Thursday, December 30, 2010
As you probably have already noticed, we launched a brand new DestinVacation.com website! We hope you check out the many new features, including the ability to save properties to your folder and then compare them side-by-side.
Our goal is to make it easier for you to navigate, find the property you are looking for and to book online. Keep checking back on our Blog page as well, since we will be posting news and updates frequently.
Friday, December 17, 2010
This page is coming soon...
Friday, December 10, 2010
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc., the rental management company for Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort of Destin, Florida, announces that the director of tennis, Myke Loomis, is celebrating her 26th anniversary with the resort.
Currently a member of the USPTA, Loomis played on the 2007 and 2008 USA Margaret Court Cup (Women’s 45) teams. In addition to winning a number of Florida championships and being inducted into the Arkansas Tennis Hall of Fame, she won the 2008 World Doubles Championships in Antalya, Turkey, and was a finalist in the 2009 World Doubles Championships in Mallorca, Spain.
Joining Hidden Dunes as a new college graduate from the University of Arkansas, Loomis assumed she would remain at the resort for five years or so before seeking another opportunity like most tennis pros do. Instead, she found a great professional fit. “I’ve never felt that restless need to move on,” says Loomis, who has enjoyed the challenges of her work. “I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
In turn, Loomis ensures that anyone who plays tennis at Hidden Dunes will feel right at home. “Whether here for the first time or the thirtieth, everyone who walks through the door will be greeted like a long lost friend,” she says. “Learning where people are from and where they play tennis, I usually find a connection, someone we both know.” Consequently, she has formed many long-terms friendships over the years with owners and guests of Hidden Dunes. “The players I taught as children are now returning with their own kids,” she says.
Designed for owners and guests ages four to 84, Hidden Dunes’ tennis program is also open to local residents and visitors. Accommodating all skill levels, the experienced staff regularly pairs players with partners who complement one another in terms of ability and personality.
Describing her staff as “stellar, both on and off the court,” Loomis credits them for the professionalism and quality of her tennis program.
In addition to winning a number of prestigious tournaments, head professional Renee Broxon, who joined Hidden Dunes in 2005, has been distinguished with the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award, as well as the Gulf Coast Conference Sportsmanship Award.
The newest team member, staff professional Phil Landauer, is an inductee in the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame and the Missouri Valley Tennis Hall of Fame. He ranked number one in every senior age division from the 35s to the 55s while also winning all four USTA 55s national doubles titles and 29 USTA National Championships.
With their love of competition, the Hidden Dunes pros will host two big tournaments in early 2011—the Clarence Chaffee Memorial Championship, a USTA senior men’s tournament that will take place February 24th through the 27th, and the CANUSA Cup, a spirited challenge between Canadian and American senior players, tentatively scheduled for February 17th. “Both tournaments are testament to the fact that tennis is a game for a lifetime,” says Loomis, who has worked to build upon a tennis program that gives Hidden Dunes a unique advantage.
“You’ll find many vacation accommodations in Destin, but our tennis program sets us apart. It’s exciting to me that Newman-Dailey understands what a hidden gem we have here with our tennis,” says Loomis. Similarly, with her love of tennis and the satisfaction she gains through her role at Hidden Dunes, Loomis sees every day as another opportunity to enjoy life.
For more information about tennis at Hidden Dunes, please call the resort’s tennis center at 850.269.2590 or visit http://www.hiddendunesdestin.com/Resort/Tennis/.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Phil Landauer has as many United States Tennis Association national championship trophies as there are days in a month, but perhaps the biggest thrill of his tennis career took place on foreign soil. 
Representing the United States at the Dubler Cup in Dublin, Ireland, Landauer and his three American teammates stood and listened as the Star Spangled Banner played to signify a victory in what he called “a Davis Cup for seniors.” That win in the 45-and-up age group was just one highlight in a career that has seen plenty.
“There were only four guys on the team, so it was an honor to get picked,” Landauer, a teaching professional at Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort in Destin, said. “You get a lot more nervous when you have ‘USA’ on your warm-ups as opposed to a regular match.”
Landauer, a former tennis star at the University of Arkansas, has amassed 30 USTA senior national titles (20 doubles, 10 singles). Most recently, he won the USTA 55 National Grass Court championships in both singles and doubles in Forest Hills, N.Y., in September and the 55 National Clay Court doubles championship in Palm Springs, Calif., in October.
Now 59, Landauer’s first USTA senior title came when he was 35 and living in Columbus, Ohio, and owned an indoor tennis club. He foots his own bill to travel to tournaments and if he’s lucky, wins enough prize money to cover a couple of nights of his hotel bill. The allure of competing in these tournaments comes from other sources.
“I have played since I was nine,” Landauer said. “I run into old buddies all the time and it’s like a reunion at these tournaments. Plus, if you do win a national championship, you get picked to represent your country at these international events. I’ve been on five or six teams that have competed all over the world.”
While one of those international teams gave Landauer the opportunity to win a world title for his country, another set in motion a chain of events that brought him to Destin and matched him with his significant other.
Playing at a tournament in Turkey, Landauer met a woman named Myke Loomis, the current Director of Tennis at Hidden Dunes. Soon after, Landauer and Loomis, herself a world champion, started dating.
They tried to have a long-distance relationship, but about eight months ago, Landauer decided it was time for a change. Seeking to be closer to his girlfriend and warmer weather, Landauer headed south to Destin and took a job at Hidden Dunes.
“We had been dating for about three years, so I decided I wanted warm weather and to be with her,” Landauer said. “We’ve been able to practice and help each other’s games a lot.”
Now entrenched on the Emerald Coast, Landauer is relishing the opportunity to work with a blossoming tennis community that he says is growing each day. And of course, he still plans on competing for titles.
Because he turns 60 in April of next year, Landauer will move up to the 60-and-up age class beginning in January. He hopes to continue his success in singles and doubles, including career wins on hardcourt, indoor, grass and clay surfaces.
“Usually I don’t do as well the last year in my age group because I’m the oldest guy,” he said. “You look forward to being the young guy in the group. But I happened to play well and get some breaks this year. It really won’t get all that much easier from here on out.”
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
You couldn’t have picked a better unit for our weekend escape! We weren’t ready to leave. Jade East and the location of this unit and décor were absolutely fabulous! I can truly say “I like Newman-Dailey Resort Properties” on facebook!
I will also commend your front desk staff at the main (Debbie) and also Jessica at Jade East. We were just sorry the hot tub wasn’t working – understand they are draining the pool for maintenance – it is that time of year when you have the least amount of guests to schedule annual maintenance.
Thanks again – it was wonderful!