Setting the Stage for Successful Growth

With millions of square feet developed from Hawaii to South Florida, Tom Becnel brings more than 40 years of diverse real estate development, construction, and management experience to every project. Through strategic acquisitions and innovative development, Tom has created a successful portfolio of high-quality assets including office, residential, condominium and commercial projects.

Between the beginning of his development career in Lafayette, Louisiana, to transforming the South Florida landscape today, Tom spearheaded 18 projects in Hawaii before setting his sights on development in Destin, Florida. Recognizing the area’s potential for growth he began with Shoreline Towers in desirable Holiday Isle, then Baypoint high-rise luxury condo in Naples, Florida, followed by a multitude of projects along the shoreline between Destin and Miramar Beach Florida in the early 2000s. In 2010, Tom purchased Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, a 2,400-acre resort in Miramar Beach, Florida, where he has worked on projects within the gates of the resort including two major developments in the vacation rental and hotel space: Osprey Pointe and Hotel Effie Sandestin. Tom is well equipped to continue delivering on his substantial legacy.

Sara Becnel brings a wealth of experience in hospitality, real estate, and development. Starting her career at 14 in food and beverage, Sara graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics from Rollins College. Her diverse roles have ranged from housekeeping and engineering to front desk operations, alongside notable stints in luxury retail and owning a Verizon Wireless store.

In 2012, Sara transitioned to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort as Director of Retail, where she led significant remodels and enhanced customer experiences. Her rapid advancement to Executive Director and later Vice President of Development saw her spearheading major projects like the renovations of the Linkside and Baytowne Conference Centers, and the development of Osprey Pointe and Hotel Effie.

During the 2020 COVID crisis, Sara's dual role as General Manager and VP of Development was pivotal in navigating the resort through challenging times, securing profitability, and assembling a strong leadership team. In 2023, she was promoted to President of Sandestin Investments, LLC, and by 2024, became the majority owner of Sandestin Real Estate, guiding the brokerage through a strategic rebrand in partnership with The Agency. In 2025, she opened The Agency Madrid. This initiative aligned with her vision for upscale market expansion, underscored by the transition of Hotel Effie to a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel and securing Marriott operator status for Sandestin Investments.

Additionally, Sara initiated the development of spec homes in Alys Beach, applying her expertise to create properties designed with current market trends and high-quality standards. In a significant expansion of her professional scope, Sara will also serve as the owner and managing partner of The Agency Madrid, set to open in the summer of 2025, further extending her influence and operational expertise to the European market.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sara is actively involved in her community and passionately dedicated to causes such as animal welfare, arts and culture, children's welfare, economic empowerment, education, environmental conservation, health, female and LGBTQ+ rights, and science and technology.

Community Involvement:

• Co-Trustee - Sandestin Foundation for Kids
• Board of Directors - Sacred Heart Foundation
• Board of Directors - Sandestin Owners Association
• Board of Directors - Fairmont Heritage Place Inspiration
  Board of Directors - The Grand Sandestin
• Board of Directors - Baytowne Wharf Neighborhood Association
• Social Committee - Windsong

Awards and Recognition:

• 850 Business Magazine Pinnacle Award Recipient, 2024
• Hotel Management's Influential Women in Hospitality, 2025

Professional Development:

• 9-time A-Fest Attendee
  Tony Robbins' Unleash the Power Within
  Disney Educational Excellence Program
  Executive coaching with Lisa Nichols
  2-time attendee of the 40 Years of Zen program by Dave Asprey

Today, Sara oversees the strategic development and management of a vast portfolio, continuing to drive innovation and quality that propels the success of Sandestin and its affiliated entities in the dynamic hospitality and real estate industries.