4 minute read
Renovations at the Inn
New Reasons TO JOIN THE INN CROWD
New Watersound® Club Member amenities are on their way to WaterColor® Inn
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Written By LIESEL SCHMIDT
In contrast to the high-rise hotels and condos that seem almost to overwhelm other beaches, WaterColor Inn on Scenic Highway 30A, with its cozy, beach-house feel, reflects a kind of understated, grounded confidence. Here is a property and an experience that brings people back year after year for a stay in one of the Southeast’s most beautiful areas.
Built in 2002, WaterColor Inn meshes closely with its surroundings in concept, design and atmosphere. Friendly and laid-back with a focus on fine service, WaterColor Inn offers guests a sanctuary nestled between the Gulf of Mexico, Western Lake and an adjoining a longleaf pine forest, giving it a unique appeal. Originally designed by architect David Rockwell, the resort has undergone extensive renovations over the last 20 years, the most recent of which was begun in the fall of 2021.
Watersound Club Members will be especially interested in a new dining concept that has come about with the WaterColor Inn’s latest renovation.
“One of the new amenities we’re most excited about is Gather Kitchen + Bar and how it will complement the new, larger pool deck area,” said Gabrielle Testa, general manager of WaterColor Inn. “The restaurant and pool will only be available to Watersound Club Members and guests of the hotel, so this is going to add a nice, exclusive feature. It’s a more private space, and the food at Gather is going to reflect upscale, healthier options — it’s a touch of what you’d expect from a coastal spa — a kind of fusion of Southern Coastal cuisine and California’s health-conscious movement.
“We’ll offer an all-day menu with service either inside or at the pool and cabanas, and our chefs are excited to get creative with weekly dinner features showcasing seasonal highlights from local farms and fisheries.”
With the completion of this latest round of renovations, guests staying at the hotel will also have new accommodation options available to them.
“We wanted to bring more family-friendly amenities to the property, which meant adding seven new suites — two onebedroom suites with a bunk bed area and five two-bedroom suites — each with private patios,” said Testa.
“These new suites are all on the first level and have been constructed where our meeting space was originally located, which capitalizes on the space more than we had been,” she added.
The COVID-19 pandemic reminded Testa that the WaterColor Inn experience holds a special place in the hearts of families who have grown up along with the WaterColor community, and that a visit to the resort means more than just a break from everyday life — visits to WaterColor Inn become part of a family’s shared memory and legacy.
“It was time to maximize our space in a way that would appeal more to families,” Testa said. “Vacation rentals are very heavy in this region. Being able to provide a stay at the beach combined with the hospitality experience of room service and our other amenities offers the best of both worlds.”
More amenities are on the way.
“A new zero-entry family pool with a kids’ area is under
construction, along with an expanded outdoor lounge area complete with tables and umbrellas,” Testa enthusiastically explained.
Work has begun on a new indoor/outdoor bar as part of the reimagined Gather Kitchen + Bar, which will also be available only to hotel guests and Watersound Club Members. Further construction for guests of the property includes a hydrotherapy whirlpool and hot tub area and a new cardio room.
The expansion and renovations, expected to be complete by summer, have caused parts of the property to be closed for brief periods. However, WaterColor Inn’s extraordinary level of personal attention and overall excellence is unaffected by work on the improvements.
“WaterColor Inn is a place that people recognize as their second home because they come here every year. Our guests are like our family, and we make them feel that,” Testa said. “We remember your name and the things that you like because that’s important in creating the best possible experience.”
Its uncompromised quality has brought the WaterColor Inn coveted distinctions — it is a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond boutique hotel.
“WaterColor experiences are inspired by our surroundings, from the coastal elegance of our beachfront guest rooms and suites to the locally sourced menus and captivating Gulf views at our restaurant concepts,” Testa said. “Pebbled footpaths wind through picturesque parks and gardens throughout our grounds, leading the way to a boathouse, tennis courts, shops, restaurants and a private beach. All of this provides an exceptional atmosphere and a special place to come and vacation with your family.”
By adding improvements, St. Joe is polishing the gem that WaterColor Inn has always been. Its collection of accolades — both from guests and the hospitality industry — speaks volumes about its extraordinary standing in the world of resorts. Still, there is nothing stuffy here, nothing overly fussy or pretentious. Here, the inn’s staff welcomes you as they would an old friend. They may even offer you a cookie.
WaterColor Inn is located at 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. For more information, visit watercolorresort.com.
— Gabrielle Testa, GM of WaterColor Inn
