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.
If you’re anything like us, somewhere between awake and asleep, you’re sure to be craving a little something sweet. Lucky for WaterColor Inn guests, the resort has all of your sweet tooth’s desires covered – from grab-and-go milkshakes to indulgent, gooey pies.
Below, a roundup of some guest favorites (not that you have to choose just one). Come on, you’re on vacation… dig in!
Biscuit Donuts and Chocolate Gravy | Scratch Biscuit Kitchen
These doughy deep-friend buttermilk donuts are dunked into a vanilla bean glaze and topped with fresh strawberry and chocolate gravy – yes, gravy, because chocolate sauce just isn’t enough. Find them at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, open daily for dine-in or carryout (use the window for convenient grab-and-go service). Dessert Fun Fact: today’s biggest debate? Whether it’s donuts or doughnuts. You decide!
Keys to the South | Fish Out of Water
Longtime lovers of Fish Out of Water (FOOW) are already familiar with this knockout of a dessert. Not your traditional Key Lime Pie, this delicious treat packs on the graham cracker and toasted meringue and is topped with a scorched lime for added flavor. Craving the ultimate decadence? Order it via room service, anytime between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. We won’t tell. Dessert Fun Fact: A Floridian favorite, key lime pies are a uniquely American dessert. It’s the famous key lime juice that makes these pies so delicious.
Cookies and Cream Milkshake | Beach Cow
Available only at Beach Cow at the WaterColor Beach Club, this milkshake screams Oh-re-oh! For good measure, the Oreo-packed milkshake is topped with Oreo crumble, whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Delight in it poolside or walk it down to the beach for a refreshing sip under the sun. Dessert Fun Fact: A sweet treat with style? Your black-and-white milkshake matches Beach Cow’s aesthetic, so a shake-selfie by the counter is a must, don’t you think?
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Which sweet treats will you pick? Share your desserts with us on Instagram by tagging #watercolorinn.
To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s dining options or 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.
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.”
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.
When it’s time to dine, WaterColor Inn & Resort features a variety of onsite restaurants that provide an array of delectable options that are sure to please everyone in your party. Wait, did you just say tasty food, refreshing drinks and incomparable views of the Gulf? Sign us up!
Fresh Seafood
Fresh, locally inspired cuisine celebrates Florida’s best at FOOW, WaterColor Inn’s beloved restaurant. With a focus on locally sourced seafood, FOOW serves up an authentic taste of the Gulf in an ambiance that embodies the spirit of the WaterColor® community: fun, approachable and always served with impeccable service. Oh, and did we mention the stunning waterfront views?
From Coastal Lunch Favorites to Italian Dinner Plates
Nearby, you’ll find WaterColor Grill, located at the newly expanded WaterColor Beach Club. Inspired by the beach, from its décor to its laidback vibe, WaterColor Grill offers a fresh and coastal-casual menu of small and shared plates, handhelds, salads and bowls. A menu of quick-serve items are also available to be enjoyed at the pool decks, making for a truly picture-perfect dining experience overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Just in time for the sunset, WaterColor Grill’s dinner menu transform the restaurant into an Italian eatery – complete with signature and build-your-own pizzas, hearty sandwiches and a selection of Italian wines. Salute!
Something for the Kids
Perfectly suited for a family-friendly day in the sun, The Canteen at Camp WaterColor offers easy, breezy favorites in a walk-up counter or self-ordering kiosk setting, complete with snacks, drinks, handheld bites and ice-cream sandwiches from Deep South Freeze that will most definitely have the kids asking for more. But why should they have all the fun? Mom and dad will find a great selection of frozen drinks, specialty cocktails, canned wine and beer at The Canteen Bar.
TexMex Meets the Gulf Coast
Margaritas and a chick rooftop setting – what could be better? The resort’s newest addition, Costa Chica (named for its namesake sister restaurant at WaterSound Beach Club) boasts a costal-infused TexMex-inspired menu that includes creative, handcrafted margaritas, an expansive selection of tequila, specialty cocktails, signature tacos, bowls and freshly made appetizers. Better yet? it’s all served up in a casual rooftop setting overlooking the WaterColor Beach Club pool deck. Sit at the bar or in an outdoor cabana for the ultimate experience.
Beach-Ready Burgers
Delicious burgers, playful hot dogs and cold-and-tasty milkshakes abound at the aptly named Beach Cow. This casual, Southern-inspired burgers-and-shakes bar is just plain fun! Build your own burger, treat yourself to a made-to-order milkshake with all the toppings, or keep it traditional with a yummy hotdog. Enjoy it all poolside or take it with you to the beach (if it makes it). Moo, y’all!
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With its bounty of resort amenities and recreational and dining options, WaterColor Inn is the flagship of the WaterColor community – offering an authentic 30A beach experience suited for the whole family.
To learn more about WaterColor Inn or book your family’s next stay, visit the resort online.
Northwest Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A has long been distinguished by its fresh, sophisticated, comfortable and modern lifestyle. And there’s no other spot quite as quintessentially 30A than WaterColor® (we at WaterColor® Inn might be just a little bit bias). Along 30A, sugar-white, turquoise and emerald-green pastel hues meld into a colorful palette of effortlessly casual elegance. It’s this fusion of South meets Coast that has become an iconic and authentic representation of our beloved beach community. From building signs to shirts and totes to towels, the WaterColor® style is equal parts elevated and approachable, easy, breezy and always served with a touch of Southern sweet-tea hospitality.
So what makes our style so recognizably WaterColor®? We’ve pulled together some of the essentials to help style your beach vacation (and enjoy it long after it comes to an end).
WaterColor® Style Essentials
- Beach Cruiser
The preferred method of transportation within WaterColor and up and down 30A! Bikes of all sizes can be rented for the day at WaterColor’s Bike Barn. - Baseball Cap
Whether your style is twill or trucker, a branded baseball cap is a must for days spent under the sun, whether hiking, biking or laying on the beach. - Graphic Tee
A simple yet eye-catching WaterColor®-branded tee is a style staple among the casual WaterColor crowd.
- Beach Bag or Tote
This may go without saying, but the bigger, the better! Sea Bags® are ideal for carrying a beach-day’s worth of essentials, as are the trusty complimentary beach bags available to WaterColor Inn guests (and available for purchase after checkout).
- Skin Protection
No accessory can match well-cared-for skin, which is why a trusty SPF never goes out of style. Locals seem to prefer Supergoop!®, sold at the WaterColor® Store in the WaterColor Town Center. - Swimsuit
With all of the fun in the sun to be had, you may consider packing a few swimsuits – or grab a sophisticated Isabella Rose design, now available at the WaterColor® Store. - Sandals
Ipanema sandals for her and Peter Millar flip-flops for him. Consider your feet well dressed for the occasion, whether you’re walking to the beach, exploring the community or enjoying a drink (and a view) at FOOW.
- Local Jewelry
A signature, yet understated, piece of jewelry by a local maker, such as Rory Ashton designs, distinguishes savvy visitors and locals from first-timers. - Water Bottle
Whether for storing water, cold brew or another cold beverage of choice, a colorful canteens and tumblers abound in WaterColor. Be like the locals and grab a branded one by Yeti and Corkcicle, always available for purchase at the WaterColor® Store in the WaterColor Town Center. - Well-Dressed Canine Companion
Four-legged travelers enjoy the beach life just as much as the next creature, and in WaterColor®, you’ll find them notably dressed to impress, with a branded collar or pastel-colored bandana. Turns out life isn’t that ruff!
Taking the WaterColor® Lifestyle Home
The WaterColor® Store, located at the WaterColor Town Center, is the official purveyor of the WaterColor® Style, featuring thoughtfully curated lifestyle products by beloved Southern retailers, jewelry by local designers and vacation-essential products by quality brands like lululemon, Peter Millar, Vineyard Vines and Supergoop!® – all in addition to WaterColor®-branded merchandise, including uniquely designed t-shirts, home decor and beachwear. You’lll also find plenty of signature home items – like candles, soaps and pillows – to recreate your WaterColor® Inn experience at home and keep your vacation going long after it’s over. Learn more or shop online at shopwatercolor.com.