Sandestin Golf and Beach Resorts Transitions Away from Straws

MIRAMAR BEACH, FL (12/11/2018). Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort recently instituted plans to enhance “green” initiatives by providing paper straws only upon request throughout Sandestin-owned venues including Marina Bar & Grill, Fat Tuesdays in Baytowne Wharf, Caffe Siena, Beach Club and Meeting and Event’s Banquet Services, projecting 100% compliance on the new policy by December 17, 2018. 

“We continue to identify eco-friendly practices that can be incorporated into our business model and will positively affect our local environment,” stated Sara Becnel, Vice President of Development for Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. “As a coastal community, our resort is sensitive to our surroundings. Keeping the delicate coastal habitat healthy and pristine is a major goal of our resort.” Sandestin joins other hospitality companies such as Marriott International, Hilton, Four Seasons, Carnival who have initiated plastic straw bans.

Additionally, Sandestin has placed water-conservation efforts into practice by educating guests on the impact of hanging towels for reuse that are not dirty, thus avoiding unnecessary laundry service. For group guests who know in advance they prefer to conserve, an opt-out of daily housekeeping is offered in exchange for two complimentary drinks per day. “Research shows that commercial and institutional facilities are responsible for about 17 percent of the withdrawals from US public water systems,” added Becnel.

Annually, Sandestin will replace almost half a million single-use plastic straws with paper – end to end stretching almost 79 miles – and will continue to encourage all resort venues to make the transition and to innovate toward uncovering even more conservation opportunities than ever before. Sandestin will continue to make plastic straws available, upon request, to people with limited mobility.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages and was named the #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 vacation rentals including condominiums, villas, homes and townhomes. The resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife.

Sandestin developments breaking ground this year include the full-service Sandestin Hotel, a 250-room hotel adjacent to the Baytowne Conference Center, featuring 20,000+ sq. ft. of additional meeting space and Osprey Pointe luxury condominiums, a unique executive-retreat.