Arriving at Sterling Beach, you will soon realize that this is not your run-of-the-mill condo resort. You will notice small touches of luxury even as you pull into the parking lot, and that remain consistent throughout the property. Everything looks and feels new and polished, and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Once you check in, the accommodations themselves will blow you away. Sterling Beach features four different types of condominiums as follows:

• Captiva – 2 Bedrooms/2 Full Bathrooms at 1,706 square feet.
• Biscayne – 3 Bedrooms/2 Full Bathrooms at 1,897 square feet.
• Dauphine – 3 Bedrooms/3 Full Bathrooms at 2,518 square feet.
• Amelia – 4 Bedrooms/4 Full Bathrooms at 2,930 square feet.

Regardless of your floor plan, each and every unit boasts the same upscale amenities and beautiful décor. There are no dated or worn out furnishings in sight, it’s all modern and utterly gorgeous, with more than enough space for everyone to be comfortable and feel at home. Some units offer floor to ceiling glass windows that spectacularly showcase the ocean below, and all units feature extra large private balconies – perfect for relaxing, dining or simply taking in the sunset. Other amenities include free unlimited DVD rentals, free high speed internet access, a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, linens and towels, Wolfgang Puck coffee, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. There’s no better way to stay – you have the luxuries and conveniences of a high-end hotel, with all the comfort and space of home.

Sterling Beach resort itself is the perfect vacation destination for families, groups, couples or snowbirds. The 48 seat private movie theater is ideal for those nights when you don’t want to leave the resort but fancy just getting out of the room for a while. Enjoy a movie, take a walk on the beach after dark, and finish with dessert on the balcony for a memorable evening. During the day, guests can lounge by the 4000 square foot free-form pool or spend time on the 300 feet of private beach. (Complimentary beach chairs in season.) There’s also a grill area, and children’s activities available in season. Need to keep up your workout regimen on vacation? Sterling Beach features a state-of-the-art fitness center and a gulf-front hot tub for soothing those muscles post-work out.

Snowbirds take note! Choose Sterling Beach for your Panama City Beach getaway and enjoy rates starting from under $50 per night. Plus: welcome gift upon check-in, planned activities, games, outings and prizes, discount coupons to local restaurants and attractions, monthly donut and coffee social, free unlimited DVD rentals along with free local and long distance calls to Canada!  Rates subject to  availability and based on a 28 night minimum.

Sterling Beach Resort is located at 6627 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. Call (850) 236 9595 for more details.

Would you like me to feature your property on this website? Email Me!.

One (of the many) reasons Panama City Beach is such an incredible vacation destination is that there’s a place to stay for every budget. Instead of just your average hotel room, vacationers to Panama City Beach can choose between two primary accommodation options – a hotel or a condominium. Both offer a comfortable experience – Origin at Seahaven combines the two and offers something really special.

Located on the west end of Panama City Beach about a half mile from Pier Park, Origin at Seahaven is the crowning jewel of the highly anticipated “Towne of Seahaven”. This 52 acre development is already coming to life thanks in part to its three main properties and beachfront restaurant: Origin at Seahaven, Seahaven Beach Hotel, America’s Best Value Inn, and the popular Sharkey’s Beachfront Restaurant. When completed, The Towne of Seahaven will feature quaint streets lined with fine dining restaurants, eclectic shopping and exciting nightlife.

While the overall project continues to take shape, Origin has well and truly come into its own. Although the property only opened in November, 2007, it is fast becoming a Panama City Beach favorite. Beautiful South Seas inspired décor and wallet-friendly rates make it a great choice for any Panama City Beach getaway.

GUEST ROOMS

Origin at Seahaven consists of 304 rentable units over 17 floors. Although the property is not ocean front (it’s actually directly across the street) the views of the ocean from most units are breathtaking.  Equally impressive are the rooms themselves. These are the kind of hotel rooms that you gasp in delight upon entering – utterly gorgeous and spacious beyond words.  You won’t find any signs of disrepair, mildew on the shower curtain or less than desirable bedding here. Everything is new, clean and welcoming. Neutral, earthy tones complement contemporary furnishings including a flat screen TV in all units. Rooms start from a basic studio that sleeps two to a 4 bedroom unit that sleeps up to 10. Whatever your room type, you’ll enjoy a whole host of amenities that you wouldn’t find in your average hotel room, including a fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops, wireless internet access, cookware, blender, and much more. Even the studios come complete with a mini-fridge, microwave, toaster and coffee maker. It’s all there for your convenience, right down to the wine glasses and silverware.  I checked out a 4 bedroom unit and was amazed at the sheer size of the place – I could have easily got lost in there! The balcony was without a doubt the largest I had ever seen, and I’ve seen a LOT of hotel rooms. I was beyond impressed and truthfully a little reluctant to go hand the key back to the front desk and return to my humble apartment. These are condominium style units at hotel prices, where guests will instantly feel at home.

HOTEL AMENITIES

The great thing about Origin at Seahaven is that everything you would need on vacation is right here, yet it’s not all centralized and subsequently overcrowded. You’ve got Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar directly across the street, a kid’s playground actually on the beach behind Sharky’s, a pool deck on the 4^th floor, and a movie theater with stadium seating for 24 on the ground floor. There’s a state-of-the-art fitness center for those with extra energy to burn, and a heated whirlpool for those who are looking for something a little less active. The pool is spacious, crystal-clear, and offers stunning oceanfront views – the stuff vacation brochures are made of. There’s also large stainless steel grills located on the pool deck that are perfect for a family barbecue with a view. Feel like spending some time on the beach? No problem – there’s private beach access conveniently located a crosswalk away.

Origin at Seahaven is without a doubt one of Panama City Beach’s top choices when it comes to your home away from home. It’s stylish and then some. The fact that the property doesn’t actually sit on the beach ensures awesome year-round rates that are hard to beat. Even without a gulf-front address, you’d be hard pushed to get any closer to the beach.

Origin at Seahaven is located at 15100 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32413. For more information or for reservations please call (850) 636-8550.

Hello Autumn…

Oaseas Resorts says hello to September and the fall season by celebrating a “Sensational September” with three fantastic events with great rates to match. Enjoy beaches that are less crowded but still warmed by the sun and rates that, like the crowd level, drop significantly. Pay just $99 per night at Cabana Cay during Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-7. Book a Gulf-front condo for as low as $99 a night during the 20th Annual Lobster Festival, Sept. 17-20. “Buy 3/Get Your 4th Night Free” during Thunder Beach, Sept. 24-27, or pay just $99 per night during this motorcycle weekend. Due to popularity, you must call 1-877-808-4323 to get these rates or visit www.oaseasresorts.com.

Fun events, fine resorts
With Oaseas Resorts “Sensational September,” visitors can enjoy on-the-beach events, including a Labor Day Weekend of fun and fireworks, with the pyrotechnics set for Sunday, Sept. 6, following a pool deck luau at Shores of Panama. They’ll have enough sparkle and boom to be seen and heard from Grandview as well. Dig in at the bib-worthy Lobster Festival with fresh local lobster served grilled, fried, steamed and chilled. And have a rumbling good rally during Thunder Beach, which features some of the best motorcycle builders, parts manufacturers and distributors, biker wear and accessories – plus plenty of entertainment.

Sink into affordable luxury at an Oaseas Resort: Cabana Cay, a resort with expansive pool deck surrounding a huge free-form pool in a tropical setting; Ocean Ritz with oversized balconies and some of the only four-bedroom four bath units on the beach; Grandview with spacious units of no less than 1490-sq. ft. all with jetted tubs in master bath; amenity laden Watercrest offers Gulf-front units and all the items needed for a great getaway; the luxurious 4 star Shores of Panama, a Gulf-front resort where the amenities—and the view—are unparalleled; Emerald Isle, whose pool pavilion with stainless steel barbecues/grills make for fun gatherings; and the Village of South Walton Beach, with its Old World charm and tucked within the upscale shopping enclave of Towne Centre.

For the military
During its month-long “Sensational September” celebration, Oaseas Resorts is also saluting the men and women of the military. Members of the military – both retired and active, along with Department of Defense Employees, will get 25 percent off rates at all Oaseas Resorts properties during this month. The gesture is in keeping with the outreach philosophy of the condominium and rental management company.

“The staff and management at Oaseas Resorts would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to those who serve, and have served, our country,” says Annie Holcombe, vice president of business development and marketing for Oaseas Resorts. “We appreciate everything our Armed Forces do for all of us to provide our freedom, and especially for making our nation – and world – a better place to live.”

Sunny, less crowded, great rates
Book a sensational stay in September with Oaseas Resorts and enjoy fantastic events and great rates during Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 4-7; the 20th Annual Lobster Festival, Sept. 17-20; and Thunder Beach, Sept. 24-27. September in Panama City Beach? Still sunny, less crowded, great rates – in a word, sensational. Contact reservations at 1-877-808-4323 or click here for more information: www.oaseasresorts.com/beach-vacation-specials.html

Did You Know? Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort and Spa was recognized as the only Marriott on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2009 Gold List for U.S. Resorts.

The Amenities

At the Marriott Golf Resort and Spa, luxury meets a casual sophistication. There’s no airs and graces, just a warm professional welcome. This may be one of Panama City Beach’s top rated resorts, yet it’s easy to feel right at home and relax. Looking to chill out without leaving the property? No problem. The Marriott offers many top notch amenities including three beautifully landscaped outdoor pools, one indoor pool, and a whirlpool. When you’re not poolside, choose from five Hydro Grid HardTru clay tennis courts, the fitness center, outdoor pool and ping-pong tables, two 18-hole PGA championship golf courses (including the only Nicklaus design course in Northwest Florida) and the 12,000 square foot, full service Serenity Spa. The spa is spectacular and is popular with both resort guests and non-guests, thanks to its tranquil ambiance and superb selection of treatments available. Pamper yourself and indulge all your senses with a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure or body treatment. Hair and make-up services are also available for that special occasion or well-deserved treat. Golfers will love the stunning, manicured 18-hole courses, consisting of the recently renovated Meadows Course and the Nicklaus Design Course, which opened in 2006. The courses were voted as a Greens of Distinction Winner for 2007 by readers of Corporate and Incentive Travel Magazine. In addition, the Bay Point Marriott Golf and Spa Resort offers several exciting dining options to please all palates. Enjoy fresh seafood, pastas, exotic sushi, burgers, pizza, salads and much more, all with a view to ‘dine’ for, of course.

The Guestrooms

320 individually appointed guestrooms including 60 one and two bedroom golf villas provide a home away from home where your every need is met. Accommodations are spacious and airy, with a neutral and soothing décor. Rooms feature coffee and coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, two telephones, a color television with cable movie channels, mini refrigerator, AM/FM alarm clock radio, in-room movies and Sony playstation for a small fee. Internet, valet parking, and in-room dining is also available. All rooms have gorgeous views of either the resort or the sparkling waters of St. Andrew’s Bay.

The Location

Panama City Beach restaurants, attractions, shopping and sugar-white beaches are all just a hop and a skip away, so you can experience the destination and all it has to offer easily. The community of Bay Point itself also provides an extensive variety of recreational pursuits and ways to relax and have fun. The Bay Point Lady runs a daily complimentary shuttle to Shell Island, a breathtaking and uninhabited paradise where visitors can enjoy swimming, walking, hunting for shells and more. Bay Point boasts a 225-slip deep-water marina, with 22 on-property boat slips. Other activities include jogging and nature trails, wave runner and kayak rentals, parasailing, dolphin excursion tours, and fishing.

The resort is also a great choice for a wedding, a convention or business meeting, with highly trained and experienced staff ready to help you plan your event from start to finish.

The Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort and Spa is one of the most diverse resorts in Panama City Beach, as there are so many ways to enjoy yourself, whether you are looking to kick back, or stay active. The natural beauty and elegance of the setting is an added bonus that complements this fine resort to perfection.

Bay Point Marriott Golf and Spa Resort is located at 4200 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. For more information or for reservations please call (850) 236-6000.

This elegant resort community covers 104 acres, with 3900 feet of sugar white beach. Carillon Beach is certainly an upscale resort, however it also manages to maintain a laid-back, casual vibe – the combination of which is perfect. In the heart of the community, Lake Carillon is a 13 acre lake that is abundant with turtles, bass and migratory birds. Nowhere else on the beach do you feel so in tune with nature, so secluded, just minutes away from all the action. Carillon Beach is a truly idyllic setting for a family vacation, a wedding, a romantic getaway, or reunion. Even if you are not staying at Carillon Beach, non-guests are also extremely welcome to come and enjoy Carillon’s fantastic shopping, dining and special events.

The Village

Downtown Carillon provides a charming, relaxed atmosphere where you can stroll the streets, shop, and admire the unique architecture. There’s no vehicles allowed, and the village is reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter, thanks to the vision of a noted Louisiana architect named Lloyd Vogt. Shopping options include Bella Bridesmaid, an upscale collection for the modern bridesmaid, and Shipwreck Ltd, where you can find beachwear, gifts, accessories and toys. Carillon Beach Fitness is open to the public, and offers a great location and reasonable rates. You can rent bikes ($18 per day or $68 per week), or simply relax on the village green with a good book. When it’s time to eat, there’s something for everyone. The Muddy Rudder offers Cajun-inspired cuisine including gumbo, oysters, burgers, fresh salads and more. Hava Java provides locally roasted coffee, iced coffee drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, sandwiches, a variety of excellent homemade salads, plus milk shakes and Blue Bell ice cream.

Accommodations

Accommodation options at Carillon Beach consist of suites at The Inn at Carillon, 3 bedroom units at the Sunrise and Sunset condominiums, or homes to rent by owner. The Inn at Carillon is an intimate, casually chic hotel with 70 guest suites. Each suite is cozy and luxurious, with a décor in neutral tones. Suites feature a king sized bed, full kitchen with granite countertops, a pull-out sleeper sofa in the living room, flat screen TV and private balcony with stunning views over the Gulf of Mexico. Located in the hotel lobby is The Leaping Frog Wine Bar, where you can sample a fine selection of wines, champagnes, and imported beers. The Sunrise and Sunset Condominiums are equally as impressive as the suites at the Inn, featuring  3 bedrooms in each, and all the comforts (and then some) of home. Units are spacious, airy, and beautifully decorated. Carillon Beach Rentals is the on-site rental management company for the community, and there are a wide variety of sensational homes to rent by owner, each with its own distinctive beach style. Homes range from studio apartments to 5-bedroom homes directly on the beach. Even the homes not right on the beach are less than a 5-minute walk to one of the 7 community dune walkovers, so you don’t have to cross a highway to put sand between your toes!

Amenities

Carillon Beach offers extensive amenities throughout the community, and if you’re looking to just kick back and relax without leaving the resort, this is the place. The resort features eight different walkways to the private beach, three swimming pools, tennis courts, a basketball court, plus live night-time entertainment at Muddy Rudder. For those seeking some adventure, nearby beaches and Lake Powell provide opportunities for water sports and outdoor recreation. The lovely village green is home to the “Groovin’ on the Green’ free concert series and other community and public events. Here, you can just grab your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music or entertainment under the stars. Carillon Beach is also a very popular wedding destination – and it’s easy to see why. The grace and charm of the location combined with the spectacular setting make this a perfect choice for a beach or lakefront wedding. Carillon has an exclusive wedding coordinator, plus several reception venues including a 3,000 square foot ballroom, a smaller indoor space, and a beautiful resort green overlooking the sparkling pool.

Whether you are a Carillon Beach guest, a visitor, or a Panama City Beach resident, it is definitely worth spending some time discovering what makes this exquisite resort community so special. Everybody is welcome – check the official website for special events, or just come and browse the shops, have a great meal or relax and watch the sunset with a glass of wine.

Carillon Beach is located on the west end of Panama City Beach Parkway opposite the Publix Plaza. For more information, call (850) 234 5600.

When tourists vacation to Panama City Beach…

there are some things that come standard: gorgeous beach, loads of sun and good fun for the whole family. But few places on the beach offer the perfect blend of first-class accommodations and ease of access to all that PCB has to offer like The Majestic Beach Resort.

This modern and impressive condo-resort, gives you the best of Panama City Beach and more at a more than reasonable price. Vibrant and versatile, the Majestic is capable of accommodating family vacations, romantic getaways, business meetings and weddings with relative ease—and the word “ease” truly describes this gorgeous two-tower resort.

The Concept:

The Majestic’s concept is all about simplicity in versatility. From the hotel-esque, porte cochere access for registration to the second check-in counter, the goal is to get you from a car packed with kids and luggage to lying on the beach as quickly as possible. Pull in, check-in and you’re off to a room with front row views to the “World’s Most Beautiful Beach.”

Modern in design and beaming with bright, tropical colors, The Majestic exudes a style that’s equal parts Polynesian and futuristic; blending natural tiles and palm trees with pure white and blue tones. Around every corner throughout the building are gorgeous waterfalls, delightful appointments and amenities ongoing. From top to bottom, The Majestic is packed with so many features, so many amenities and has analyzed every detail that no matter what type of getaway you’re seeking, you feel right at home.

Located in the heart of Front Beach Road, a.k.a The Miracle Strip, guests enjoy easy access to Panama City Beach’s exciting nightlife as well as trendy restaurants and  family activities within walking distance. The Majestic has totally mastered the blend of elegance, beachy-ness and total ease.

The Rooms:

The rooms at The Majestic vary in design, but all flaunt the same hi-end features. In every room, regardless of size or design, guests enjoy big, fluffy pillowtop mattresses, Hi-Def flat screen televisions, the very latest in appliances and huge panoramic balcony views.

The Majestic offers a myriad of room size choices. Those choices include: Studio, One bedroom, Two bedroom and Three Bedroom that come in standard form, deluxe, plus bunk or a very large deluxe plus bunk. I visited the deluxe three bedroom plus bunk, which has more than enough room for the whole family and the in-laws, not to mention enough balcony space for everyone to enjoy the beach at once. Here are a few of the layouts:

The Amenities:

A long list of high-quality amenities is what distinguishes The Majestic from anywhere else on Panama City Beach. The minute you cross over the windowed sky-walk, you’ll notice the The Majestic Market, an onsite store serving up souvenirs, snacks and even Starbucks coffee.

The Majestic has four pools in total, more than enough water to keep everyone happy and splashing. They have two outdoor pools with gaping gulf views. The outdoor pools have adjacent hot tubs with immediate access to the “H2O Bar and Grill” where guests can order from a great selection of favorites like crab claws and burgers as well as the coldest drinks on the beach. Inside, The Majestic has a one indoor pool with windows for beach views and another covered pool for those who burn easy.

After you’ve hit the beach, the pools and chowed down on a big cheeseburger from H2O, you’ll have ample opportunity to work it off in the state-of-the-art fitness center, Majestic Health Club. The Health Club, fully stocked with Life Fitness equipment, male and female lockers as well as a sauna and a steam room, is a free part of the package when you book your stay.

The Majestic also has the most advanced meeting space on Panama City Beach. Whether meetings or receptions The Majestic has the staff and facilities to host functions both big and small. There are a total of four partitioned meeting spaces with exceptional audio-visual equipment capable of holding a total of 600 people in a warm and comfortable atmosphere for any agenda.

On top of all this, one of the most unique features of The Majestic is the 120 seat fully licensed movie theater. This theater, complete with hi-definition projection displays and surround sound, shows movies every weekend for any of the resort guests and doubles as a stylish presentation room for big meetings.

The Price:

On and Off seasonal rates at The Majestic vary, but remain reasonable. Nightly Summer rates for a one bedroom plus bunk will fall somewhere between $199.00 to $224.00. For a larger two bedroom plus bunks guests will see prices fall around $269.00 to $294.00. Summer rates for a huge three bedroom plus bunk for $349.00 to 379.00. Off season rates drop big. For the same two bedroom you’d see rates around $159.00 to 197.00. Three bedrooms drop to $261.00 a night. Monthly rates are available, but require your inquiry for pricing.

The Bottom Line:
Honestly, I found it difficult to write this article and be unbiased. Truth be told, I had my own wedding reception at the Majestic and it was amazing. The staff was great, the room was relaxing and the event is stapled in my mind as one of the better experiences of my life. So, frankly, I love the Majestic Beach Towers. Just the same, I think you’ll love it too. They have so many amenities and everything is just so darn easy. And, really, who doesn’t love easy?

The Majestic Beach Towers Resort is located at 10901 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32408. For more information or for reservations please call (866) 494-3364 or (850) 236-3908

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What was a well kept secret for the last year isn’t so much a secret any more.  With a full book of reservations through June and July and over $1 million in renovations to boot, what was once old, is new again and it is not going unnoticed.  Regency Towers Condominiums in Panama City Beach has gone through a revival.

Picked up by local blogs (not just ours ), Regency Towers has gone through a remarkable transformation with not only new amenities but a rebirth of old ones as well.  With new paint everywhere paint could be seen, new carpet in all the walkways, repairs to all the exterior blemishes and a new roof, the structure is sound again and ready for great memories.  When you check-in, you’re greeted by an all new lobby decorated Tommy Bahama style fitted with comfy couches and wi-fi.  With a perfect view through the back lobby windows, you can dream of the days ahead of you as you stare into the Gulf of Mexico over the beach-side pool.

Now, at this point, I should note I have some partiality to Regency Towers Condominiums as I personally have spent plenty of play time there.  You see, each summer, we have family that comes down from Alabama to vacation, which usually prompts our own stay-cation.  A condo is a condo, and typical of these types of vacation spots is that you have all building, and no open space to run around.  At Regency Towers, not so.  This is one of the huge selling points to me.

The building is known to be called “staple-shaped”; picture a horse-shoe, with corners, with the open end facing away from the beach.  The idea when designing the building was to put the parking lot where the inside of the staple will be, along with the shadow.  The result is that not all condos have direct Gulf views, but at least the ones that have panoramic views aren’t looking across to another condo.

Back to open spaces.  Do you like throwing the football?  What about playing tag with your kids?  Frisbee anyone?  I’ll take all three, and Regency Towers will accommodate as well.  Perfectly situated on east side of the condominium building, on the front and on the side are wide open grass areas with  nothing to get in your way during your all out sprint escape from the person that’s “it”.  With BBQ grills against the building and pic-nic tables close by, family can watch you play.  Now, we’re not talking about just a little area here, we’re talking about enough free grassy space to “go-long”.  I love it.  Some places have water slides, others have full day-spas, Regency Towers has wide open grassy areas for you to invent your own amenities.

On the pool deck is the newly opened Snack Shack, serving chicken salad sandwiches, tuna dip, philly steak and cheese, popcorn shrimp and potato salad just to name a few.  Located between the two pools, you can also find frozen daiquiris, beer and all types of sodas and bottled water in the Snack Shack.  On the east end of the pools is a kiddie-pool that’s the perfect depth for your little ones.

Of course, if you fee like relaxing, you can hang in one of the swings looking out to the tranquil emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Are you old-school?  Check out your shuffleboard paddles and pucks from the front desk and head over to the new Gulf-front shuffleboard on the west side of the building.  Again, bring your pic-nic basket for some much needed family fun.  Recently built, the boards still have that “new-board” feel with crisp sliding action.  Of course, you can’t beat the sunsets over the water and the double tennis courts just a short glance away.

The parking lot is one of the few in Panama City Beach that is gated and secure, so if you’re down here for Thunder Beach or one of the many car shows, and security is a concern, fear not, because Regency Towers is here to keep you safe.  With a gated entrance and enough parking space to keep your trailer, this is the perfect place to stay during show season.

One last thing to mention is the new indoor spa right off the pool deck.  Commissioned to local pool professionals, Cox Pools, the tile-work is astounding and truly one-of-a-kind; pictures coming soon!

Zen is In

Diverse accommodations line the breathtaking Panama City Beach coastline, some towering and colorful, others quaint, but few have the beauty and style to truly inspire. Inspiration resonates throughout the impressive Sterling Breeze, a Sterling Resorts Property. Modern in design, Zen in concept, this new, 22 story boutique-style condo distinguishes itself from the pack with attention to detail. Everywhere you look you see gorgeous appointments, warm earthy tones and a consistency in every aspect of both the architecture and the appurtenances.

Located on a perfect cut of sunny gulf-front, from nearly every angle throughout the building guests enjoy beach views whether working out in the fitness center, lounging around the over-flow pool or while gazing off rounded private balconies at a beach sunset. As I toured the property, enjoying the grounds, the rooms and the great views it became apparent that, although I’d seen lots of accommodations on Panama City Beach, I hadn’t experienced any place quite like Sterling Breeze. The startling difference is the attention to every detail.

The Concept:
Sterling Breeze totally re-defines Panama City Beach relaxation. Breeze is very posh, New York-esque, but fuses modern design with a natural quality to create a Zen-like atmosphere. You feel that fusion throughout. The lobby, for example, is decked-out in black Jane sofas, the walls are shiny black tile and the art pieces hanging on every wall are contemporary. Within those surroundings you hear water flowing in the lobby fountain, sunlight floods through large windows and the flooring is wood under your feet. This thoughtfulness in design is what makes Breeze’s atmosphere so calming. The vogue styles are refreshing while the natural feel reminds you that you’re still on the beach. Everything about Sterling encourages you to relax, just let go and enjoy the beach with no worries.

Location: Sterling Breeze’s prime location isn’t a coincidence. This detail, along with so many others, was thought out with the guests in mind. Sterling Breeze rests on Front Beach road halfway between Panama City Beach’s East and West ends. Guests get easy access to PCB’s most exciting attractions and thrilling nightlife. Mere yards away from Pier Park and Gulf World, Breeze also sits less than a mile from Frank Brown Park. On any given day you can skirt over to Shipwreck Island for a splashy-good time or to the Orchid Lounge for a martini and live music. So many choices.

The Amenities:
Breeze’s pool is unique on Panama City Beach, but the uniqueness is totally subtle. As you walk out onto the deck, the honed travertine tiling warms your feet just before you step into a saltwater perimeter over-flow pool. What is a perimeter over-flow pool, you ask? The perimeter overflow pool keeps the water level in the pool the same as the top of the deck. Around the pool perimeter is a channel draining the water at zero entry to create a visual masterpiece. In short, it looks like a big mirror lying on the ground.

Around the pool is a huge fire pit for grilling out with the family. And then there’s Waves Café and Wine Bar, an upscale outdoor eatery that serves unique entrees that suit the property’s posh atmosphere. Choose from an excellent wine list with all your favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Gris at $5 a glass or go bigger with full bottles ranging from $18.00 – $28.00. The food is totally different than any other poolside eatery on Panama City Beach. They serve the fun stuff like Cubans and cheeseburgers, but also serve dishes like roasted sweet pepper hummus for $7.00 or baba ganoush for the same price. The best of all may be the piazzas (7” flat bread personal pizzas) which are delicious at $7.00.

Other amenities include covered parking, beach chair service and a state-of-the art fitness center. I couldn’t help but get on the treadmill in the gulf-view fitness center where I found more details. Every bike or treadmill has a built in touch screen LCDs with personal cable and ports for headsets. Guest’s also get unlimited free DVD rentals, high-speed internet access and special activities for kids so parents can relax. A very cool addition I noticed was all the extra seating. Throughout the building were these nooks, secluded areas with tables and chairs, sort-of secret getaways within the getaway, where one could just chill out alone or with a partner. That‘s detail, people and I loved every second of it.

The Rooms:
Again, details are everything at Sterling and the moment you enter your room you notice the care and dedication put into making sure guests sigh, knowing that at Breeze they have no worries.

The rooms, like much of the building, blend a natural quality with contemporary design. Each unit is professionally decorated and you won’t find any white-thatch at Breeze. Earthy tones like deep brown, tan and blue as well as the natural textures of wood, stone and leather, blend with plasma TVs and hassock tables. Track lighting fixtures hang, providing just enough soft light not to take away from the natural light coming in. I visited several room types and in each one I instantly felt at home. The colors are perfectly comforting and the layouts spacious. Every room felt move-in ready.

In the kitchen, complete with enough the dinnerware for the whole family, you’ll find high-quality whirlpool appliances in black or stainless steel. The counter-tops are shiny granite ranging in styles from a wood-colored Baltic brown to a lighter Rainforest. It’s very upscale. Nice touches were added after construction like granite backsplashes behind the flat-top stoves and additional shelving for your souvenirs. The furniture and accent pieces, mostly wood, have function and style. Something as simple the a foyer piece, I found, didn’t just look great but had coat hanger and additional space for storage which was a nice touch.

In the bedrooms the bedding is high-end with Simmon’s pillow-top mattresses and cozy Wilkinson’s spreads. Even the closets have added detail with additional shelving for all your stuff because after one night you’ll want to stay longer.

The attention to detail continues over to the bathrooms. There you’ll find gorgeous his and her wood double vanities with pedestal sinks and big, open showers with solid-glass frameless doors.

Outside, the balcony’s shape is consistent with the shape of the building, meaning you get a rounded-panoramic view of the world’s most beautiful beach. As a nice added touch, you get your own outdoor electric grill, perfect for grilling up shish kabobs under gulf skies.

They offer 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units (some with bonus bunkrooms ranging in total square footage from 914 – 1835 sq. ft.) but no matter which size or location you choose, the quality is consistent throughout. Every owner chose from a specific group of professional design palettes to ensure that every room has the same quality and detail.

The Price:
For such classy digs you’d expect to pay big, but the prices are reasonable. Nightly summer rates for 1 Bedroom/2 Bath range from $209.00-$289.00. Larger rooms like the deluxe 2.5 bedroom/3bath go for $269.00 to $379.00. If you bring the whole family plus the in-laws you can get a monster 3.5 bedroom/3bath unit for $339.00-$419.00. Fall and winter rates dip considerably. You can get the same 1/ 2 for $109.00-$169.00 or that huge 3.5/3 for $219.00 – $309.00. They also offer comparable seasonal monthly rates during the winter as well.

The Bottom Line:
Sterling Breeze in my opinion is definitely in the top 5 among all Panama City Beach accommodations. The feel and the quality alone make it worth every penny. The staff is friendly and seems to genuinely care about the guest’s comfort while on vacation. Manager Lisa Dallas said it best. “I’ve been a part of this property since the beginning; picking the land, the development and now management. At Sterling Breeze, all you need is a swimsuit and a toothbrush. We take care of the rest.”

Sterling Breeze Condominiums is located at 16701 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach, FL 32413. For more information or for reservations please call (850) 233-8908

[mappress]

Shores Changes Everything…

An unwinding happens the moment you tread the cobblestone entrance into the Shores of Panama. Almost immediately you can sense the tone; the place feels beachy but elegant, warm but vibrant. You step through the atrium into a thoughtfully-appointed lobby with views out to a jaw-dropping pool. That’s when you realize it; Shores of Panama will change everything.

Located on the bend at South Thomas, “Shores” is the evolution of Panama City Beach accommodations, providing exceptional amenities and service while still harnessing the charming qualities of classic Panama City Beach. The evolution is in Shores’ versatility. The 23 floor, 706-unit resort condominium can, rather effortlessly, handle everything from business meetings to large-scale summer getaways or just your plain-ol-lounge-around the-pool weekend vacation. I toured the property, enjoying the sunshine and luxury, and can say with sharp confidence, you will not be disappointed.

The concept:
Shores of Panama, an Oaseas Resorts Property,  is all about balance. Standing on the massive 13,000 sq.ft. poolside you truly feel sensations of both freedom and intimacy. That may sound contradicting at first, but from your private balcony you enjoy gaping, unobstructed views while being surrounded in the architectural horseshoe shape in such a way that the view feels framed just for you like something on a postcard. You get the best of both worlds; a statement that makes Shores of Panama unique on Panama City Beach.

The Amenities:
The Spa at the Shores of Panama may be one of the better Spas on the entire beach. Big wooden doors welcome you to a place made for relaxation. They have separate facilities for male and female clients. You can get your blood circulating in the aromatherapy steam room or lay back in the dry sauna. If that doesn’t relax you, you can enjoy one of several massage choices from deep tissue to Swedish and even exotic warm stone massage. They also offer renewal facials for men and women as well as scalp massages.

Shores’ amenities are ongoing. They have a fitness room with high-end cardio equipment as well as indoor (heated) and outdoor pools. You can go poolside to the Mahi Mahi grill for a fresh grouper sandwich ($8.99) or to the Sunset Beachside Bar for the Shore’s own Goombay Smash (spiced rum, coconut rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice and orange juice).

The Pool:
Shores’ main pool is so spectacular it gets its own section. I walked the huge pool deck and couldn’t tell if I was still in Panama City Beach or had somehow been teleported to Las Vegas or Miami. Developed in the style of Disney Pools, this 2 million dollar splash-zone is an adventure all its own as it twists and turns around corners and under bridges. The landscaping around the pool is lush and inviting, covered in towering palm trees and segos. Fountains embellish every turn and there’s even a zero entry point. You may think that the elegance would detour people from fun, but you’d be wrong. I saw kids of all ages having a ball and splashing around.The “balance” makes you feel like, although surrounded in ritz, you can still splash big with a cannonball.

The Rooms:
Shores’ rooms exude a warmth that is difficult to come by on the gulf-front. They offer room types ranging from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom units with full kitchens. I visited three different room types and, though individual in design, none lacked on comfort and elegance. What surprised me most were the small details. Light fixtures, sliding glass doors and ceiling fans, everything in the room seemed to want to make a statement.

The room balconies are massive allowing you front row seats to impressive views. I visited a room with a corner balcony and had no obstruction whatsoever viewing Panama City Beach from end to end. Every room comes with top-of-the-line appliances, DVD players with complimentary DVDs as well as washers and dryers. Two of the rooms I visited had 60-inch flat screen televisions that made me want click on the football game and just move right in.

The beds are big, comfy and pillow-topped. Many of the master bedrooms have individual balconies so you can wake up the gulf. In every room I visited I was engaged by all the wood and granite accents. It just felt like home.

The Price:
This is what may surprise you the most. The summer season (mid-june) rate for a studio is only $149.00 a night perfect for a romantic getaway or a mini-vacation. If you’re looking for larger accommodations during the same time period, 1 bedroom 2 bath goes for $179.00. You can get a 2 bedroom 2 bath with bunks, ideal for the family vacation, for around $279.00 – $299.00. Very good price to value ratio.

The Bottom Line:
Shores is the gamechanger. Shores of Panama Resort is so balanced, so elegant and so substantial that it could totally change the way Panama City Beach is seen and may very well be the future of Panama City Beach. If you’re looking for a summer furlough, a family vacation or just a simple getaway, Shores can cover all the bases. It’s located on Thomas Dr., but is only steps away from Front Beach Rd. providing quick access to shopping and attractions. Stay a night or two and thank me later.

Shores of Panama is located at 9900 South Thomas Drive Panama City Beach, FL 32408 for more information call 1-877-808-4323 or go to their website www.shoresofpanamacitybeach.com where you can make your next vacation reservation.

[mappress]

All photos copyright 2009 Oaseas Resorts

Splash! Resort Condominium

What do you get when you place an exclusive new condo on 400 feet of breathtaking Panama City Beach shoreline and then sprinkle just a touch of Nickelodeon? You get a family fun vacation at Splash Condominiums, a Sterling Resorts Property. One of the most unique properties on Panama City Beach, Splash is 21 floors of fun, decked out in bright colors, whirling designs and all the splashiness one can handle. The gulf front property takes on the difficult task of being both elegant and lighthearted and, honestly, makes it look easy. As I toured the property, everywhere I turned I was met with smiles, laughter, sunlight and beach. I don’t know about you, but that just about covers everything I need on a family vacation.

The Concept:

Splash’s concept in a word is fun…and lots of it. Located at the cusp of Panama City Beach’s west end, you’ll know you’ve reached a destination primed for fun the minute you gaze upon the sherbet-colored edifice overlooking the gulf. Splash simplty isn’t your typical condo.

You park your car, you ascend up to the skywalk and Panama City Beach as you knew it changes. The colors grab you immediately; vibrant and jovial, the skywalk almost seems lit up. Even the carpet designs and ceiling art makes you want to smile. Once you make it across the skywalk, it becomes obvious why they call it Splash; the pools.

The Splash pools are quite possibly the most exciting pools on the beach. Two unique, bi-level pools stretch across the entire ground level, looping, swirling splashing underneath you. An adult beach-view pool and Jacuzzi occupies on side while the other is a kid-ready water playground, complete with waterpark-like slides, waterfalls and literal bucket loads of water. Fun is the concept and it’s tickling at you even before you reach your room.

The Amenities:

Splash does an admiral job of being family-friendly while still providing state-of-the-art amenities. The pools alone would be enough for most families looking to get away. But there’s more. They kids get to enjoy a “dive in” movie theater and an arcade with mini-bowling. The parent’s can hang out at the poolside bar and grill or break a sweat in the gulf-view fitness room. In room, all units come equipped with full kitchens and full size washers and dryers as well as private balconies. All rooms also come with internet access and when you’re worn out from all the fun you get complimentary DVD rentals as well.

Click Here to read on to “The Rooms, The Prices and The Bottom Line”

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