The start of a new year brings with it boundless potential for new experiences. And so, with the anticipation of the 2024 beach season that awaits us – and in the sunny spirit of our beloved Gulf Coast – we’ve compiled a list of the things to see and soak up in the year ahead.
We hope you’ll join us!
Get Your Legs Moving
At the top of everyone’s list is incorporating more movement into their daily routine, and that means while on vacation, too! Lucky for you (and for us), South Walton offers plenty of opportunities to get your legs moving. Whether you prefer pumping your legs aboard a bicycle or getting them to work the old-school way on foot, you’ll find yourself logging in some invigorating steps along the distinct beach neighborhoods and natural sights that dot our beautiful coastal community.
Walk or bike your way through nature on the 30A Trail, formerly known as Cassine Trail. Accessible from the 30A Trailhead in Seagrove Beach’s Greenway Station, this trail offers a convenient starting point near The Lodge 30A and leads into Point Washington State Forest, where you’ll encounter diverse terrain that showcases the variety of ecosystems in Northwest Florida. The trail winds past the northwest portion of Eastern Lake- one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. Guests at The Lodge 30A receive discounted rates on bike rentals from YOLO Board + Bike, a fellow merchant within Greenway Station.
Or take a hike on the wild side and see 11 distinct ecosystems in one park. Located within close proximity of WaterColor Inn, Deer Lake State Park beautifully boasts magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod and scrub oaks. Walk across the dunes atop the boardwalk to access the beach and enjoy an idyllic picnic, take a mid-day swim or cast a line from the shore. Staying at WaterColor Inn or The Pearl Hotel? Both properties offer complimentary bike rentals to our guests.
Feast on Fresh Seafood
Everything in moderation – unless it refers to great food, right? We think Gulf Coast seafood is the best seafood, and – if you don’t already – soon you will too!
Our coast’s bounty is plentiful and unlike any other in the world, which is why you’ll find only the freshest, most seasonal seafood featured in our restaurants’ inventive creations – from the Featured Fish of the Day at Fish Out of Water and the roasted Oysters de Antigua at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to the Panhandle Fish Sandwich (with Gulf Mahi) at Costa Chica and Gulf Shrimp Ceviche at WaterColor Grill. All we’re really saying is, save room for lots of seafood this year!
Grab a Paddle
Whether you’ve visited Northwest Florida once or dozens of times, you’ve likely encountered some of the locals’ favorite activities: kayaking and standup paddle boarding (SUP) – and what better way to try your hand at one or both than in the new year?
Get up close and personal with one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes, Western Lake (the largest and, perhaps, most popular) by kayaking or standup paddle boarding. Aside from being distinctly fun activities, their low-impact nature makes them suitable for all ages – and offers the chance to explore WaterColor’s natural beauty from a unique vantage point. All are available to rent seasonally from the WaterColor BoatHouse. Guests of all St. Joe Resort properties have access to use of these rentals for one hour each day. Guided kayaking adventure tours around Western Lake are also available and offer a great way to learn more about these beautiful natural rarities.
Moonlight as a Crab “Hunter”
Don’t worry – no creature will be harmed with your new hobby! Join the locals on the beach right after the sun sets to search for ghost crabs (named for their pale appearance), as they come out in the dozens to look for small prey in the sand. All you need is a flashlight or two to look for them up and down the shore – quite an interesting and fascinating sight that’s sure to become one of your favorite post-beach day beach activities this year.
Experience South Walton’s Newest Boutique Hotels
This year, comfort, convenience and contemporary coastal style await at St. Joe Resort’s newest hotel, The Lodge 30A. Inspired by the beauty of Northwest Florida’s lush coastal surroundings, The Lodge provides guests with a distinct and relaxing sense of place. Indulge in a nature-inspired beach escape to 30A this spring, and receive The Lodge’s best rates of the season, with savings of up to 25% when you book your stay March 1 – May 23 (Spring Presale available until February 29). Equipped with everything you might need and situated just steps away from dining, shopping and the state’s expansive network of trails, The Lodge makes it easy for guests to do as much, or as little, as you prefer – which might just be the best resolution yet.
Lock in the Savings
The past couple of years have taught us to not take even the smallest pleasures for granted and assured us that there’s no better place to be than surrounded by loved ones in a place we love. As we get ready to plan travel for 2024, beach vacations seem more popular than ever. Ensure your spring vacation doesn’t get away by locking in the season’s best savings. Book your family’s spring 2024 beach getaway at a St. Joe Resort property – The Lodge 30A, WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel – and save up to 20% off your stay depending on how long you stay. With so much to enjoy and save, it’ll be like crossing two major resolutions off your list – you overachiever, you!
As summer comes to an end and the families head back to school, there’s a shift in the air along 30A. The air becomes a bit cooler, the sunsets more vibrant and visitors relish in the quieter beaches. In fact, these are just a few reasons why the fall is prime season for girlfriends’ getaways to South Walton.
With a variety of accommodation options, delectable Gulf Coast dining, unrivaled sunsets, outdoor exploration and plentiful ways to relax, the only challenge you’ll have in planning your next escape with your girl gang is figuring out just what you’ll pack into your itinerary.
To get your planning started, we’ve pulled together a few of our top St. Joe resort experiences. Whether you’re seeking a full-service boutique hotel experience or a laidback home-away-from-home vibe, fun or relaxation indoors or outdoors, or simply looking to bask in the simplicities of the Gulf, these will surely have you and your friends covered.
Now, gather the ladies and get your getaway going! We look forward to welcoming you.
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Make Yourself at Home
From full-service elegance to a more laidback, limited-service approach, St. Joe’s portfolio of lodging experiences provides consistent customer service, comfort and coastal style (of course).
Stay at South Walton’s only adult-oriented hotel, The Pearl Hotel in picturesque Rosemary Beach, for a thoughtfully curated boutique hotel experience that’s as distinct as each guest, complete with on-site dining, a spa, complimentary beach setups and more. Enjoy a quintessential and long-beloved 30A tradition at WaterColor Inn, the flagship of the iconic WaterColor community, and indulge in a guest experience that delivers on the extra touches, including a variety of pools and recreational opportunities. Seeking the ultimate in comfort and convenience? Escape to Seagrove Beach’s newest boutique hotel, The Lodge 30A, to enjoy a prime location and home-away-from-home hospitality. If you’re seeking rejuvenation and relaxation, Camp Creek Inn is the ideal location to meet your needs. Enjoy the privacy and serenity of this newly opened boutique hotel’s luxury accommodations and private club amenities.
Toast to Friendship
Cheers to good times spent with even better friends with an unforgettable dinner or cocktail celebration at any of our St. Joe dining establishments. Celebrate the joy of living, eating and drinking well at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, featuring a colorful food and cocktail menu that is equal parts Gulf Coast, equal parts Caribbean; or head to the Havana Beach Rooftop for tapas, cocktails and stunning sunset views. Indulge in a long-standing WaterColor dining tradition at Fish Out of Water, complete with fresh seafood and panoramic Gulf views.
And of course, you’ll find plentiful dining options along 30A, all in close proximity to The Lodge 30A, The Pearl Hotel and WaterColor Inn. Additionally, guests of WaterColor Inn also have access to a plethora of delectable offerings of Gather Kitchen + Bar and the WaterColor Beach Club. A stay at Camp Creek Inn affords you access to six private dining venues, including three onsite at the hotel.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Traveling with your friends offers an invaluable opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with one another, making simplicity and relaxation a tenet of the ultimate girlfriends’ getaway.
And there’s perhaps no more relaxing (or analog) 30A amenity than South Walton’s beaches themselves! With sugar-white sand and the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise that our area’s beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the world. And whether you’re a guest of The Pearl Hotel, Camp Creek Inn, WaterColor Inn or The Lodge 30A, you and your girlfriends will have plentiful opportunities to soak in our beaches however you choose. Take in an early-morning dip, lounge in the sun to your heart’s content or indulge in an iconic 30A sunset with your toes in the sand.
For the ultimate R&R experience, book yourselves a service or two at Spa Pearl, where you can all enjoy an invigorating and therapeutic poolside spa escape.
Explore Like a Local
The sky is the limit when it comes to exploring South Walton’s natural wonders. Whether you stay in Rosemary Beach, Seagrove Beach or WaterColor, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to walking, biking hiking, kayaking or standup-paddleboarding your way through 30A’s coastal beauty. Rentals and excursions are available through the WaterColor BoatHouse (WaterColor Inn guests have special access to rentals), and there are plentiful parks and trails to explore on your own, too (we recommend the Watersound Trail, Deer Lake State Park and Western Lake). Guests of WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel have access to complimentary bike rentals, so be sure to add pedaling through South Walton’s distinct beach communities to your itinerary!
Shop ‘til You Drop
We think every girlfriends’ getaway requires some retail therapy, and in 30A, you’ll find yourself in great company. No matter where you stay within the St. JoeÒ portfolio, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to some of the area’s best shops – from the merchants of Rosemary Beach and the stores of the WaterColor Town Center to the variety of amenities at Greenway Station and every beach community in between.
Step out in style with the latest seasonal styles from TheWaterColor Store (including items for the kiddos back home at WaterColor Kids); treat yourself to one-of-a-kind, locally made jewelry from Carrie Rhea Designs; or snag the essentials for recreating a relaxing spa experience at home at Spa Pearl. And because t’s not too early to get your holiday shopping started, our 30A Gift Guide may also come in handy.
Still on the fence on what to pack? We have you covered with our Beach Bag Essentials!
We think there is nothing more stunning than a fall sunset along the Gulf Coast – and certainly no more idyllic spot from where to catch it than WaterColor! We might be biased, but with an array of picture-perfect spots in one central and iconic location on 30A, can you really blame us?
Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner with cotton-candy skies as your backdrop, or take in the end of a day well spent with your toes in the pool – or with a cocktail in hand. Gather your family for an unforgettable barefoot photo-op Gulf-side just before the sun sets, or schedule a private kayaking class just in time to see the array of orange, pink and violet cast their shades over the dunes. Of course, you can always take in the splendid sights casually from the comfort of your balcony at WaterColor Inn. You really can’t go wrong in choosing how to catch the season’s most dazzling colors when you’re a WaterColor Inn guest.
Below, a roundup of the ultimate spots for catching a sunset in WaterColor this fall!
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In the Sand
There’s perhaps no better spot to take in the sunset than directly on the sugar-white sand of WaterColor beach, just steps from the area’s beloved emerald-green waters. Several area photographers offer sunset packages for families and couples alike, but you also can’t go wrong with a good, old-fashioned selfie. Be sure to claim the perfect spot in the sand with a beach setup from WaterColor Inn, or book a beach bonfire package in time for the sunset. For a truly memorable sendoff to a beach day, add on food, beverages or even games. How’s that for the ultimate beach sunset experience?
Poolside
With 10 resort pools to choose from – the most pool access on all of 30A – your biggest challenge will be choosing which pool to settle into! Lounge poolside at WaterColor Inn’s new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool, which includes an extensive pool deck just footsteps away from the beach, while taking in sips or bites from the nearby Gather Kitchen + Bar. At the WaterColor Beach Club, enjoy plentiful space for lounging, swimming, dining or toasting while awaiting the sunset Gulf-side.
On Your Balcony
Who says you can’t have your sunset and the comfort of your room, too? All of WaterColor Inn’s beachfront guest rooms* offer the chance to take in the sunset, complete with a pair of Adirondack chairs on your private balcony (or patio, on the first floor rooms) – each situated at precise sunset-level (seriously!). Opt for a more luxurious experience by booking one of the Inn’s spacious 600-square-foot Rotunda Suites offering panoramic Gulf views. With only three Rotunda Suites available, these are extremely popular, so you’ll want to book yours quickly!
*please note that this does not include the hotel’s seven new Family Suites, which are not beach-facing.
From Your Dining Spot
For the ultimate sunset spot, there’s perhaps no more timeless Santa Rosa Beach spot than Fish Out of Water. At WaterColor Inn’s award-winning restaurant, the best seat in the house is always guaranteed, thanks to glass walls that showcase breathtaking views from every seat, while enjoying an authentic taste of the Gulf. For the best photo-op, head outside to the FOOW balcony. We can’t think of a more impressive stage for a sunset dinner, can you?
On the Lake
Take in a splendid sunset from one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Book a private kayaking adventure tour with WaterColor BoatHouse around sunset time for a one-of-a-kind sunset-viewing experience on Western Lake, or opt for a bike ride around the lake (the WaterColor Bike Barn staff will be happy to provide you with maps and details for making the most of your experience).
However you find yourself taking in a WaterColor sunset this season, we invite you to share it with us on Instagram, using the hashtags #watercolorinn #watercolorfl.
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WaterColor Beach Club & Camp WaterColor is a shared community amenity for WaterColor residents and guests of WaterColor Inn & Resort. Only WaterColor Inn guests have access to the hotel’s main pool and complimentary bike and kaya rentals. Gather Kitchen + Bar is open to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members. FOOW is open to the public.
We might be biased, but we can’t picture a more cheerful way to spend the holidays than with the backdrop of our sugar-white sand (our much nicer version of snow) and the cooler coastal weather that seems to make every sunset just that much brighter. Besides, with fewer crowds, it feels like we have every inch of the stunning Gulf Coast for ourselves!
It’s undeniable: the holidays bring a bounty of good cheer to Northwest Florida, including:
Lower Rates
Lock in the best rates of the year when you stay at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel or WaterSound Inn during the winter and holiday months. Better yet? Guests at any St. Joe Company property have access to an array of our private membership club amenities.
30A in Lights
Experience a coastal winter wonderland as you stroll or drive through the beautiful holiday decorations along Scenic Highway 30A and tucked within the WaterColor Community and beyond. The only downside might be the number of times you’ll be compelled to stop for a magical photo.
Festive Events
‘Tis the season to gather with loved ones and celebrate – and we know how to do just that. Each year, WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel and their acclaimed restaurants, Fish Out of Water, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, get into the spirit of the season with a variety of festive holiday-themed events for the whole family, taking place in December.
Fuss-Free Family Time
Spend quality time on the beach without having to worry about what to do or where to eat. WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel have your gathering covered. We take the hassle out of family time so you can focus your time on family – and who wouldn’t want to cheers to that?!
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For details on the holiday offerings and events available at WaterColor Inn or The Pearl Hotel, visit watercolorresort.com or thepearlrb.com, respectively.
Winter in Northwest Florida means trading in your snow shovel for a different kind of white backdrop: our sugar-white beaches, that is! With milder weather, fewer crowds and the festive spirit of the season, there’s even more reason to celebrate during the winter months – and plenty of ways to stay warm while you do.
Here are our top picks for warming up and cozying up to enjoy a winter wonderland in true 30A style!
A Beachside Bonfire
Guests of WaterColor Inn can reserve two hours of bonfire fun for up to 30 guests – complete with beach chairs, bottled water and all of the fixings for s’mores. The expertly set-up bonfire experience, which can be set up before or after sunset, takes place behind the WaterColor Beach Club and provides a laidback and fun way to cozy up with the beach during the cooler winter months. Outdoor game packages and food-and-beverage amenities can also be added for an additional fee.
A Hot Stone Massage
Experience a hot stone massage at Spa Pearl at The Pearl Hotel and melt your winter blues away. Within four private poolside treatment rooms, men and women enjoy facials, signature body treatments and massages that incorporate invigorating and therapeutic oceanic elements. Better yet? All spa bookings receive complimentary access to The Pearl Hotel’s heated adults-only pool – and we can’t quite picture a winter day more relaxing than that.
A Swim in the Pool
The winter months won’t keep us away from the water – the pool water, that is! And because all of our pools at WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel are heated, our guests can enjoy a leisurely swim year-round. Not to mention, WaterColor Inn now has a new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool, complete with whirlpool bench and hydro jets. We think there’s nothing quite as invigorating like a warm winter dip!
A Walk on the Beach
Never underestimate the simple, heart-warming pleasure of taking a stroll on the beach. Throw on your favorite hoodie (we have a preference for this super cozy WaterColor Shop sweatshirt) and head Gulf-side to take in a picturesque winter sunset or bask in the stunning display of stars that light up our coastal sky.
A Seafood Feast with a View
Winter months are still perfect for enjoying freshly caught seafood just footsteps away from the Gulf. And cooler weather doesn’t mean forgoing the view either! Take it in indoors at Fish Out of Water, where every seat is the best in the house and every dish boasts the Gulf’s most delicious seasonal flavors.
A Fresh Cup of Hot Coffee
Load up on some extra fuel at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, where you’ll find plenty of coffee flowing, thanks to the restaurant’s daily selections of its own signature blend. Consider yourself a die-hard coffee enthusiast well beyond the winter months? Join Scratch’s “Mug Club” to receive your own Scratch “Mug Club”-branded mug and $1 unlimited coffee (cheers to that!).
A Tropics-Inspired Happy Hour
Retreat to the Havana Beach Lounge, an intimate tropical hideaway nestled within The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to enjoy a menu of small plates, pre-dinner cocktails or both. Bold, tropical prints and a lively Havana-inspired theme are surely to warm up your evening.
Celebrating two decades as the flagship of South Walton’s WaterColor community, WaterColor Inn has long been a beloved multigenerational beach tradition for families traveling to Scenic Highway 30A. Opened in 2002, the Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond 60-room hotel perfectly encapsulates the spirit of an intimate beach getaway – while providing the functionality necessary for a family vacation. From the David Rockwell-designed accommodations to the pair of Adirondack chairs on each private balcony, guests can expect to have a relaxing, comfortable and Gulf-inspired stay.
So, what makes the WaterColor Inn experience so timeless? To learn more about how the beloved boutique hotel delivers on the ultimate guest experience, we sat down with WaterColor Inn’s own Lodging Manager, Michael Clauson.
How would you describe the WaterColor Inn guest experience? The Watercolor Inn experience is all about enjoying Southern hospitality – much like going back to the old days of saying hello to your neighbor, striking up conversation anywhere you go, and coming back year after year to see familiar faces and relive cherished memories. It really is a nostalgic, multigenerational experience that we’re so proud to be a part of.
What makes a stay at WaterColor Inn unique? In addition to our Southern hospitality, I think it’s the unique structure of our guest services that make WaterColor Inn such a special place. Our team maintains the service standards of a premium hotel brand, yet has the flexibility of a boutique hotel to offer a tailored approach for each guest. Because we have so many repeat guests, our staff gets to know them on a personal level – from their favorite sports team to their preference for the beach or the pool. Our team serves with heart; we all get joy out of spreading comfort, convenience and contentment to our guests, and I think that shows. At the end of the day, we’re taking care of one big WaterColor Inn family.
What do you think would surprise someone most about staying at WaterColor Inn? While the hotel has been around for two decades, it is always evolving to provide guests with the very best amenities and services. Our team is constantly adding to our offerings, while staying true to the family-minded essence that has made WaterColor Inn such a beloved destination over the years. Whether a guest has been visiting the 30A area since we opened, or whether this is their first time, WaterColor Inn will always make them feel at home.
What’s your favorite WCI amenity or feature and why? I love all of our outdoor recreation options, such as kayaking or canoeing along Western Lake on a slightly foggy morning and just taking in the natural sights and sounds. Few things are more relaxing in my opinion! I’m always on the lookout for the local wildlife that make our rare coastal dune lakes so unique.
What is a recurring piece of feedback you receive most from WaterColor Inn guests? Our guests are always very gracious with their feedback. Our team most commonly receives thank-you notes for going above and beyond in providing a memorable stay for a guest and their family. I think it boils down to our team’s genuine enthusiasm and joy for serving guests, and that’s not something that can be faked. A smile goes such a long way. We also get quite a few messages about the quality of the food at Fish Out of Water – the shrimp tacos are a consistent guest favorite!
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To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s family-friendly amenities to book your family’s next stay, visit the resort online.
We’re delighted to announce that WaterColor Inn has completed a major expansion that includes even more family-friendly amenities to be enjoyed! With the addition of seven Family Suites, a zero-entry family pool and a brand-new dining venue, WaterColor Inn has cemented itself as 30A’s go-to family vacation destination – just in time to celebrate its 20th anniversary as the flagship of South Walton’s WaterColor community.
These ultimate family-vacation amenities are in addition to the recent reimagining of the WaterColor Beach Club, including the addition of multiple pools and restaurants, and the beloved Camp WaterColor.
New Spacious Family Suites
Situated just footsteps away from the sand, WaterColor Inn’s seven new Family Suites are conveniently located on the hotel’s first floor. Available as one-bedroom or two-bedroom accommodations, the Family Suites are designed with WaterColor Inn’s characteristic coastal comfort in mind, making them ideal for larger family getaways. The one-bedroom suites vary from 1,010 – 1,070 sq. ft. and the two-bedroom suites range from 965 – 1,220 sq. ft., making them the hotel’s most spacious room options. Each elegantly furnished, coastal-inspired suite comes equipped with a kitchenette and wet bar area, including a microwave and mini refrigerator, as well as a personal “Treat Suite,” refreshed with snacks daily and a selection of family board games. Different view options, as well as bunk-bed suites, are also available.
**Please note that each Family Suite is unique and room layouts vary from suite to suite. The photos featured in this story are of Room 108 (1 Bedroom w/ Bunk Beds, Dune View), 109 (2 Bedroom, Pool Front) and 112 (2 Bedroom Beach Club View).
New Family-Friendly Pool Area
Designed with ultimate family enjoyment in mind, each Family Suite features a private outdoor terrace, with ease-of-access to the family pool area – yet another family-friendly resort amenity now open to WaterColor Inn guests (as well as Watersound Club Lifestyle members). The new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool includes a whirlpool bench with hydro jets, as well as an expanded pool deck provides ample space for families to swim, sunbathe or savor the hotel’s newest culinary addition (more on that below!). With this new addition, WaterColor Inn guests now have access to 10 resort pools – the most family-friendly pool access on all of 30A!
New Casual, Coastal Cuisine
Located poolside with indoor, bar and poolside service available, the newly opened Gather Kitchen + Bar serves an elevated bar menu of locally sourced coastal cuisine with a global flair in a setting designed to feel as warm and comfortable as home. As the restaurant’s name implies, the menu is meant to be shared with family and friends – poolside, in the dining room or at the Gather Bar. Live music, a nightly Happy Hour, indoor and outdoor games and even Dive in Movies for the kiddos are also available (dates and times may vary seasonally). Gather Kitchen + Bar is open only to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members.
Additional Guest Experience Enhancements
WaterColor Inn’s recent expansion also includes the addition of a brand-new Cardio Room, equipped with free weights, stair climber, treadmill, stationery bike and lululemon MIRROR, all overlooking the new pool deck. The hotel has also fully renovated the lobby bathrooms on the hotel’s first floor for guests’ comfort and convenience., as well as newly renovated lobby bathrooms on the hotel’s first floor. Additionally, WaterColor Inn’s youngest guests will now also have a place to shop for their favorite WaterColor lifestyle items thanks to the opening of WaterColor Kids. The specialty children’s clothing outfitter features baby accessories, children’s brand clothing, children’s jewelry, fashion backpacks, bicycle bells, toys and a wide selection of beach essentials and WaterColor-branded novelty items.
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To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s family-friendly amenities to book your family’s next stay, visit the resort online.
Located in the charming coastal community of Rosemary Beach®, The Pearl Hotel provides a luxury coastal retreat away from the hustle and bustle of other resort hotels. As the area’s only adults-oriented hotel, The Pearl offers travelers with a relaxing, comfortable, and elegant beach getaway – complete with the Gulf Coast’s finest luxury amenities, including the award-winning Spa Pearl, AAA Four-Diamond Havana Beach Bar and Grill, and adults-only pool.
Just in time for summer 2022, The Pearl has unveiled its 55 newly reimagined guestrooms, marking the hotel’s first room upgrade since 2013. And, because the final room design took guest feedback directly into account, The Pearl’s accommodations are sure to delight!
The new rooms reflect the luxurious coastal style for which The Pearl has become known, while also drawing inspiration from its stunning coastal surroundings, with bright hues of blue, teal and sunset-orange. Updated flooring and custom area rugs, as well as new tropical-inspired lounge chairs, dining tables and window treatments also added to each room’s elevated coastal comfort and modern aesthetic.
Guests’ in-room convenience has also been optimized, with the addition of faster WiFi, larger TVs and a new Integrated Entertainment System that allows guests to access their favorite streaming services. Additionally, upscale in-room amenities include Lather® bath amenities, rainfall showerheads, Keurig coffeemakers and mini-fridges stocked with complimentary sodas, juices and double-filtered Nordaq FRESH water.
All 55 of the Pearl Hotel’s elegant and modern accommodations showcase picturesque views of either the Gulf, Town or Pool. For an extra special stay, guests may opt to book one of The Pearl’s 10 Gulf-View Rooms, or splurge on The Pearl Suite, complete with its own separate master bedroom, private balcony, soaking tub and rainfall shower.
From the contemporary coastal décor and house-baked turndown treat left on guests’ pillow each night, every detail at The Pearl has been thoughtfully considered to ensure a delightful, unforgettable and truly personalized stay, meant to be slowly unpacked…
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To book your stay at The Pearl, visit thepearlrb.com to take advantage of the hotel’s current offers.
The past year has taught us to not take even the smallest pleasures for granted and assured us that there’s no better place to be than surrounded by loved ones in a place we love. As the world opens up and travel slowly resumes its pace, popular vacation times are now more popular than ever – and spring 2022 is already gearing up to be a very desirable time to visit our beautiful sugar-white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. That’s why our Spring Pre-Sale offers are your best chance yet to book your worry-free spring 2022 stay.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy some family beach time at WaterColor Inn; relax by the adults-only pool at The Pearl Hotel; or experience a home-away-from-home experience at WaterSound Inn, the Spring Pre-Sale is your best bet for ensuring your spring vacation doesn’t get away! Let us tell you why…
Enjoy the Season’s Lowest Rates
By booking early, you’ll lock in the lowest rates of the season – guaranteed! Book your stay by Sept. 30, 2021 and enjoy up to 25% off your spring stay, between March 1 and May 25, 2022*. Those are major savings, leaving you with the opportunity to spend on other travel costs or vacation essentials
Stay Longer, Save More
Better yet, the longer you stay, the more you’ll save off our standard rates. Stay three nights and receive 20% off standard rates; stay four nights and your savings jump up to 25% off. Now that’s a major offer you won’t want to miss out on!
Have Peace-of-Mind
Booking your spring vacation early means you won’t risk missing out on your chance to visit. Keep in mind that WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel and WaterSound Inn are all small, boutique properties, so selling out – especially in the spring and summer months – is almost always likely.
Don’t Worry About Your Reservation
We understand that things happen, and vacation plans can change. Our Spring Pre-Sale offers have a two-week cancellation policy, meaning you won’t have to worry should your plans change last-minute.
Celebrate Early
Knowing you have a spring beach vacation to look forward to – and with tremendous savings to boot! – is sure to make the winter months a bit more bearable, don’t you think?
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So, what are you waiting for? Get booking – and we’ll see you this spring!
*Blackout dates apply; other restrictions may apply. For full offer details, visit the respective hotel’s website and click “Offers.”
Whether you’ve visited Northwest Florida once or dozens of times, you’ve likely encountered locals’ favorite activities: standup paddle boarding (SUP). And the BoatHouse Paddle Club at the WaterColor BoatHouse offers guests the opportunity to experience SUP first-hand, as they explore Western Lake, one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Aside from being a distinctly fun activity, its low-impact nature makes SUP suitable for all ages – and offers the chance to explore WaterColor’s natural beauty from a unique vantage point.
We sat down with Tom Losee, Owner & Founder of RUN/SUP – BoatHouse Paddle Club to learn more about what makes SUP one of WaterColor’s favorite activities.
SJH: How would you describe SUP to someone who has never experienced it before?
TL: I would say it’s just like the name implies: stand-up paddling. If you have ever experienced any other type of paddle sport, you will immediately appreciate the perspective you get when stand-up paddling….you can see a lot more from that vantage point, especially when paddling the clear waters of the Gulf. You have the opportunity to witness an abundance of marine life that you might have missed if you were just sitting down. It’s easy to learn and enjoy from your very first time. Just make sure you try it first in calm water – just like we have on Western Lake at the WaterColor Boathouse.
SJH: What makes SUP so fun?
TL: It is easy to learn and there are so many ways to enjoy it – from casual paddling to racing, from flat water to riding as big of a wave as you are comfortable riding. Even better, it’s a sport that can be enjoyed with friends and family.
SJH: Why do you think SUP has become such an iconic South Walton activity?
TL: Definitely because of the variety and scenery that our local waters provide. Our area is ideal for SUP’ing. Our coastal dune lakes offer consistent flat-water, which is ideal for learning. We also have many locations from which you can easily launch your board – not just coastal dune lakes but also, with the right conditions, the gulf and the bay as well.
SJH: Do you have any favorite SUP memories?
TL: There are many, as I have been fortunate to paddle in many locations all over the world. I can still remember the first time I ever stand-up paddled, and it was from the dock at the WaterColor Boathouse – nearly 15 years ago!
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The BoatHouse Paddle Club at WaterColor BoatHouse offers rentals, lessons, tours and merchandise seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary). Click here for more information and pricing, or call (850) 419-6188. Happy paddling!