Setting the Stage for Strategic 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.

Boutique interior design firm Design Continuum, Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a portfolio of work that stretches over five continents around the globe. Specializing in hospitality, multi-family, residential, and other experiential-focused projects, DCI approaches every challenge with creativity and dedication. Whether a remote five-star resort or a modest suite renovation, each project receives the attention of an experienced team of professionals, a staff of skilled designers and seasoned architects.

A valued partner of Sara Becnel and Sandestin Investments, DCI has collaborated on several projects, including Osprey Pointe in 2020, a luxury vacation rental offering, as well as the vibrant and elegant Hotel Effie Sandestin, which opened in 2021, both at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Successful high-rise condominiums, mixed-use resorts, commercial and retail projects throughout the United States and abroad. Full-service architectural design firm Swedroe Architecture is a leader in the field of multi-family residential architecture, providing creative design solutions for its clients since 1974. Specializing in high-rise condominium living within the coastal urban environment makes Swedroe the perfect partner for Sandestin Investments.

Swedroe has gained international recognition by consistently designing highly efficient, cost-effective buildings with comfort and view-oriented innovations as well as striking, modern architecture. The firm is also an innovator in the use of direct-entry private elevators, a concept that revolutionized high-rise residential building design, with more than 130 such condominium projects completed to date. By providing the privacy of single-family home living while eliminating the need for shared access corridors, the design maximizes saleable area, building efficiency, and the ability to provide multiple exterior views. Swedroe’s success can be attributed to great design and team communication, with attention to in-depth project design analysis, careful cost estimation, consultant coordination and accurate and detailed contract documents, without losing sight of business integrity and the human element of what they do.

Batson-Cook Construction is a full-service general contractor and construction manager with over a century of experience delivering exceptional commercial projects across the Southeastern United States. Founded in 1915, the company is known for its deep industry expertise, client-focused approach, and commitment to quality in sectors such as healthcare, education, hospitality, office, and industrial. With a strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and integrity, Batson-Cook consistently builds lasting partnerships and communities—project by project.

Crossland Construction Company is a nationally recognized, family-owned commercial construction firm headquartered in Columbus, Kansas. Founded in 1977, Crossland provides a full range of construction services—including general contracting, construction management, and design-build—across a wide variety of industries such as education, industrial, healthcare, and municipal. With over 1,500 employees and regional offices throughout the U.S., Crossland is known for its hands-on expertise, self-perform capabilities, and a commitment to building with integrity, innovation, and quality.

February Corporation is a real estate investment, development, and management firm based in New York City. The company focuses on creating thoughtful, design-forward spaces that foster connection and community, with a portfolio spanning hospitality, residential, and mixed-use projects. February takes a collaborative, human-centered approach to development—partnering with top architects, designers, and creatives to bring meaningful spaces to life. With a commitment to quality and long-term value, February is reshaping the way people experience place.

ReliantSouth Construction Group is a full-service general contracting, construction management, and design-build firm headquartered in Panama City, Florida. Known for their hands-on approach and client-first mindset, ReliantSouth delivers high-quality projects across a range of sectors including education, commercial, retail, healthcare, and municipal. With a reputation for integrity, reliability, and strong regional expertise, the firm is dedicated to exceeding expectations through collaborative partnerships, innovative solutions, and attention to detail at every stage of the construction process.

Yates Construction is one of the nation’s leading construction firms, offering a full range of services including general contracting, construction management, and design-build across a wide array of industries. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Mississippi, Yates has built a reputation for delivering large-scale, complex projects with a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and client satisfaction. With offices across the U.S. and experience spanning commercial, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and more, Yates continues to be a trusted partner in building impactful, enduring spaces.