Wellness Yards: The New Standard in Sandestin Vacation Homes

How Outdoor Wellness Spaces Are Enhancing the Guest Experience and Increasing Property Value 

Here along the Emerald Coast, outdoor living isn’t just a perk it’s an expectation. From morning stretches on a sun-drenched balcony to refreshing outdoor showers after a beach day, our guests are embracing the outdoors in entirely new ways. The latest trend? Wellness yards - purposefully designed outdoor spaces that inspire relaxation, movement, and rejuvenation. 

At Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, we’re seeing this lifestyle shift firsthand both from our guests and our homeowners. These wellness-inspired outdoor spaces aren’t just beautiful, they’re marketable, high-demand features that increase booking appeal and long-term property value. 

We spoke with Gary Bowman, one of our agents at The Agency Northwest Florida Beaches who recently sold a nearly $3 million home inside the gates of Sandestin, to understand why outdoor wellness is becoming the new must-have amenity. 

Q: Are more vacationers and second-home buyers asking about outdoor wellness features? 
A: Absolutely. Whether they’re here for a week or making Sandestin their second home, people want more from their outdoor space. Think cold plunge tubs, reading nooks, and yoga decks. Guests love it and owners who invest in wellness features are seeing stronger rental demand and better guest reviews. 

Q: What exactly is a “wellness yard”? 
A: Picture a private retreat: an outdoor shower to rinse off after a beach run, a shaded lounge for meditation, a cold plunge to recharge in the afternoon. Add coastal landscaping and soft lighting, and you’ve got a backyard oasis built for mind and body. 

Q: Who’s looking for these features? 
A: Everyone. Remote workers want a space to reset between Zoom calls. Families want a backyard that entertains and restores. Boomers want tranquility without leaving home. Our climate makes it possible to enjoy these spaces year-round, which makes them a smart investment for both living and renting. 

Q: Do these features impact rental performance or home value? 
A: Without question. Homes with wellness-forward amenities stand out on listing sites and book faster. For owners in the Sandestin Rental Management program, it means higher occupancy rates and potential for premium pricing. Outdoor showers are a small upgrade with big payoff, and turnkey wellness features like saunas or plunge tubs are a game-changer for resale. 

Q: Is this a passing trend? 
A: Not at all. Just like open-concept kitchens transformed indoor living, wellness yards are redefining outdoor design. It’s not just luxury it’s lifestyle, and it’s here to stay. 

Q: What’s your advice for designing one? 
A: Privacy matters. Whether it's yoga at sunrise or a solo sauna session, guests want to feel secluded. Use weather-resistant, coastal-tough materials, and lean into the natural surroundings. You don’t have to go over-the-top. A thoughtfully placed hammock can be just as impactful. 

Own or manage a home in Sandestin? 
Wellness design is more than a trend, it’s a smart way to elevate your guest experience and increase your rental income. Whether you're planning your next renovation or considering joining the Sandestin Rental Management program, our team can recommend options to turn your outdoor space into a five-star feature. 

Let us help you create a vacation home that guests return to and rave about. 
Learn more about joining Sandestin Rental Management at sandestin.com/rental-management or call 850-267-4389