Who else is dreaming of a visit to the beach? While travel may be limited now, when the time is right, the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort beckons guests in need of a tranquil vacation. Located on Jan Cooley Drive, and nestled in historic St. Andrew’s Bay, this hidden gem is slightly off the beaten path. It’s still close to the main drag but offers a serene atmosphere and a family-friendly vibe.
I was hosted by the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort in early March but all opinions are my own.
Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Following the devastation of Hurricane Michael, the Sheraton recently completed a stunning remodel. The 320 rooms are decorated with a sleek coastal vibe. All rooms feature mini-fridges, ultra-comfortable Sheraton Sleeper Mattresses, comfy bathrobes and slippers, and balconies or patios perfect for enjoying one of the Sheraton’s signature drinks. (Hint- Try the Bikini Martini.)
Fun Fact: The hotel has had its share of famous visitors -including former President Barack Obama, for whom the Presidental Suite is named, and Kevin Bacon, who enjoyed his visit so much he extended his stay.
Larger parties or those wanting more privacy can choose one of the 60 villas overlooking the Nicklaus Golf Course, featuring one or two bedrooms, kitchens or kitchenettes, a private pool, and a playground.
Family Activities
Step outside the main building into a tropical paradise. Two pools, one heated year-round to 85 degrees, games, including a life-sized tic-tac-toe board, and comfortable seating areas, overlook the bay. Only a few feet away is the boardwalk, leading to Pelican Bay restaurant, a private beach, and water sports available for rental. Inside the main building, is a Kid’s Rec Room with free coloring pages, board games, video games, and a foosball table.
The private Bay Beach is open daily from 7 AM until 10 PM. Lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a volleyball court are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
If you prefer action to relaxation, Sheraton Panama City Beach has you covered with a complimentary 24-hour fitness center and bicycle rentals. Other activities include the 18-hole-Nicklaus golf course, tennis, and pickleball. If you need a refresher course, lessons are available from both the tennis pro and the golf pro. After enjoying a round of golf, stop by Bar 72 Pub and Eatery, the course side restaurant for drinks, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. They also host a popular all you can eat rib night every Tuesday, that’s open to the public and is a favorite with locals.
Daily yoga classes are available. Guests receive one complimentary yoga class per day with their paid resort fee. Our instructor was wonderful and adapted the class to a pace designed to suit our needs.
Full-Service Spa
Who doesn’t need pampering? Plan to spend one afternoon at the signature Serenity Spa. You’ll feel yourself relax as you’re greeted with a glass of fruit-infused champagne. Enjoy a massage and then take time to visit the steam room, the sauna, the whirlpool, and the zero-entry infinity pool. Finish the visit with an essential-oil infused shower.
Dining:
Hungry? With six dining options to choose from, there’s no need to leave the resort. Need a quick bite while you’re on the go? Stop by the Marketplace. This is the place to grab iced-coffee, muffins, or a sandwich.
For a casual meal, stop by Flip-Flops, the poolside restaurant, with beautiful bay views. The menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian dishes-and-as a treat for your pups- a special puppy menu. (Hint: Try the fish tacos.) Feeling a little more formal? Head to Tides Restaurant & Lounge. Here you’ll find a full-service menu, along with a breakfast buffet, and seafood dinners in the evening.
You really need to try the Bikini Martini. It’s seriously delicious.
Once a month the Sheraton’s sommelier hosts an intimate wine dinner. With a maximum of 25 guests, you’ll need to make reservations early for this event as it fills up quickly. Our wine dinner paired complimentary wines with six courses. Our dinner theme was “Old World Wines,” and we were encouraged to share our thoughts on the flavor palettes of each. What makes this dinner so attractive is that all of the wines, with the exception of one, were available to the public and had a price tag of $20 a bottle or less.
Want to guess who chose their favorite wine at dinner to be the most expensive bottle? Of course, it was me.
Close to Local Attractions
For a small fee, you can board the shuttle, available only to resort guests, for a trip to Shell Island. This uninhabited barrier island, accessible only by shuttle or boat, provides 7 miles of the pristine white sand and sparkling clear water. The beauty of this shuttle is that it travels frequently between the island and the resort, unlike other local shuttles operating in the area. This is important, especially if you have small children, as there are no bathrooms, food stands, or other amenities on Shell Island.
St. Andrew’s park, the most visited state park in Florida, a popular destination for bird watching, wildlife viewing, geocaching, and water sports, is a short ten-minute drive away.
Things to Know Before You Go:
*The Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort offers complimentary wireless internet access.
*Parking is complimentary, although valet parking is available for $15 per day. Two electric car charging stations are offered for guest use.
*Pets are welcome, although there is a maximum of two pets per room. A nonrefundable cleaning fee is charged.
*The Sheraton supports local artists. Every quarter they host a gallery opening in the hall located beside Tides Restaurant. The public is invited and artwork is available for purchase.
It’s easy to see why the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort is the only 4 star AAA rated hotel in Panama City Beach, has earned the 2019 Trip Advisor Seal of Excellence, and the Top-Renovated Resort award by Convention South Magazine. The service, the food, and the amenities will draw you back year after year.
That place is so wonderful, no wonder former President Obama was also mesmirized with its beauty. Great photos!
Our family has never actually made it to the Panama City area which living in Florida! Thanks for the tips as we plan our next adventure now that the state is opening up again.
Oh wow! Gorgeous for sure. I am definitely dreaming of a getaway AWAY from my home. Been on lockdown far too long hahahah. Thanks for sharing this. Gotta put this on my list of destinations for future visits. Hugs!
This looks like an awesome place with great amenities. Sounds like the perfect place to visit as a family. Can’t wait to start traveling again!
Babushka lives literally 3 hours away from Panama City, so this is veeeerry doable. Gracias for the intro.
What a beautiful resort. I’ve been wanting to visit Panama City Beach. I used to live in Florida, but spent all my time on the east coast.
What a dreamy place! I hope to go somewhere tropical soon!
I love Panama City Beach Fl. It is so pretty and there is a ton to do!
This resort sounds amazing. I would love to take a vacation here some day.
I have never been there but wow, everything in this place is so amazing, it look so relaxing and peaceful to be there.
Ahh this looks like such an amazing place to go especially with family! I love anything to do with the beach!
What a great resort! The view of the bay is stunning. I would never have second thoughts of staying there.
I want to plunge into that pool! Looks like a great place to visit after this pandemic situation.
This sounds like the perfect hotel for me – luxurious with a presidential suite named after Presidential Obama. Kids club, private beach and 6 dining restaurants. I will definitely be staying here when I visit Florida.
I’m really hoping we get the chance to go on a vacation this year. With everything going on, I’m just not sure. But this looks SO amazing! I wish I was there!
Wow, this place looks amazing! The whirlpool looks so relaxing and inviting. Would love to visit there some day!
Such a gorgeous hotel! Can’t wait to have a short vacation here. 😗
This hotel looks SO amazing! I cannot wait until our quarantine is over and we can travel and stay in this beautiful hotel.
Wow, this looks like an amazing place to visit. I love Sheratons as they’re always dependable and this one looks so relaxing!! I want to visit now!
Now this sounds like an amazing resort! I would love to just spend some time in the spa area, while I’m sure the other half might try out the golf.
How gorgeous! I would so stay here. I love being by the water. And by a spa. I need to relax!
This sounds like an amazing place to visit. I can’t wait to plan a trip and visit.
This looks beautiful. And the view from the room is incredible. I could definitely do with a peaceful getaway once this pandemic blows over. Thanks for the recommendation!
That sounds like a wonderful place to stay. Once travel opens up a little bit, this is a place I would love to book a stay at.