Vacationing in Luxury on the Gulf Coast

I received complimentary lodging on the Gulf Coast in exchange for my fair and honest review; all opinions are my own.

Sean, Jackson, Lucy, and I recently visited Panama City Beach, Florida. My favorite time to visit the Gulf Coast is during the winter. Many pools are heated, and the ocean is calm and serene. On our visit, the ocean was actually warmer than the outside temperature, and it felt so wonderful dipping our feet into the warm waters of the gulf.

Panama City Beach, Florida

I have been visiting Panama City Beach for most of my life. It is a hub for spring breakers during March and April, but the town is much more than a place for students to party during spring break. The Gulf Coast is home to the most beautiful beaches and clearest waters in the United States. Delicious restaurants and attractions are aplenty. Panama City Beach is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with family.

One of my favorite aspects of staying at the beach is having a condo with a view. I want to enjoy the beach the entire time I am visiting, not just while I am physically on the beach. When selecting a condo, views are an imperative factor.

On this trip, our friends Mitch and Lora joined us. We wanted a place large enough that everyone had their privacy, yet had a large enough family room that we could all enjoy time together.

We found our perfect condo at the Sterling Reef Resort in unit 1707. The condo is over 1,600 square feet, and everyone had ample privacy. The condo can easily sleep ten. Mitch and Lora took the available “lock-out” unit. The lock-out adjoined to the condo, but you can also rent it separately.

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Not only was the condo spacious, but the décor was phenomenal. It feels great when the owners have paid attention to detail with the décor and small amenities such as the phone chargers we found located bedside.

Our views of the ocean were impeccable. One of my favorite aspects of our view was watching the men gather at the pier in the mornings, casting their lines into the ocean. I would love to know the stories these fishermen were telling about the fish they have caught and the lives they have lived.

Sterling Reef 1707

The main living space at Sterling Reef 1707 includes a large family room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen with full-sized appliances, a full-sized washer and dryer, and a balcony.

The Main Balcony

The balcony is larger than most condominium balconies. A group of ten can easily dine together in comfort.

The balcony has spectacular views of the ocean and the strip. The Panama City Beach strip looks pretty special when it is lit up at night.  

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Family Room

The family room is where I want to be at Sterling Reef 1707. It is spacious and has the most magnificent views of the ocean.

The living area can easily seat eight to ten guests comfortably.

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Kitchen

The kitchen comes with full-sized appliances and a lovely sitting area.

The kitchen is equipped with everything you will need to cook a fresh seafood dinner for all of your guests!

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Master Bedroom

When traveling, I am always nervous about the comfort of the beds. I was so happy after arriving very late to 1707 that the beds were extremely comfortable.

The master bedroom is equipped with a king-sized bed, views of the ocean, and balcony access.

A large walk-in closet, sitting area, and a large television are also included. If you are thinking of bringing a few more guests, two additional roll-out beds are available. There is plenty of room for the rollouts in the master bedroom if you have young children, or the beds can be rolled into the living area for added privacy.

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Master Bathroom

Spaciousness is an understatement for this master bathroom. It includes a garden tub and shower combination.

Second Bedroom

The second bedroom includes twin beds, lots of closet and storage space, and a television.

Second Bathroom

The second bathroom offers a large walk-in shower and easy access to the family room.

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Laundry Area

A full-sized laundry is available for all of your washing and drying needs.

The Lock-Out

If renting 1707 as an entire unit, the lockout area becomes part of the larger condo, adding an additional bedroom, bathroom, and private balcony. However, when renting separately, you have more of a studio rental, including a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. The private balcony is fabulous on mornings when you want to enjoy ocean views but do not want to wake anyone in the central unit.

Lock-Out Balcony

If you are renting the lockout separate from the central unit, then you have fantastic views that are all yours! In 1707, the lockout balcony is located on the corner of the complex, and you do not have to worry about hearing or seeing neighbors of other units.

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Lock-Out Studio

The studio in the lock-out is spacious and beautiful, fitted with a queen-sized bed.

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The studio also comes equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave, television, and coffee maker. Mitch and Lora both said that the studio was the perfect lodging arrangement for couples!

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Lock-Out Bathroom

The lock-out has a full bathroom with a tub/shower combination.

Sterling Reef Amenities

Parking

Sterling Reef offers many amenities for its guests. Parking is ample and private. I did not have to worry about someone dinging my car doors because the parking spaces were tight (another reason I love to visit during the winter). The complex, beach, and parking were not crowded at all.

Outdoor Commons Area

There is an area dedicated to grilling and eating outdoors. I loved the nighttime lights that adorned the sky in the commons area.

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Pool Time

Two pools are on the property, and one is heated for year-round swimming. Heated pools lend themselves to cozy winter vacationing at the beach.

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The Gym

A gym is available on the property with ocean views.

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Ice and Vending

Ice and vending are available on level two.

The Beach

While at the beach, enjoy complimentary beach chairs with the rental of 1707.

Sterling Reef 1707 exceeded our expectations. We loved the spaciousness, and the ability to unplug while being immersed in God’s handiwork.

If you are interested in renting Sterling Reef 1707 so that you can enjoy it as much as we did, click HERE. In the notes section, tell the owners that Brandi from Loving Living Green sent you for a $100 discount (three-night minimum stay). We hope you love the Gulf Coast as much as we do!!!

Are you headed to the Gulf Coast soon? Would you be interested in staying in 1707? We would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line in the comment section below!

Interested in coastal vacations? Check out Bright Realty Solutions and Three Oaks Farm!