A New Gem on Clearwater Beach

Walking into a beach resort, guests may not expect to see exquisite and custom-designed works of art all around, but that’s just what they’ll find when visiting Opal Sands Resort.

The resort opened last month on Clearwater Beach, recently named the Number One Beach in the U.S. in the TripAdvisor 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Outside, Opal Sands may be called a work of art in its design, overseen by Design Duncan Miller Ullmann: the concave, classically modern 15-story building features floor-to-ceiling windows on each of its levels, affording panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Bay not only from every one of its 230 guestrooms, but from the lobby, restaurants and meeting spaces as well.

Inside, the first piece of custom-designed art that guests encounter is “Ascent,” created by sculptor Mark Aeling and Florida native artist Christopher Still, which floats wave-like from the ceiling over the grand staircase leading up into the lobby. Other pieces of one-of-a-kind art found within Opal Sands’ public spaces include Clear Water, an arrival fountain with egrets seemingly inflight; Sunset on Clearwater Beach, an oil painting behind the front desk by Still; and Gulf Spirit, a nine-foot grouper sculpture that hangs over the entrance to Sea-Guini, the resort’s signature restaurant.

The sleek design and inspiring art carries into Opal Sands’ accommodations, too, ranging from sizeable and well-appointed standard guest rooms, to One- and Two-Bedroom Sunset Suites complete with mini-kitchens. All guestrooms feature spacious balconies on which to spread out, and pull-out sofas for more sleeping space. Additionally, each guestroom floor has a “pantry” a complimentary refreshment nook with fresh fruit, cookies and drinks.

For even more room, the one-bedroom Opal Sands Suites (575-square-feet, starting at $788 a night) feature a kitchen, bar, living and dining rooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms and an expansive 500-square-foot balcony. The top of the line is the two-bedroom Presidential Suite (1,300-square-feet, starting at $1,538 a night), featuring a full-size kitchen, living areas, two-and-a-half bathrooms and a flowing 1,000-square-foot balcony with 270-degree panoramic views. The Opal Sands Suites and Presidential Suite each also feature outdoor hot tubs in which to relax whilst soaking up the sun during the day, or gazing at the stars at night.

Adding to Opal Sands’ appeal are the relaxing, on-site Opal Spa and the resort’s three restaurants overseen by Executive Chef Todd Holender—Sea-Guini, blending Italian cuisine and fresh seafood; Reflections, the poolside bar and eatery; and the Sand Bar, a tiki hut-roofed bar with direct access to the nearby beach.

Take a quick getaway to Opal Sands Resort and meet the newest gem on Clearwater Beach

Opal Sands Resort | 430 S. Gulfview Blvd. | Clearwater Beach | 855-335-1087 | www.opalsands.com