The end of the year calls for gathering and celebrating, and whether you prefer a grand feast or a laidback affair, you’ll find everything you need from a bar-away-from-the-bar experience at the WaterColor Inn Package Store.
Consider the Package Store, conveniently located next to the WaterColor Beach access, your one-stop shop for all your festive essentials this season. Cheers!
WaterColor Private Label Wines
Raise your glass(es) and celebrate in true WaterColor style with the resort’s own private label wines, crafted in collaboration with Rutherford Wine Company, a family-owned Napa Valley winery. All WaterColor™ Private Label wines ($35 per bottle) pair exquisitely with the diverse flavors of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast and include a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Red Blend and Sauvignon Blanc.
Ps: Take advantage of the Package Store’s “Wine Down” special on Wednesdays and enjoy 30% off all wines, including the WaterColor™ Private Label collection!
Fish Out of Water Favorites
Browse a curated selection of favorites from WaterColor Inn’s beloved Fish Out of Water restaurant, including Duckhorn Decoy Flavored Seltzers, Grayton Beer Company Beers, Heathen Wines and Casa Dragones Joven Tequila. Looking to toast with (or gift) something really special? You’ll also find rare items like E.H. Taylor Rye, Eagle Rare and even Louis XIII de Remy Martin Cognac Grande Champagne.
Specialty Items
In addition to all of your at-home bar essentials, including barware and even ice, you’ll also find an array of specialty items to gift or to keep (we won’t tell either way). Local favorites include Carrie Rhea Jewelry, including a Fish Out of Water-inspired line of necklaces, and the beloved “Theo the Stuffed Turtle,” proceeds from which go towards protecting sea turtles in Northwest Florida.
WaterColor Exclusives
Create a classic WaterColor celebration with destination-inspired barware, including glasses, mugs and more – only available at the Package Store. Want to add the optimal WaterColor touch to your festivities? Consider snagging a WaterColor Inn gift card, which can be applied to future stays or dining experiences.
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The WaterColor Inn Package Store is open daily, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (seasonal hours apply). For additional information, visit dinefish30a.com/package-store.
Chef Louis Martorano’s passion for cuisine began long along, watching his mom and his Italian grandmother prepare delicious homemade meals. An avid fan of the New York Yankees, he once dreamed of becoming a baseball player, but his professional journey would lead him to culinary school instead.
“Speaking to me in Italian, my grandmother taught me how to make Sicilian rice balls; even though I didn’t understand the words, food became the language that allowed us to communicate with one another. It was that powerful.”
Martorano’s career began in 1985 at the acclaimed Waldorf Astoria New York, where he would experience the unique chance to cook for a U.S. president, preparing a meal (potato soup sorrel) for Pres. Ronald Reagan, all under the gaze of Secret Service. After sharpening his skills in the Big Apple, Martorano went on to hold multiple chef positions at the Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton, Fla., experiences he says served as his training ground for five-star and five-diamond dining experiences. There, too, Chef Martorano had the distinct opportunity to cook for several U.S. presidents, including George H. Bush (French toast with banana), George W. Bush (smoked brisket) and Bill Clinton (filet and shrimp), as well as participate in nearly a dozen Food & Wine Classic events and a dinner at the iconic James Beard House.
From South Florida to San Francisco and Nashville to Washington, D.C., Chef Martorano’s hospitality experiences have awarded him with diverse insights into what makes food and beverage programs truly excellent – from the menu and the dining experience to each guest touchpoint in between. In 2009, he was on the opening team for the Hilton Orlando Convention Center hotel, which became the first property to earn Hilton’s desirable Connie Award three years in a row. Most recently, the self-proclaimed “baseball freak” served as the Executive Chef of the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga.
In summer 2024, Chef Martorano and his family began their newest adventure in South Walton when he accepted the role of Director of Culinary and Executive Chef for Watercolor Inn, including its award-winning Fish Out of Water restaurant.
“As a family, we love South Walton’s natural beauty, small-town feel and access to fresh seafood and local ingredients,” Martorano says. “I’m an avid outdoorsman, so it has been a nice match personally. Professionally, I’m excited to continue to keep Fish Out of Water’s offerings locally and seasonally focused.”
Under Chef Martorano’s leadership, Fish Out of Water will continue to distinguish itself by a fresh and fun approach to delectable cuisine and impeccable service but do so with a much more seasonally minded perspective that keeps the menu reinventing itself and provides guests the opportunity to savor something new.
From exquisitely seared lump blue Crab Cake and a Seafood Cioppino to a zesty Aqua Chile and Local Oysters, served raw or baked, the menu’s starters are focused on serving up a fresh taste of the Gulf. Entrées include a decadent grilled Ribeye steak – one of Chef Martorano’s favorites – and an array of locally caught fish with a variety of tasty Southern sides.
“There are some unexpected surprises for guests, too, like a very versatile and surprising Cauliflower ‘Tabbouleh’ that can be modified for a variety of tastes, and our Florida Hot Crispy Fish Sandwich, which is surely going to become a guest favorite!”
Chef Martorano is looking forward to sharing the story of our beautiful corner of the world one bite at a time and in true Watercolor style. The best – and tastiest – is surely yet to come!
Stay tuned for an overview of Fish Out of Water’s new menu, coming soon to stjoeexperiences.com. In the meantime, visit dinefish30a.com or follow @fishoutofwater30a for the latest updates.
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To seat guests more efficiently, Fish Out of Water does not accept reservations. Dine-in service is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The restaurant is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, 2 to 4 p.m. for happy hour and 2 to 10 p.m. for dinner. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seasonal hours apply.
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 Walk on the Wild Side
Explore South Walton’s varied landscapes with a brisk hike or bike ride through Point Washington State Forest. Guests of The Lodge 30A can conveniently access the trailhead from the hotel, enjoy complimentary bikes on the forest trails or along the paved Timpoochee Trail, and take advantage of discounted pricing on rentals at nearby YOLO Board & Bike.
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.
This holiday season, let WaterColor Inn do all of the planning… Whether you’re planning a festive corporate party, a joyful family gathering or an intimate holiday dinner, WaterColor Inn has you covered, both within the resort’s doors or right at your home!
Festive Catering Menus
WaterColor Inn’s award-winning culinary crew is ready to simplify your at-home planning with a selection of festive catering menus that’ll delight your guests – and relieve your kitchen! Choose from a Holiday Luncheon Buffet ($45 per guest) or a Holiday Dinner Buffet ($65 per guest), as well as select beverages and sides.
Each package can accommodate up to 200 guests during a set two-hour time block (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Lunch and 6 to 8 p.m. for Dinner); time can be extended for $250 per half hour. Upgrades and additions are available for an additional charge.
Looking for something different? Our Chef can create a customized menu to meet your gathering’s specific needs.
Cheerful Holiday Parties
WaterColor Inn offers an elegant setting for an unforgettable holiday celebration, big or small. A variety of holiday packages makes it easy to customize your seasonal party, complete with venue space and delectable food. Additionally, a dedicated team focuses on every detail so you can just focus on enjoying the magic of the season.
Holiday parties are available to be booked from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23; rates vary.
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Ready to celebrate the season with WaterColor Inn? Contact the resort’s events team at [email protected] to learn more and make this season’s celebration your most dazzling one yet!
Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast is well known for its sugar-white beaches, but it’s the sunsets over the Gulf that provide the cherry on top of an unforgettable beach day here in our corner of paradise. Fittingly, with a wide array of Gulf-front dining options to choose from in our portfolio, toasting to the sunset is a must during your visit. Choosing from where, however, is a decision you’ll have to make. Below, a roundup of the best sunset dining spots – from Santa Rosa Beach to Rosemary Beach and in more unexpected spots along the way.
Head to the Rooftop
Nothing beats taking in the sunset from up top, and with several rooftop locations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for this end-of-day ritual. Head to Havana Beach Rooftop at The Pearl Hotel for tapas and cocktails, served with stunning views of the Gulf and of the charming coastal town of Rosemary Beach below. Staying at WaterColor Inn? At Costa Chica (located within the private WaterColor Beach Club), you can enjoy handcrafted margaritas, sample an extensive selection of tequila or share fresh TexMex appetizers in a casual rooftop setting overlooking the pool deck. Sit at the bar or in an outdoor cabana to take in the cotton-candied colors of the Gulf Coast sky.
Grab a Seat
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 showcasing breathtaking views from every seat, while enjoying an authentic taste of the Gulf. Further east, the outdoor veranda at Havana Beach Bar & Grill provides a delectable AAA Four-Diamond dining experience in a laidback and cozy atmosphere with views overlooking the Gulf and the town’s Main Street. We can’t think of two more impressive stages for a sunset dinner, can you?
Settle in Poolside
Sit by the poolside firepits with a drink in hand and see the sun set against WaterColor Inn at Gather Kitchen + Bar (available to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members only). In fact, WaterColor Inn guests have plenty of sunset dinner experiences to choose from, thanks to ample poolside restaurants to choose from at WaterColor Beach Club (available to WaterColor Inn and WaterColor Community residents and guests only).
Bask in Your Balcony
Who says you can’t have your sunset and the comfort of your room, too? Whether your balcony at The Pearl Hotel overlooks the pool, the Gulf or the town below, you’ll have the chance to take in the sunset while enjoying a fine-dining experience on your balcony – complete with all of the luxury and convenience you expect from the boutique hotel. Staying at WaterColor Inn instead? The pair of Adirondack chairs on your private balcony (or patio, on the first floor rooms) are already situated at precise sunset-level (seriously!). Simply order yourself a delicious in-room dinner (don’t forget WaterColor’s own private-label wines!), then sit back and enjoy. Bon appétit!
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For the most up-to-date information on hours of operations, menu items and accessibility, please contact the properties directly. Additional information may also be found online at WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel, respectively.
At Havana Beach Bar & Grill, tequila is better than vodka – at least when it comes to the restaurant’s brunch cocktails! Tequila adds a layer of sweetness, smokiness or both, which gives Havana Beach’s “Bloody Maria” a distinctly flavorful punch. Whereas vodka usually gets lost in the bold flavors of a traditional Bloody Mary mix, tequila deliciously stands out. The restaurant’s favorite take is the “Oaxacan Bloody Maria,” which incorporates a smoky mezcal; its flavor simply can’t be replicated with any other liquor.
“Fans of tequila are always excited to have a brunch cocktail option that incorporates their preferred liquor. Adventurous guests who go with our recommendation to try the mezcal are generally surprised by its smoky flavor, which is unlike any of the other flavors found in agave liquors. As with all of our cocktails, the inclusion of fresh ingredients further elevate the vibrant flavors of the Blood Maria and make it a really memorable sip.” – Ashley Ellis, Food & Beverage Director for The Pearl Hotel
Can’t wait to brunch with us? Our team has pulled together a fool-proof recipe that’ll have you mixing up your own “Bloody Maria” in no time.
RECIPE
- Pour 1.5 oz of your favorite Mezcal or Tequila into a tumbler glass (with ice to your liking). If choosing tequila, we recommend using a Reposado Tequila for more flavor.
- Incorporate 6 oz of your preferred Bloody Mary Mix. We recommend a thicker Bloody Mary Mix that contains charred tomatoes. All of Havana Beach’s Bloody Marias are made with a half-ounce of Whodini Sisters Bloody Mary Potion, founded right here in 30A.
- Stir and garnish to your liking. As with Bloody Marys, the garnish for a Bloody Maria can be simple or over-the-top. We recommend local pickled vegetables and fresh herbs, such as those we use at Havana Beach.
- Take a sip and enjoy!
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Havana Beach Bar & Grill is located at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®. Havana Beach is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Brunch menu items are available daily, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hours may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.
There are few events more classically WaterColor than the annual Mountainfilm on Tour. For its 24th year, the two-night outdoor film festival returns to WaterColor’s Marina Park for an unforgettable celebration of film, art and ideas under the stars.
Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor provides guests with the distinct opportunity to see some of the best-loved films from the annual Mountainfilm festival held in Telluride, right here in Northwest Florida – all while enjoying the very best the area has to offer.
This year’s event, taking place Nov. 1-2, will reflect Mountainfilm’s theme of exploring cultures, preserving environments and promoting adventure. An event presenter will guide the audience through the program, providing insight on the films, filmmakers and topics, as guests enjoy food and drinks in an outdoor festival atmosphere. A full list of this year’s featured films may be found here.
“We’re looking forward to another great year partnering with Mountainfilm to bring some truly incredible films to WaterColor. This will be our 23rd year hosting the event, and we keep bringing it back because it means so much to our guests and everyone who returns year after year to be entertained, inspired, and recharged in our beautiful surroundings.”
Gabrielle Testa, General Manager, WaterColor Inn
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are now available for purchase at mountainfilmfl.com; single- and two-night tickets are available. Make the most of your Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor experience by taking advantage of WaterColor Inn’s lodging packages. Limited-edition event t-shirts are also available for purchase with online ticket sales, at the event or at the WaterColor Store.
For new details as they become available, please check mountainfilmfl.com, as well as WaterColor Inn’s Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The 2024 Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor is made possible in partnership with Delta, Visit South Walton, WaterColor Community Association, Florals by the Sea, WaterColor Store, BoatHouse Paddle Club, Old Florida Outfitters, Justin Gaffrey Gallery, 30A.com and SoWal.com.
At The Pearl Hotel, it’s all about the small details that make for a grand experience. Whether you’re dining at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, sharing tapas on the rooftop or ordering food to-go, the hotel’s Food & Beverage team is there to ensure you receive the highest level of service and quality for which the award-winning hotel has long been known. This is why at The Pearl, in-room dining isn’t just in-room dining, it’s fine dining tailored with comfort and convenience in mind.
The delectable variety of in-room menu items– including wine! – also allows you to be able to enjoy multiple meals in the comfort of your room, without having to always order the same one or two dishes.
Choose from brunch, dinner or dessert! Standouts include the hotel’s signature Shrimp & Grits, Smoked Tuna Dip, El Supremo Cubano, Papa’s Garden Salad and The Mandy Burger (named after the team member who named this decadent take on a classic), as well as Meet Me in St. Louis, a gooey butter cake dessert – just to name a few.
And because The Pearl carefully curates its in-room dining menu with this type of dining in mind, you won’t have to worry about sauces running all over your plates or sogging your food! Hot food items are always delivered within five minutes of preparation and come in hot boxes to ensure both temperature and quality are maintained
Equally as important as the dishes is the in-room delivery experience itself. Conveniently browse and select your in-room dining order directly from the tablet in your room, without ever having to use the phone or leave your room. The Pearl considers every detail, so that you won’t have to, and the team prides themselves in anticipating guests’ needs ahead of time (no need to call back for any items after your order is received). Everything you need for a proper dining experience (including silverware and hand-selected condiments) are laid out on a rolling dining table, so you can dine comfortably just steps away from your bed – or anywhere you choose.
In-room dining is available daily, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Brunch) and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Dinner), with the last order at 9:30 p.m. Seasonal hours apply. Please call 850-588-2882 for more information or to place your order.
Ready to book a luxurious stay at The Pearl? Learn more at ThePearlRB.com.
Framed by a peaked clock tower, pointed turrets, sun-splashed terraces and black-and-white striped awnings, The Pearl Hotel has long been a picturesque icon of the West Indies-inspired coastal community of Rosemary Beach® in South Walton.
Within its walls, the boutique hotel envelops guests in a thoughtfully curated experience, inspired by the warmth and elegance of Old Town Havana, an evocative, richly historic destination, where architecture, culture and everyday life coexisted colorfully.
This Old World charm and laidback sophistication permeates The Pearl’s common areas and guest rooms, with eclectic furniture and décor, including potted palms and framed photos of Havana captured by local artist Tommy Crow, as well as Latin-inspired ambiance music and in-room mini fridges stocked with authentic Cuban sodas from Miami’s Cawy Bottling Company.
Even the hotel’s signature scent – aptly called “Pearl Bliss” – will transport you! All of The Pearl’s bath amenities were created in partnership with Pish Posh Patchouli’s, a local Rosemary Beach merchant specializing in hand-crafted body and skin care, drawing from the richly exotic scents of spiced tonka bean, tobacco bay leaf and vetiver.
At check-in, guests of The Pearl receive a branded coin, reminiscent of a Cuban peso, which can be redeemed for a complimentary signature cocktail at the hotel’s award-winning Havana Beach Bar & Grill during the nightly guest welcome reception – much like residents of Old Town Havana used their pesos at the acclaimed El Floridita in the ‘40s and ‘50s, an era that deeply influenced the writings of American-born Ernest Hemingway.
It’s Hemingway’s beloved haunt that inspired the flavors and flair of The Pearl’s award-winning restaurant, which celebrates the joy of living, eating and drinking well. In fact, Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s stunning hand-carved mahogany bar was modeled after the one at El Floridita. Much like Papa Hemingway himself, Havana Beach Bar & Grill believes that dining should delight all of the senses, with a menu that’s equal parts Gulf Coast and Caribbean, with French-inspired techniques.
Havana Beach’s menu standouts include Ropa Vieja Hash, El Supremo Cubano, and Grouper de Santiago, to name just a few favorite delicacies. And of course, a jaunt to Old Town Havana wouldn’t be complete without a rum-based cocktail. Enjoy a Hemingway Daiquiri, a Nuevo Cubano or a tropical Cocomango in the main dining room, at the bar or at the Havana Beach Rooftop.
Join Havana Beach Bar & Grill for specially themed events (such as Hemingway Day and Havana Nights), taking place throughout the year, for more opportunities to experience the allure of Old Town Havana.
Whether visiting for a weekend or dining in for a night, consider each visit to The Pearl hotel a journey, each bite a story to savor and share.
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To learn more about The Pearl Hotel, book your stay and enjoy the latest seasonal specials, visit thepearlrb.com, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram for a daily dose of #thepearlrb inspiration.
It’s five o’clock at the beach, which means it’s time for a refreshing coastal cocktail – and when it comes to those, Fish Out of Water knows best. With an array of specialty and seasonally featured handcrafted drinks and a selection of some of the world’s best rums, tequilas and more, the restaurant’s cocktail menu is inspired by the beach it overlooks: Santa Rosa Beach.
Can’t make it to Happy Hour with us on the Gulf? Get away to the beach with just one sip, thanks to these beach-inspired cocktails! These three recipes, imagined by Fish Out of Water’s head bartender, are inspired by the destination’s sugar-white sand, emerald-green waters and casual lifestyle but are simple to make from wherever you are. Just add sunshine and enjoy!
And when you’re back on our shores, be sure to visit Fish Out Of Water for the ultimate Happy Hour, daily from 2 – 4 p.m. (hours and live entertainment varies seasonally). Fish Out of Water is located at WaterColor Inn. Learn more at dinefish30a.com.
THE SWIM TO THE SECOND SANDBAR
INGREDIENTS
- 0.75 oz 360 Vodka
- 0.75 oz RumHaven Coconut Rum
- 0.25 oz Combier Orange
- 1 oz Blue Curacao
- 3 oz Pineapple Juice
RECIPE
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously
- Using a strainer, strain shaken ingredients over ice into a highball glass
- Garnish with a large gummy shark – because why not?!
PUTTIN’ ON THE SPRITZ
INGREDIENTS
- 3 oz Lillet Blanc
- 3 oz Lamarca Prosecco
- 2 Strawberries
- 2 Lemon Wedges
- 3 Thyme Sprigs
RECIPE
- Softly muddle strawberry and lemon in a wine glass
- Add Lillet, ice and thyme sprigs
- Top with Lamarca Prosecco
BEACH HAIR DON’T CARE
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Cruzan Coconut Rum
- 0.25 oz Banana Liqueur
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
RECIPE
- Salt the rim of a rocks glass
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously
- Using a strainer, strain shaken ingredients over ice into salt-rimmed glass
- Garnish with edible flower for an extra tropical flair!
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Cheers!