Dunavant Enterprises has selected Salamander Hotels & Resorts to assist with the development of and manage the anchor hotel of its new multi-phase Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. Dubbed the Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, the 171-room property is set to open in spring 2016.
“There are tremendous synergies between our three existing Florida resorts and the Henderson, and our experience of developing and operating iconic destination resorts will ensure that this property is properly positioned within the luxury market,” says Sheila C. Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts.
Incorporating a residential theme that complements the adjacent Crystal Beach neighborhood, the Henderson will feature a design inspired by the New England shingle-style architecture already prevalent in Destin. Guests will arrive in a grand courtyard, which leads to the living room with high ceilings and a wall of windows that faces the preserve and beach. The resort will also offer a signature restaurant with a display kitchen, a octagonal-shaped bar, a poolside grill, outdoor terrace dining, an old-fashioned ice cream shop, and intimate dining on the beach.
Future phases of the Henderson Beach Resort project may also add a 95-room beachfront hotel and nearly 200 luxury condominiums, and the estimated cost of the overall resort development exceeds $300 million. The existing beachfront Henderson Park Inn, also owned by Dunavant Enterprises, will continue to operate.
The Henderson’s architectural and design team is the same which built the oceanfront Sanctuary at Kiawah Island in South Carolina: the resort’s design architect is Cooper Carry of Atlanta and interior design is provided by Karen Kent of Kent Interior Design in Atlanta. The general contractor, DPR Hardin, is also based in Atlanta, while project management is being provided by Shannon Howell of Destin-based Devcon Services Group.
