Waterscape Destin - Reviews & Testimonials
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I Will Never Stay Anywhere Else!!
"I stayed with my wife and 3 & 4 year old daughters. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, PERFECT IN ALL ASPECTS!! We stayed there for 3 nights and simply did not want to go home. It has everything you could want - no need to go anywhere for anything! I went shopping one day and never had to leave again. Yes, this place is a little pricey but look at what you get. We changed our reservations from the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort to Waterscape. For years I stayed at the Ramada for vacation but thought this would be worth a try. I'M SO GLAD I DID AND WILL NEVER STAY ANYWHERE ELSE!! When you consider going out to eat every day on vacation it gets very expensive. We went out a few times but had NO REASON to go anywhere else. Due to the ages of our girls, we couldn't consider something like Big Kahuna's so we stayed where we were. Oh, and we didn't know there was another pool until the following day - on the next level, duh!! Look at the pictures, the web site, the write-ups, and how much you will save in not going out for every meal. It is now our home away from home and will always be. I kinda' hate that we took so many pictures - I'm wanting to go back right away but have to wait until next year's vacation!!!!!"
- This TripAdvisor Member:
- Liked — Every Single Thing
- Disliked — Nothing at all
— Trip Advisor Guest of Waterscape in Fort Walton Beach
I just got home from WaterScape today. What an amazing property. This is such a great resort with a laid back atmosphere that is SO KID FRIENDLY! There are numerous pools that are both fun for adults and the kids. I love how nicely decorated the rooms are, the staff is super friendly and helpful. Security is always on the property without being overwhelming. Some days they scheduled special activities for the kids like face painting and a "dive in movie" at the pool. The WaterScape is in a great location on the beach and very easy access to almost everything from Ft Walton Beach to Destin. My husband and daughter loved it and we plan to go back next year. I can't wait...
- This TripAdvisor Member:
- Liked — The kid friendly pools and activities
- Disliked — There were no chain locks or dead bolt locks on the room doors and my two year old could open the door to exit the room...that I did not like.
— Trip Advisor Guest of Waterscape in Fort Walton Beach
"To beat the big summer rush, we traveled to Okaloosa Island in early May. If you can hit NW Florida between Spring Break and Memorial Day, you’ll find plenty of availability and value. Rates dip during this time because most families can only vacation here when school is out for a week in spring or throughout the summer season. We used to stay over in Destin, but now prefer the tranquility of the Island. Destin’s beautiful beaches are overcrowded because they’ve built those condos up 15 or 20 stories into the sky—people literally sitting on top of people. However, on the island construction has a height limit, so most buildings are only 6-8 stories. Translation: more beach for each person.
We decided to try the newest property on Okaloosa Island: Waterscape. It had opened in the early spring of 2008. The property pictures that we saw online made it look like a tropical paradise. When we arrived, we were greeted by a cheerful staff. They gave us lots of information on the local area and told us all about the property amenities. In the guest services foyer they had ice cold cucumber water to welcome all of us “weary” travelers. I thought that was a nice touch plus it tasted good!
Our condo was located on the top floor of the resort, with the balcony overlooking the property lengthwise (the beach being at the opposite end). I usually prefer an ocean front view, but this view did not disappoint. You literally look down on a beautifully landscaped retreat of palm trees, flowers, waterfalls and pools. It’s gorgeous, and also very different from any other place I’ve ever stayed. My hat is off to their staff for keeping the grounds trash-free and clean. The “oasis” has a children’s zero-entry pool complete with toys, an adult pool area, a large zero-entry lagoon pool and a lazy river. Yes, I did say lazy river. There are walkways criss-crossing the property, all lined with chairs for sunning. There is also a neat work out area overlooking the main pool. There are several large spas spread around the landscape. Excellent for that end of the day dip. Hint: If you take the walkway behind the waterfall, there is a neat photo opportunity to be had.
Here I am, half-way through my review of Waterscape and I haven’t even mentioned the beach! Don’t worry, the beach is still there and the white sand is as beautiful as ever. It’s just that there is so much more to do at this property than just the beach. If you are only a “beach” person, that is also good news for you (more to distract others from the beach). The beach in front of Waterscape is nice and large. It’s also within walking distance to the Okaloosa Island boardwalk and pier. We used our beach chairs each day (you receive a free beach set-up with each unit booked), but gradually found ourselves spending more and more time around the adult pool and lazy river. The property also has some really nice gas grills scattered about (no charge for use). They come alive and begin sizzling around 5:30. I plan on using one next time.
Our condo was also nice, but for the most part we just slept and showered there. You really never know what you are going to get, décor-wise, which is part of the adventure of renting someone else’s home. Our unit was decorated pleasantly, offered LCD flat-screen televisions in both bedrooms and living room. The kitchen was upscale and stocked with all the utensils and appliances needed to prepare just about any meal however, we mainly used the blender! The washer and dryer also came in handy. The unit also featured a Bose Acoustic Wave radio in the living room—Loved it—ended up buying one for our home! Each evening we’d throw in a Jimmy Buffet CD and relax on the balcony before running out to dinner. Speaking of dinner options, Waterscape is within walking distance to several nice restaurants and bars. If you chose to drive you can get to all entertainment offerings on the island within 5 minutes time (unlike the gridlock you encounter over in Destin).
All in all, Waterscape lived up to its billing. We had a very relaxing stay and look forward to our next visit. I highly recommend this property to families of all size and people of all ages. Your tropical oasis on the beach awaits!"
- This TripAdvisor Member:
- Liked — The many amenities offered (pools and beach) and the ideal location.
- Disliked — The really large parking garage.
— Trip Advisor Guest of Waterscape in Fort Walton Beach
"Hi Debbie,
Thank you for the follow-up. We're all recovering slowly, but still on a bit of a "high" from the fun.
Our trip to Waterscape was WONDERFUL! This year was even better than last year. The improvements we made to the check-in process (keys & luggage carts all ready), and the meal seating (extra chairs/tables in the condos), beach access (getting the beach wheelchair from the Fire Department -- one of the maint/security guys suggested we do that), the two DVD cards for each condo, all made it GREAT!!!
My chaperone team regularly commented on how great all the staff was. Megan at the front desk (and there was another woman with brown hair too... I'm sorry, I didn't get her name) was really sweet and supportive to all our needs. As of right now I have not heard of anything else my team recommends we change (relating to the Waterscape location/property). Some even said, "There's no reason we should go anywhere else!".
Lastly, I want to personally thank YOU for your facilitation of all the things we asked for... your pleasant "can do" attitude and understanding of the importance of the "little things" that really matter to our group and our 'special needs'. "
— Group Co-Ordinator, Metro Atlanta YMCA Happy Club
Waterscape is a beautiful new family resort directly on the Gulf of Mexico in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Please let me emphasize "family" because it definitely is geared for children. There are 2 nice pools as well as a lazy river, but none of them are over 5' deep. There is an excellent kiddie area with a pirate slide, frogs that spit water at you, and a zero entry (where you just walk right into the water without steps, etc.)
The beach is gorgeous white fluffy sand and the water was clean and warm while we were there. 2 daily beach chairs and an umbrella are included with your condo rental as is DVR rental in the lobby. Each unit is equipped with a nice well stocked kitchen, linens, etc. Our courtyard/ocean view condo had a wonderful view from the balcony of the ocean and the pools.
If you're not travelling with children, be aware that kids are all over the place! Also, there are no restaurant facilities, but there are a couple of nice grills for outdoor cooking. One other comment to the older folks - if you rent a condo closer to the beach be prepared to walk (inside a climate controlled interior hall) a long way to your unit from your car. That made it a little more difficult to unload luggage and groceries.
Overall, this was a wonderful vacation and we can't wait to take our family back next year!
- This TripAdvisor Member:
- Liked — It was new & clean; great ocean view
- Disliked — long walk from the parking garage to our unit
— Trip Advisor Guest of Waterscape in Fort Walton Beach
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