The Crème de la Crème of luxury on Scenic 30A
Alys Beach, the premier luxury beach community along Scenic 30A in South Walton, is tucked in between Rosemary Beach to the east and Seacrest Beach to the west. One of the newer developments, Alys Beach’s first plat was filed in 2004. But love for this area of dunes, scrub pine and emerald green Gulf water began many years before. In 1927, Lucien May filed a homestead on 162 acres, and built his home. In 1973, he sold most of the land for about $1 million, keeping just a narrow strip for himself, where he moved his house and named it Emerald Crest.
Then, in 1978, Elton B. Stephens, who had been vacationing with his family in the Laguna Beach area of Panama City Beach for some years, took a drive and happened to notice some property being auctioned. He ended up placing a bid and became the owner of 158 acres for $1.2 million and waited. “He was in no hurry, and the family watched the development of Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and other towns along 30A while they waited for the right time.” (Pathway to Paradise on Florida’s Emerald Coast, by Robert O. Reynolds, 2019, page 104) Fast forward to 2003, when plans and designs were drawn up, and the new development was christened Alys Beach, after Elton’s wife.
With stunning architecture, stark white, stucco walls and interior courtyards, you won’t find anything remotely like it, at least not here. The style of building is reminiscent of Greece or Bermuda. You can almost picture the homes perched on the hills along the Mediterranean Sea overlooking an ancient land. But that’s not the case. Here in South Walton, the beauty and timelessness of another world has been transported to the diverse and spectacular Emerald Coast.
As John Martin, Realtor at John Martin Group, says, “Alys Beach is the crème de la crème of luxury communities on Scenic 30A. It’s known for its globally award-winning architecture inspired from Bermuda and Antigua, offering the finest amenities including a mind-blowing owners’ beach club, Caliza pool, ZUMA Wellness Center, world class restaurants and shopping. Alys Beach commands the highest real estate values on 30A.”
Alys Beach exemplifies simplicity and beauty with everything within walking distance – nature trails, dining and shopping with luxury and elegance around every corner. The amphitheater is a perfect place for the family for summer movie nights, as well as concerts.
Once a year, Alys Beach comes alive with light. Digital Graffiti is a one-of-a-kind digital art projection where artists come from around the world to take advantage of the opportunity to display their art via projection on the white walls of the town as the homes become canvasses for beauty.
The five-star-plus, zero-entry saltwater Caliza pool includes shaded cabanas and al fresco dining. Speaking of dining, if you’re near the amphitheater, you won’t want to pass up Charlie’s Donuts Food Truck without sampling their famous donuts. If you prefer something healthier, Raw & Juicy will fix you right up with juices, smoothies, kombucha, snacks, and some great coffee and tea. When you’ve worked up an appetite biking around the town or hiking the nature trail, George’s at the Beach is a great place for upscale and casual dining. They use locally sourced, organic produce and fresh seafood from the Gulf waters. The Citizen is another fine establishment offering coastal cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.
Alys Shoppe will be your favorite boutique in Alys Beach with something for the entire family. They offer private collections and name brands like CB Grey, David Aubrey Jewelry, and Krewe, among many others.
Alys Beach is more than a beautiful setting for shopping and dining. They also offer ZUMA Wellness Center where you can do yoga, spin, suspension training, and massage therapy. They also have steam rooms and offer strength training.
But of course, the lure of the Gulf is always the main draw. The pristine white sand beach and the gently lapping waves perform their magic. There’s nothing quite like the smell of the salty air, the soft and rhythmic crashing of the waves, the laughter of children, and the feel of the white froth around your feet to make you feel that this is where you were meant to be.
Visiting Alys Beach for the first time? CLICK HERE to check out Visit South Walton’s First Timer’s Guide.