The Florida Panhandle is basically a collection of high-rise condos and crowded beachfronts. If you’ve spent any time in Panama City Beach, you know the drill: neon signs, heavy traffic, and sand so white it hurts your eyes. But tucked away on the quiet end of the peninsula, inside the gated community of Bay Point, sits the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort. It’s a bit of an outlier. It doesn't actually sit on the Gulf of Mexico. It sits on the St. Andrews Bay.
That’s the first thing people get confused about.
If you book this place expecting to step off your balcony directly into the crashing emerald waves of the Gulf, you’re gonna be disappointed. However, if you want a massive property that feels more like a private estate than a tourist trap, this is where you land. It’s got a vibe that’s honestly hard to find elsewhere in PCB—more sophisticated, less "spring break."
The Nicklaus Connection and the Golf Reality
Most people come here for the greens. Specifically, the Nicklaus Design course. It’s the only one of its kind in Northwest Florida.
Let's be real: this course is a beast. It’s carved through wetlands and pine forests, and the wind coming off the bay can absolutely wreck your scorecard if you aren't careful. Jack Nicklaus doesn't exactly design "easy" courses, and the Bay Point layout is proof of that. The par-4 17th hole is legendary for being one of the most difficult finishes in the region because of how the water hugs the fairway.
You’ve got two courses here, technically. The Meadows Course is the more traditional, parkland-style layout. It’s more forgiving. If you’re a high-handicapper or just want to enjoy a beer without losing ten balls, play The Meadows. If you want to test your mettle and see why the pros talk about this place, hit the Nicklaus.
What’s the Deal with the Beach?
This is the part where everyone has questions. The Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort has a private beach, but it's on the bay.
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The water is calmer. It’s better for paddleboarding or kayaking. But let’s say you want that classic "World’s Most Beautiful Beaches" experience. The resort runs a private shuttle boat—the Bay Point Lady—that takes you over to Shell Island.
Shell Island is an undeveloped seven-mile stretch of land. No condos. No trash. Just dunes and dolphins. It’s arguably the best part of staying at the Sheraton. You get the luxury of a resort bed at night, but you spend your day on a beach that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean.
Just remember to pack your own snacks for the island. There are no vending machines in the middle of a state park.
Serenity Spa and the "Adult" Side of PCB
Panama City Beach has a reputation for being loud. The Serenity Spa inside the Sheraton is the literal opposite of that. It’s about 12,000 square feet of "hush."
They use specialized treatments that actually lean into the coastal location—think sea salt scrubs and mineral wraps. It’s not just a side thought for the hotel; it’s a full-service facility with a sauna, steam room, and a separate spa pool.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is your escape hatch. While they’re at the pool, you can disappear into a deep-tissue massage and forget that the city’s tourist strip is only fifteen minutes away.
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Eating at Bay Point
Food at resorts can be hit or miss. Usually, it's overpriced and mediocre.
Tides Restaurant & Lounge is the main spot here. It’s fine. It’s what you expect from a high-end Marriott property. But the real winner is Bar 72, located at the golf clubhouse. It’s more laid back. You can grab a burger and watch the golfers struggle on the 18th green.
Then there’s Pelicans. It’s at the end of the pier. There is something about eating grouper tacos while looking out over the water as the sun sets that makes everything taste better. It’s seasonal, though. Don't show up in the dead of winter expecting the pier bar to be hopping.
Room Logic: What to Book
The resort has 320 rooms.
The ones in the main building are standard Sheraton quality—clean, modern, comfortable. But if you want the best experience, look for the villas. They’re spread out and offer a bit more privacy.
- Bay View Rooms: Worth the extra twenty bucks. Watching the fishing boats head out into the Gulf through the pass at 6:00 AM is a vibe.
- Pet Policy: They are dog-friendly. Not "pretend" dog-friendly, but actually welcoming.
- The Pool Scene: There are multiple pools. The main one is zero-entry, which is a godsend for parents with toddlers.
The Logistics Most People Miss
The resort is about 25 minutes from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP).
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Don't rely on ride-shares exclusively if you plan on leaving the property often. Uber and Lyft exist, but they can be spotty during the off-season. If you want to hit Pier Park for shopping or go to St. Andrews State Park, you’re better off with a rental car.
Also, be aware of the resort fee. It covers the shuttle to Shell Island, the tennis courts, and some other perks. Some people hate resort fees on principle—I get it—but here, the boat ride alone almost justifies the cost if you use it daily.
Is It Actually Worth It?
If you want to be in the middle of the neon lights and the "shacks" of PCB, no. You’ll feel isolated here.
But if you want to play 18 holes of world-class golf, spend a morning on a deserted island, and then get a massage before dinner, the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort is basically the only game in town that hits all those notes. It feels like a country club that happens to have a hotel attached.
It’s the "grown-up" version of a Florida vacation.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book the Nicklaus Course Early: Tee times fill up weeks in advance, especially during the spring and fall.
- Check the Shuttle Schedule: The Bay Point Lady doesn't run every hour on the hour. Grab the schedule at the front desk the moment you check in so you don't miss the last boat back from Shell Island.
- Dine Off-Site Too: While Pelicans is great, you’re close to the Grand Lagoon area. Go to Captain Anderson’s or Hunt’s Oyster Bar for a "local" meal.
- Download the Marriott Bonvoy App: You can skip the front desk and use your phone as a key, which is handy when you're lugging golf clubs or beach gear.
- Pack Bug Spray: Since the resort is near the woods and the bay, the "no-see-ums" can be brutal at dusk. Don't let them ruin your sunset drinks.