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An aerial view of a tall, pink hotel building situated on a bay with a marina.
Meet Our Team

Setting the Stage for Successful Growth

Driven by experience, knowledge, vision, and passion. Fuelled by a dynamic combination of seasoned professionals and trusted partnerships. From renowned innovative architects to distinctive interior designers, a real estate developer with decades of experience and millions of square feet developed from Hawaii to the Gulf Coast, to a dynamic father-daughter duo, this is a dedicated team with an impressive portfolio of projects on their own and as a team.

Tom Becnel

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Tom Becnel

Chairman, Sandestin Investments LLC

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.

A smiling, happy older man sitting comfortably in a chair in a well-lit room.

Sara Becnel

Sara Becnel

President
Sara Becnel is President of Sandestin Investments, LLC and Managing Partner of The Agency Northwest Florida Beaches. She graduated from Rollins College with a degree in Economics. With a background spanning hospitality, real estate, and development, she has held diverse roles from operations to executive leadership. Since joining Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in 2012, Sara has led major projects including Hotel Effie, Osprey Pointe, and multiple large-scale renovations, ultimately rising to President in 2023. She played a key role in navigating the resort through the COVID-19 crisis, securing long-term profitability, and expanding the company’s reach—most recently through a strategic rebrand of Sandestin Real Estate, as well as transitioning Hotel Effie to an Autograph Collection Hotel. Her portfolio also includes high-end residential development in Alys Beach. An active community leader and award recipient, Sara continues to shape the future of luxury hospitality and real estate through innovation, strategic vision, and operational excellence.