Known as Florida’s Forgotten Coast, this stretch of the Florida Panhandle is often overlooked for more well-known destinations in the state, such as Panama City Beach, Miami and Tampa. But the region’s quiet and laid-back atmosphere slowly draws travelers wishing to escape the crowds and high prices of Florida’s other cities, and one hospitality brand just announced plans to bring a 55-acre resort and community to the area.
© Serenity Seaside Resort
Serenity Seaside Resort is currently under construction on Apalachicola Bay, set to include a 100-room boutique hotel, 28 two-bedroom cottages, a signature restaurant and bar, a spa and fitness facility, an event center and chapel, a pool and beach club, and 16 luxury homes.
“We didn’t want to build just another resort. We wanted to build something that felt like it belonged here: slow, quiet, and shaped by the land itself. That’s why entitlement took five years, and finally seeing construction begin is a significant milestone after that journey,” said Craig Dermody, general partner, Serenity Seaside Resort.
© Serenity Seaside Resort
The property will center around a spring-fed lake in a county where more than 90 percent of the surrounding land remains protected. Unlike other Florida coastal destinations, Franklin County boasts preserved landscapes, beaches, and the old and slow Florida living that’s becoming harder to find.
Central to the property is wellness, where the on-site spa focuses on slow mornings and quiet recovery.
The hotel, restaurant, bar, spa, pool and beach club are slated to open together about 18–24 months after groundbreaking, with other amenities following through the season. Specific dates will be announced later.
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