PICK OF THE NORTHWEST
Best For » Making beach-vacation dreams come true. Rising up on the beach road, also known as Scenic Highway 30A, WaterColor Inn & Resort is a rarity. All-encompassing resorts just don’t normally exist in this mix
of Gulf-front communities where vacation rentals and small inns dominate the scene, so the presence of this 499-acre property is a bit of a surprise. And even more surprising is that, despite its size, it delivers an intimate experience flavored with Southern hospitality and an uncrowded beach where the softest white sand invites.
The Rooms » Recently renovated to beachhouse chic, the rooms are open and breezy with a coastal palette of sea blue, pale green, sandy cream and sunshine hues. All 60 face the placid shoreline. The first-floor rooms with private patios and Adirondack chairs are tucked behind natural terrain. Upper-level rooms (floors two through four) are prime for glorious Northwest Florida sunset gazing. Unexpected is the room’s walk-in shower, which is spaciously designed with multiple windows providing views of the Gulf.
Just Beachy » Nature’s colors turn this idyllic stretch of sand and sea into an explosion of pink, blue and aqua with streaks of yellow, depending on the sky’s mood and time of day. The bathtub-temperature water here is transparent enough to see the Gulf’s bottom — sans rocks and seaweed. Only puffy dunes with sea oats and environmentally friendly boardwalks separate rooms from the shoreline, making it quite effortless to move between dips in the Gulf as well as lounging on the terrace. Attendants eagerly set up umbrellas and chairs for the sunrise-to-sunset beach lovers. A stroll at dusk, when the light is at its best, is a must.
Explore » You can traverse the property on foot, by bicycle, or in a kayak or canoe. A gravel foot- path meanders past miniature waterways and English gardens to the barnlike boathouse on the edge of Western Lake, a coastal dune lake where towering pine trees cast long shadows. Launch from the weatherworn pier and paddle under a bridge into open space ideal for fishing. Biking excursions take you into the area’s residential neighborhoods, where Cracker-style architecture with cozy front porch -es shows off another side of WaterColor (vacation rentals). In the tiny shops sprouting up along the surrounding streets, find rainbow-colored flip-flops and artsy home accessories with seaside themes.
Eats » Day’s end is celebrated on the new sunset deck at Fish Out of Water (photo), the inn’s flagship restaurant. Local hopper shrimp, known for their lobster-like flavor, and marinated blue crab claws accompany cocktails. Highlights on the ocean-inspired Fish Out of Water menu are local red snapper with heirloom carrots and black grouper with lightly smoked shellfish stew. Dessert keeps the Florida ingredients theme going with Plant City strawberry shortcake. An elegant private dining room off the main seating area is lined with wine bottles from the Fish Out of Water collection. It’s definitely worth a peek.
Pool Time » Six pools are scattered throughout the property. The adult favorite, just off the lobby, uses elements of natural wood to create an interesting design and intimate nooks for quiet relaxation. The resort’s upper-level pool is large enough that kids can toss balls at one end while parents peace- fully dangle their toes at the other. Once set up on a lounger, you’ll lose track of time. Shade seekers can ramble up to the BeachClub Grille deck, which overlooks the pool and dunes. Insider tip: Order the frozen Key Lime Colada cocktail that’s tart, refreshing and so thick it’s served with a spoon (trust us, you’re going to love it).
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