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.
Timeless elegance, classically coastal charm and bespoke details… Weddings at The Pearl Hotel are filled with boundless enchantment.
From sophisticated receptions in the Pearl Ballroom and sun-kissed ceremonies on the Cabana Rooftop Deck to intimate toasts in the Hemingway Room, the award-winning boutique hotel provides endless opportunities for creating your idyllic wedding day.
And because we believe your focus should be on dreaming, our team is here to focus on the little details – none too small to ensure a memorable beginning to your happily ever after. Today, we sat down with The Pearl’s Kylie Bennett, the hotel’s Catering Sales + Events Manager , to help inspire your planning.
What do you think makes weddings at The Pearl so special?
With its pointed turrets, sunlit terraces and black-and-white striped awnings, The Pearl offers a stunning setting that blends European style with coastal charm, all within one of South Walton’s most iconic beach communities. Additionally, couples can rest easy knowing their guests will be well taken care of and have an unforgettable experience, too. Personalization for each couple and their guests is something we pride ourselves in. From breathtaking Gulf views to our team’s focus on the details, we are committed to making each wedding a dream experience.
What would surprise a couple most about what a wedding at The Pearl entails?
One of the first things we frequently hear from our brides is how thankful they are to have access to so many incredible vendors and opportunities, seamlessly and expertly bundled in one of our wedding packages! Planning a wedding can be stressful at times, but we pride ourselves on minimizing this stress by offering inclusive packages that help alleviate much of the planning. The Pearl’s wedding packages include food and beverage, silverware, glassware, tables, event staff, a wedding cake and even night-of accommodations for the couple
What’s the consistent thing couples say about getting married at The Pearl?
Once the wedding has come to an end, our couples immediately jump right into, “When can we come back?!” We also frequently hear from our couples that their guests praised their wedding as the best they’ve ever attended. Not only is this an amazing compliment but also a testament to the genuine care, thought and effort that our entire team puts into making each wedding a distinctly special one.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings at The Pearl?
Getting to be such an integral part of the best day of someone’s life! Wedding planning can be taxing, but seeing the joy on our couples’ faces after they say “I do” in front of their loved ones is an indescribable feeling. Watching them celebrate the night away with the help of our teams really just makes us smile! We love our couples, and we love watching their dream days unfold.
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Have other wedding-related questions? Browse our Wedding Guide or contact the team directly at [email protected]. Already a Pearl bride? Congratulations! Be sure to tag us on Instagram using #thepearlrb.
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.
Don’t let its idyllic aesthetic and “World’s Best” rankings deter you from making The Pearl Hotel your next family vacation destination. Centrally tucked within the charming coastal community of Rosemary Beach® and just footsteps away from South Walton’s sugar-white beaches, The Pearl provides a treasure trove of gem-like experiences meant to be shared with the whole family.
Spend the day lounging on the beach, thanks to the convenience of complimentary beach setups, including beach chairs and oversized umbrella’s on The Pearl’s stretch of private beach. Whether you soak up the sun, play in the surf or build a sandcastle by the shore is entirely up to you. Rather swim in or lounge by the pool? Family pool passes are available at the Front Desk, granting you access to Rosemary Beach®’s community pools. With four fantastic ones to choose from (Coquina, Sky, Cabana and Barbados), your challenge will be making time to experience them all!
Explore the area by foot or by bike, with a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Rosemary Beach®, or – if you’re feeling more athletic – explore part or all of the scenic, 18.6-mile 30A Bike Trail through South Walton’s coastal dune lakes and communities. Along the way, soak up some of the area’s various family-friendly dining experiences, shops and photo-perfect spots – and be sure to save ample time for boutique-browsing and window-shopping along the distinct, independent shops that dot the Rosemary Beach Town Center, just steps away from the hotel.
Give the kiddos the ultimate delight with a visit to one of our area’s lovely butterfly gardens! You’ll find our closest butterfly garden on nearby West Kingston Road. Wind through the wooden footpath through a maze of colorful plants that attract thousands of beautiful butterflies. The kids won’t be the only ones oohing and aahing.
Feeling extra adventurous? Allow The Pearl to help arrange a sailing, biking, kayaking or deep-sea fishing excursion for your family. Turn it into an educational opportunity with an eco-tour to learn more about the area’s unique environment and history. Add an element of competition to your family getaway with a match of tennis, thanks to complimentary guest access to the Watersound Beach Club’s tennis facilities, or try your hand (or rather, foot!) at FootGolf (a combination of golf and soccer) at the Origins Golf Club, also available to guests of The Pearl Hotel.
When hunger calls, you’ll surely find something to satisfy every palate at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, which offers three distinct casual dining experiences suitable for families (in the main dining room, on the veranda and on the Havana Beach Rooftop); the menu is also conveniently available in-room. And certainly, you’ll also find an array of options outside the hotel doors with several Rosemary Beach® restaurants, coffee shops and treats located just a quick walk away.
However your family plans to enjoy their stay at The Pearl Hotel, it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable one – one meant to be slowly unpacked and lovingly shared.
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To learn more about The Pearl, find special offers or book your stay, visit the hotel online, or follow along on Instagram or Facebook for inspiration.
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!
We think Mother Nature is pretty grand, and – call us biased but – we think she shines brightest on Northwest Florida, where the cotton-candy sunsets kiss the turquoise water and sugar-white sand of our iconic beaches and where coastal dune lakes meet lush pine forests. What can we say? We think South Walton is pretty dreamy. To ensure you, too, take a moment to relish in its natural beauty, we’ve rounded up five local natural sights we think you should absolutely see – in no particular order.
Western Lake
South Walton is home to 15 of some of the rarest and most spectacular natural wonders: coastal dune lakes, shallow basins of fresh water created when winds redistribute sand over thousands of years – within feet from the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from being beautiful, coastal dune lakes create unique and nutrient-filled ecosystems, making them ideal habitats for an array of wildlife.
Western Lake is the second-largest and, perhaps, the most popular coastal dune lake in South Walton. Get up close and personal with it by canoeing, kayaking or standup paddle boarding along. All are available to rent seasonally from the WaterColor BoatHouse. WaterColor Inn guests have access to use of these rentals for one hour each day. Kayaking adventure tours around Western Lake are also available and offer a great way to learn more about these beautiful natural rarities.
Deer Lake State Park
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 – named after, you guessed it, Deer Lake (another coastal dune lake) – 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.
Watersound Trail
Walk or bike your way through nature on the Watersound Trail, which can be accessed at Village Commons in Watersound Origins . The five-mile trail winds through a slash pine plantation, along which you’re sure to see cypress domes, wetland areas and plenty of wildlife evidence – all among South Walton’s many wonders. The trail is flat and paved, mixed with hard ground and some sandy, hilly areas; it’s clearly marked and open sunrise to sunset for ultimate enjoyment.
Sugar-White Sand
Our sugar-white beaches may seem like an obvious must-see choice, but surely, they cannot be taken for granted. Small quartz particles, pulverized and washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over thousands of years, that give the area’s sand its distinct crystal-like appearance. How’s that for all-natural beauty? Along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, our fine sand glistens and seems to sing under your feet as you head down to the shore (we wouldn’t have it any other way). And of course, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beach: from sunbathing and swimming, to beach bonfires and beachside dining, you’re sure to find plentiful ways to be enchanted by it.
The Gulf of Mexico
Did you know that the body of emerald-green water that provides the backdrop to our iconic sugar-white beaches is the largest gulf in the world and the 10th largest body of water in the world? Its ample surface area and depth make it a powerfully biodiverse ecosystem, which includes coastal wetlands, submerged vegetation, important upland areas and marine/offshore areas. As well, the Gulf Coast’s bounty is plentiful and unlike any other in the world, making it a coveted spot for anglers and seafood lovers alike.
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Whether you’re staying at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel or WaterSound Inn, there are countless ways to enjoy the area’s natural wonders. Be sure to ask the Front Desk for more information on area maps, recreational areas or for assistance in planning an excursion or securing a rental. Happy exploring!