktails complement Acheson’s original menu. Guests can gather over libations and small plates at The Lobby Bar. Acheson curated the Sweetbay Coffee marketplace with gourmet selections.
The name Hugh Acheson likely sounds familiar: He’s the chef/owner of Five & Ten and Empire State South in Atlanta. He is also the chef/operator of By George in Atlanta’s Candler Hotel, and now also at Hotel Effie. He also founded Seed Life Skills, a living, multimedia curriculum to serve the needs of the modern Family & Consumer Sciences classroom. A five-time James Beard nominee, he’s received many accolades throughout his career, including Food & Wine’s Best New Chef.
WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE?
I really love the tongue tacos from a local taqueria in a little Mexican grocery store — fresh tortillas and lots of spicy salsa. As for food I really don’t like to use, I can’t think of any. Testicles are really not my thing, I guess.
WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY?
I would start with some oysters and then move to a really pretty salad and then an agnolotti pasta. Then, a roasted pheasant. That was what I catered with last night!
WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN?
Toast!
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Roasted chicken with gravy, greens and Carolina Gold rice—it is the food of the South and tells a story. It is a nourishing story that tastes like home.
WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAPPEAR?
I don’t really know. I like pizza and smoothies and sushi burritos; I just don’t really make them personally.
HOTEL EFFIE SANDESTIN
1 Grand Sandestin Blvd. S.
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
tel 833 873 3343
hoteleffie.com
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedLifestyle
Sep 24, 2021Fall Travel Trends from Vacasa
With the autumn in full spring, now is time to start planning your fall weekend getaway. Whether a relaxing weekend on the lake, leaf-peeping or hiking, check out these fall travel trends from vacation rental management company Vacasa.
Sponsored Content
The Future of Hamad International Airport
Without a doubt, the pandemic changed the role of airports in the travel industry. Hamad International Airport’s role evolved in many ways since the pandemic hit. Now, more than ever, airports are responsible for creating a secure passenger experience. As the gateway to Qatar and the world, the safety and wellbeing of staff and passengers has always been at the core of Hamad International Airport’s strategy.
September 2021
Sep 23, 2021Host a Fabled Business Event in Wonderful Copenhagen
I imagine that when writer Hans Christian Andersen mused, “Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale,” he was standing at the edge of Copenhagen’s historic Tivoli Gardens, one of his favorite haunts, enlivened by the swirl of human happiness that surrounded him: children laughing; carousels spinning; games of chance played for prizes; lovers holding hands; hungry people whispering over sweets, hot drinks, beer and towering, open-faced smørrebrød, Denmark’s quintessential sandwich. That fairy tale lives on today at the second-oldest amusement park in the world, a spectacle of folly architecture, bakeries, gardens, rides, restaurants, puppet shows and joy ... and which also happens to be one of the city’s most storied places to convene for business.
Canada
Sep 23, 2021Reimagined Park Hyatt Toronto Officially Reopens Its Doors
The restored Park Hyatt Toronto reopened its doors, bringing luxury, sophistication and glamour alongside a nod to the hotel’s Canadian heritage. Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge collaborated on the hotel’s refresh, drawing inspiration from Canada’s seasons and natural landscapes.
Sponsored Content
Experiencing GBTA Convention 2021
Safely and Responsibly
GBTA’s Convention 2021 will bring the business travel industry together for the first time in a long time. Once again, you’ll learn and connect with experts and each other, along with discussions with leading thinkers, entrepreneurs and change makers addressing the issues that matter most.
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 22, 2021Irwin’s Review
I recently dined at Irwin’s in Philadelphia. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Bok Building, a former school turned collective of small businesses, non-profits, artist workshops, a bar and restaurant. I previously visited Bok for the bar and yoga classes, and I was excited to experience the restaurant.
JW Marriott 2022 Hotel Openings
eFlyer News
Sep 22, 2021eFlyer Lead
Sep 22, 2021Cathay Pacific to Use Sustainable Fuel for 10 Percent of Total Consumption by 2030
Cathay Pacific reaffirms its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with a pledge to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel for 10 percent of its total fuel consumption by 2030. The airline has made pioneering efforts in supporting SAF development for more than 10 years.
Sponsored Content
Register Today for the Most Important Gathering of Business Travel Professionals
The Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) Convention 2021 will be unlike any other convention before it, as we come together in person for the first time since the business travel industry drastically changed and look forward to rebuilding and reshaping the future. GBTA Convention 2021 will bring all of us together to learn from experts and each other, in-person at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Nov. 17–19. The safety of our attendees is our top priority. View health and safety protocols.
Daily
Sep 22, 2021La Concha Resort Puerto Rico Review
Arriving early afternoon in Puerto Rico, we jumped in an Uber and took a short, 15-minute drive from the airport to La Concha. As it was Tuesday, the streets were not too busy and the hotel lobby was calm. During the weekend, the scene likely would have been more bustling. We were greeted by a staff member who requested proof of vaccination and government-issued ID, and were given a wristband to indicate we were fully vaccinated. All guests are required to be vaccinated and wear masks at all times while moving around the hotel. Hand sanitizer stations were placed around the lobby, in elevators and in each common area.
ShareThis