An Architectural Masterpiece

The Echelon of a Life, Defined

By Lisa Marie Burwell

Late last autumn, a high-profile visitor was seen quietly dining in a refined, coastal tavern tucked along Florida’s Emerald Coast—a place where the lighting is soft, the cocktails are crafted, and discretion is clearly part of the charm. Mere days later, one of his billionaire contemporaries made an appearance at the very same bar. And yet, not a single patron batted an eyelash. There were no frenzied attempts at selfies, no whispered requests for autographs, no audible gasps or awestruck stares. Instead, they were left undisturbed, granted the rarest of luxuries: privacy. In an age where celebrity sightings often devolve into social media spectacle, such restraint speaks volumes—not only about the clientele, but about the establishment itself. One can’t help but wonder: where exactly is this modern-day sanctuary of elegance and understatement?

This is Alys Beach.

Set along a dazzling stretch of sugar-white sand and cerulean surf, Alys Beach recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary as one of the most striking examples of master-planned living in the New Urbanism tradition. But this is no ordinary tale of upscale development. Instead, it’s a living expression of what happens when vision, restraint, and artistry converge.

With its iconic white masonry architecture, granite-lined cobblestone streets, and harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, Alys Beach feels less like a beach town and more like a dream choreographed into reality. A reverent ode to Bermudian and Mediterranean influences, every corner of this 158-acre gem is a study in design integrity. It’s no wonder that its original creators—the Stephens family of Birmingham, Alabama—remained steadfastly committed to the vision, never once sacrificing quality for expedience.

We learned from past mistakes in other communities and perfected them in Alys Beach.

New Urbanism, the planning philosophy behind Alys, is often praised for its walkability, community spirit, and aesthetic continuity. But here, the ideology is elevated to an art form. This is a place where elegant garden walls conceal serene courtyards, where lush pathways lead to amphitheaters and pavilions, and where neighbors become part of a shared story—one grounded in connection and stewardship. In the words of architect Andrés Duany, the master planner behind Alys and other iconic communities like Seaside and Rosemary Beach: “We learned from past mistakes in other communities and perfected them in Alys Beach.” He has called it his proudest work. And rightly so.

Alongside Duany’s DPZ CoDesign team, the town architects, Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt of Khoury Vogt Architects, have served as guardians of the vision, with their design signatures evident in every sculpted corner and sun-washed surface. The duo, recently honored with the prestigious Arthur Ross Award for their architectural achievements, brought to life the town’s most dazzling feature—the Moroccan-inspired Caliza Pool. With its alabaster walls and ethereal glow, Caliza became not just a place to swim but a statement of intent: here, beauty and function coexist effortlessly. KVA’s footprint also extends directly west as they oversee the architecture of Kaiya Beach Resort, a unique but complementary new community along Scenic Highway 30-A.

From the beginning, I felt this was going to be a special place

And that hushed tavern where even some of the world’s most recognized can dine in peace? That would be The Citizen, tucked into the base of the majestic May Building on Mark Twain Lane. Designed by Merrill, Pastor & Colgan Architects, the four-story structure is one of the architectural centerpieces surrounding the town’s Amphitheater. The Citizen, the brainchild of Jeremy and Angela Walton of Quest Hospitality Concepts, is now a go-to for locals and visitors alike—an unpretentious yet elevated gathering spot offering refined coastal fare, an expertly curated wine list, interior design by Khoury Vogt Architects, and a clientele who instinctively understand that elegance requires no announcement.

In a recent conversation, Tom Dodson—the Alys Beach Real Estate Broker and Vice President of Sales who has shaped Alys Beach’s growth for nearly two decades—reflected on its evolution. A veteran of the Gulf Coast’s most storied developments, including Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort and St. Joe’s WaterColor, Watersound Beach, and Watersound West Beach, Dodson has witnessed firsthand what sets Alys apart. “From the beginning, I felt this was going to be a special place,” he mused. “I was lured by the vision, architectural vernacular, and attention to detail, which were unmatched.”

That vision continues with Phase 4 of the development, an ambitious expansion with new homesites and another beautiful pool and lifestyle amenity known as The Silva—Latin for “wood.” It’s a neighborhood conceived as a bridge between town and nature, where winding boardwalks meander through pines, and cottages open onto private gardens that border the adjacent nature preserve and wetland park. The streetscape, designed by Tim Slattery of Hart Howerton Architects, is an interplay of undulating white walls, secluded pavilions, and a signature pool and bar that serves as the heart of the new district. “Tim calls it a bit more ‘country’ than ‘town,’” Dodson said, with a knowing smile.

A place where visionaries walk unnoticed, where architecture whispers instead of shouts, and where life unfolds in serene, sunlit cadence.

When asked about the stunning infrastructure and ever-expanding list of amenities, Dodson didn’t hesitate to respond. “A developer must deliver on the promises made to homeowners,” he said firmly. “That includes everything—from the architecture and roads to the curated amenities and the heart and soul of Alys Beach, its Town Center delivering a lifestyle of dining, retail, and civic programming. That’s the mandate. Alys Beach has become a place where our owners come to play, live, work, and learn.”

One of the town’s most unique and beautiful amenities, the Beach Club offers Alys Beach residents a Gulf-front private pool, dining, and more.

Andrés Duany once declared, “Alys Beach is home to the densest collection of the finest architecture in the world.” Looking around, it’s hard to argue. From the hand-forged lanterns to the rhythmic facades that catch the light just so, this community is not just built—it’s composed.

In a time when so many developments feel like carbon copies chasing a trend, Alys Beach remains something rarer: a place with soul. A place where visionaries walk unnoticed, where architecture whispers instead of shouts, and where life unfolds in serene, sunlit cadence.

— V —

To discover more about becoming part of Alys Beach, please call the Alys Beach Sales Center at (850) 213-5500 and visit AlysBeach.com to learn more.