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.
Nestled within The Pearl Hotel’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, but hidden away from its lively main dining room, the tropical hideaway-inspired Havana Beach Lounge feels tucked away in Old Havana. Just as Havana Beach draws its inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s favorite old-town Havana haunt, El Floridita, so too does The Havana Beach Lounge celebrate that very warmth and style – in true Papa Hemingway fashion!
Whether joining us before or after dinner, sipping on craft cocktails, or indulging in some light afternoon bites, the Havana Beach Lounge provides a vibrant respite for those seeking a cozy and more intimate gathering space that beckons celebration.
We sat down with Havana Beach’s Food & Beverage Director, Kevin Dixon, to learn more about what makes The Havana Beach Lounge a must-experience dining (or toasting) spot for those guests staying at The Pearl or enjoying a visit to this beautiful spot on 30A and Rosemary Beach.
What distinguishes the Lounge experience from the Havana Beach Rooftop or Main Dining Room? While our Rooftop Lounge and Main Dining Room are wonderful spaces for larger gatherings, the intimacy of the Lounge is perfect for smaller parties, especially for couples. The quieter atmosphere away from the busier dining spaces makes it an ideal spot for reading a book, enjoying a beverage or tasting a small plate; it has somewhat of a speakeasy vibe to it. Whereas Havana Beach is a family-friendly restaurant, the Lounge is an adult-oriented space, serving guests 21 and up, and awarding them with an intimate gathering spot during their visit to our Havana-inspired space.
What’s unique about the Lounge’s menu offerings? The Lounge’s menu is not available in the main Havana Beach dining room. Our culinary team curated these items meant to be enjoyed in this setting – think small, shareable plates and plentiful craft cocktails and, of course, the restaurant’s standout wine list. Some unique Lounge offerings include Blue Cheese Fries, topped with aged cheddar cheese sauce and Roquefort blue cheese; Wagyu Beef Slides topped with red dragon horseradish cheese and bacon-onion jam. What can I say? We love a good cheese? Our Fried Chicken Sliders are also a guest favorite.
What’s your favorite thing about the Lounge? I love the décor in the space and often find myself peeking in there simply to be inspired. Tastefully decorated with classic photos of Caribbean rum advertisements, warm and vibrant colors and natural wood, straw and palm elements, the Lounge balances elegance with tropical relaxation. Not to mention, the seating is comfortable and inviting. Be warned: once you sit down, you won’t want to leave!
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The Havana Beach Lounge is located within Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®. The Lounge is open daily, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; hours may vary seasonally. For more information, call (850) 588-2882.
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.
After nearly two decades as the official purveyor of the WaterColor style, The WaterColor Store has moved to a larger space within the WaterColor Town Center, expanding its collection of thoughtfully curated lifestyle products, including the store’s popular WaterColor-branded merchandise.
With a short move from 6 WaterColor Blvd. to 20 Goldenrod Cir., The WaterColor Store has now expanded into more than 3,000 sq. ft., providing plentiful space for the best retail therapy in WaterColor! The shop’s expansion will allow it to not only add more products to its existing offerings but also feature larger interior-décor items inspired by Northwest Florida’s modern coastal lifestyle. And of course, The WaterColor Store’s new location will continue to sell vacation-essential products by renowned brands like lululemon, Peter Millar, Johnnie-O, Travis Mathew, Vineyard Vines and Supergoop!®, styles by Southern designers and jewelry by local makers, as well as a variety of WaterColor-branded t-shirts, beachwear, candles, gift items and much more – allowing you to take the iconic WaterColor lifestyle home, long after your beach vacation is gone.
Thanks to this expansion, the little ones will also find plenty to shop for, as The WaterColor Store’s former location is now WaterColor Kids! The newly opened specialty children’s clothing outfitter at 6 WaterColor Blvd. features baby accessories, children’s clothing from brands like Ruffle Butts, Vineyard Vines, Travis Mathew, Johnnie-O and more, children’s jewelry by Carrie Rhea, fashion backpacks, bicycle bells, toys and a wide selection of beach essentials and WaterColor-branded novelty items.
With more reasons to shop than ever before, we have a feeling you’ll be taking plenty of vacation “souvenirs” home with you this year. Happy shopping!
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The shops are open daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For updates and more information, call 850-534-5004 or visit shopwatercolor.com.
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. Over the past couple of years, WaterColor Inn has continued to grow its family-friendly offerings with the reimagining of the WaterColor Beach Club, including the addition of multiple pools and casual-coastal dining venues. This summer, just in time for its 20th anniversary, WaterColor Inn is unveiling a major expansion that will undoubtedly cement it as the area’s go-to family vacation destination. And we have a feeling, this is just the beginning!
WaterColor Inn’s seven new Family Suites will be situated just footsteps away from the sand, conveniently located on the hotel’s first floor, the Family Suites – available as one-bedroom or two-bedroom accommodations – 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 kitchen area, including a microwave and 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. Explore the Family Suites in more detail at watercolorresort.com/accommodations.
As if that weren’t enough, each Family Suite will feature a private outdoor terrace, with ease-of-access to the family pool area – yet another family-friendly resort amenity being added this year! The new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool and expanded pool deck will provide ample space for families to swim, sunbathe or savor the hotel’s newest culinary addition (seriously!). Expected to open this summer, Gather Kitchen + Bar will be located poolside, with indoor, bar and – of course – poolside service available. With this new addition, WaterColor Inn guests will now have access to 10 resort pools – the most family-friendly pool access on all of 30A!
WaterColor Inn’s expansion is currently underway and slated to be completed early this summer. Stay tuned online, on Instagram or on Facebook for the latest operational updates.
The hotel is now accepting reservations for 1-Bedroom Family Suites for stays beginning May 27 and reservations for 2-Bedroom Family Suites for stays beginning July 20. Call 1-877-353-5239 to book today, or visit watercolorresort.com for more information.
Sure, the boutique hotels within The St. Joe Company’s portfolio are beautiful and located on one of Florida’s most coveted beaches, but it’s not just looks or location that make our beloved WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel so special. That’s because they have each been evaluated based on hundreds of standards that rate them among the world’s very best.
Every year, Forbes Travel Guide – deemed to be the global authority on luxury travel – evaluates hotels against up to 900 rigorous industry standards that range from their level of service to the quality of their respective facilities. The hotels are inspected independently and anonymously, ensuring the ratings are both objective and consistent and graded on things like cleanliness, amenities, dining options and comfort (including “exceptionally comfortable” beds). In simple terms, a Forbes Four-Star designation tells the world that the recipient is an exceptional property that offers high levels of service and quality of facility to match.
And service is especially important to us (hospitality is, after all, part of our company name). That’s why we pride ourselves in providing our St. Joe Company associates with extensive year-round hospitality training, ensuring every team member is well-versed in meeting our guests’ every need. The Forbes seal of approval is thus as much a testament to the tremendous amount of work, dedication and attention-to-detail that goes on behind the scenes at each hotel, as to the memorable guest experiences they offer.
WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel have consistently received a Forbes Four-Star designation since 2013 and 2015, respectively, and they’re the only properties on Florida’s Gulf Coast to tout the distinction. That means that when you stay at either hotel, you can count on the highest levels of service and on an experience that delivers on luxury and comfort.
In addition to the coveted Forbes recognition, both hotels have also maintained a AAA Four Diamond rating since 2007 and 2017, respectively, and have made an appearance on some of the travel’s industry most honorable lists, including Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Readers’ Choice Awards” and U.S. News and World Report’s annual hotel rankings.
Need we say more? WaterColor Inn and The Pearl both offer an award-winning experience that’s sure to leave you wanting to come back year after year – and you didn’t just hear it from us.
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To learn more about WaterColor Inn or The Pearl Hotel, visit watercolorresort.com or thepearlrb.com.
Let’s face it, sometimes a vacation needs to feel like home – complete with all of the comforts and conveniences you’d expect from a familiar space. This is why WaterSound Inn has long been a go-to for travelers looking for a serene, inspiring and timeless home-away-from home vacation experience.
The boutique hotel features just 11 newly renovated condo-sized suites, which range from 730 to 950 sq. ft. Each spacious room features an airy floor plan with comfortable furnishings, a private furnished balcony, a full kitchen, a separate King bedroom, a bathroom with double vanity, two TVs, and even a washer and dryer, making it truly ideal for loved ones traveling together.
And because it’s located within the acclaimed WaterSound Beach community in the heart of 30A, WaterSound Inn boasts picturesque views from the second and third floors, in addition to providing guests with access to the prestigious Watersound® Beach Club. WaterSound Inn guests can enjoy the club’s two 7,000-square-foot zero-entry pools shaped like a coastal dune lake, restaurant, indoor and outdoor dining, al fresco bar, shaded arbors, beach access and complimentary beach setup.
Additionally, guests can reap the benefits of staying at a St. Joe Hospitality-managed property, meaning access to an array of The St. Joe Company’s membership club amenities, including two private golf clubs and a beach club – offered through the Watersound Club.
Turns out, with a WaterSound Inn stay, you really can have it all while on vacation!
To learn more about the hotel, browse current specials or book your stay, visit watersoundinn.com.