The Pearl Hotel

We get it. When it comes to traveling with family and friends, figuring out where to eat can often turn into a feat of its own. Is there enough seating for all of you? Will both the kids and grandma be happy with the food? And what if you’re a group on the go? Well, we’ve got you covered – thanks to an array of delicious and group-friendly dining options along Scenic Highway 30A.

Below, a roundup of our favorites. We have a feeling they’ll soon become your group’s faves too!

Fish Out of Water

Settle into one of FOOW’s oversized booths and take in the 180-degree Gulf Views as you enjoy all-day dining with a locally sourced menu that showcases the very best of our Southern coast. From a variety of seafood platters and sandwiches to tacos, burgers and salads, everyone in your party is sure to find something that pleases their palate. The kiddos will be delighted by the delicious Kid’s Menu and adults will surely find something to toast with on the restaurant’s acclaimed beverage menu, including beers, wines, specialty cocktails and a full bar. For more information, visit Fish Out of Water online.

Havana Beach Rooftop
Looking for laidback rooftop vibe? The Pearl Hotel’s al-fresco restaurant, the Havana Beach Rooftop, provides an idyllic ambiance for sharing tasty tapas with family and friends with stunning views of the Gulf. Gather by one of the firepits or take your pick of the open seating areas and bar, and experience your own coastal dining oasis while savoring the distinct flavors of Havana Beach. For more information, visit Havana Beach Rooftop online.

Scratch Biscuit Kitchen

Treat yourselves to home-away-from-home experience with house-made breakfast or lunch at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen. Whether you treat yourself to one, three or a full dozen, personalize your biscuit with a variety of house-made jams, jellies and gravies, or choose from Scratch’s playful breakfast and lunch menu, available for dine-in, outdoors or to-go. For more information, visit Scratch Biscuit Kitchen online.

Online Ordering

For the ultimate crowd-pleasing convenience, consider ordering to-go from your favorite WaterColor restaurants online and enjoy some of Northwest Florida’s most delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus in your room, on the beach or by the pool.  Fish Out of Water, Scratch Biscuit Kitchen and WaterColor Grill all offer curbside pickup.

___

Please check respective restaurants’ websites for additional details.

Beach season is almost upon us, which means longer days spent on Northwest Florida’s beautiful shores and enjoying the Gulf’s turquoise waters. It also means respecting our natural surroundings and local rules for your safety, the safety of others and the safety of area wildlife.

Whether you’re staying at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, The Lodge 30A, Camp Creek Inn or WaterSound Inn, your beach experience deserves to be an unforgettable one. To help make your escape to the beach a safe one, our friends at the South Walton County TDC have put together a treasure trove of resources, which we’re sharing with you here!

Pay Attention to Beach Flags

Knowing whether you should go in or stay out is as easy as knowing your colors, thanks to our local beach flag warnings. Double red flags flying? The water is closed to the public, and water activity is prohibited (in fact Entering the Gulf during double red flag conditions can result in fines and criminal charges). A red flag means high hazard due to high surf and/or strong currents, whereas a yellow flag implies a medium hazard, with moderate surf and/or currents. When a green flag is flying, hazard is low, but you should still exercise caution. Is a purple flag in the mix? Watch out for man o’ wars, jellyfish and stingrays nearby.

Be Mindful of Rip Currents

Rip currents are common in the Gulf of Mexico and can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to pay attention to the beach flags and know the surf conditions before entering the water. If you see someone caught in a rip currently, notify a lifeguard right away and call 911. If possible, throw them a flotation device and don’t lose sight of them. Do not enter the water under any circumstance, as you will also get caught in the strong current. If you unexpectedly find yourself in a rip current, stay calm and float with the current until it dissipates; do not try swimming against it. If possible, swim parallel to shore and back in until help can get to you.

Know the Rules of the Beach

Safety comes first, and so does the protection of our natural environment and local wildlife. That means leaving no trace! Littering and glass containers are not permitted, and any items left on the beach overnight will be discarded unless otherwise permitted. Vehicles, dogs and bonfires all require permits. Take a lasting look, but taking sand, water or vegetation from our beaches is strictly prohibited. Also, please stay off the dunes, and be sure to follow local ordinances during Sea Turtle Season (late spring through early summer).

__

Time at the beach should be fun, relaxing and memorable for all of the right reasons. Learn more about local beach rules and ordinances from our friends at the South Walton County TDC. For Gulf conditions and flag updates, text “SAFETY” to 31279. Stay aware, courteous and safe out there!

For more than 10 years, Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s menu celebrates the joy of living, eating and drinking well, drawing  inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s favorite old-town Havana haunt, El Floridita. Vibrant and storied, it’s the Cuba of the late 1940s and ‘50s that deeply influenced the writings of the American-born author. More so, it was a love of food – and a love for gathering, hunting and fishing – that penned the author’s pursuit of delectable celebrations, from the Caribbean to Europe and back to the Florida coast.

Much like “Papa Hemingway” himself, so too does The Pearl Hotel’s award-winning restaurant believe that dining should delight all of the senses. Equal parts Gulf Coast and Caribbean, with French-inspired techniques, Havana Beach’s menu is sourced as close to the ground, as close to the water and through the woods as possible. When you dine here, consider each bite a story, each course a new chapter to dive into and each visit a journey.

To dig deeper into the Havana Beach experience, we sat down with Executive Chef Matthew Rolens to learn more about the restaurant’s inspired (and newly reimagined) menu, the dishes you must try and his approach to providing an unforgettable dining experience for all guests. ¡Salud!

What makes Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s menu different from other local restaurants?
Our menu melds Cuban-inspired and Caribbean flavors with Southern and coastal favorites, incorporating classical French cooking techniques. The result is a unique and inspired palate of flavors that can’t be found elsewhere on 30A. It’s truly a culmination of our team’s commitment to making it the best dining experience it can possibly be.

What can guests expect when dining at Havana Beach?
Havana Beach offers approachable food, served in a casual yet elevated environment that celebrates the dining experience. Our dining spaces, much like Havana herself, are vibrant and lively. On select evenings, our house pianist provides a lovely soundtrack for the dining room, and the bar area is always energetic and inviting. We like to mix in a sense of family and fun with our refined dinner service. Whether joining us for a night on the town, a special occasion or a laidback brunch any day of the week, we pride ourselves in providing guests with a welcoming and memorable experience.

What are some of your favorite dishes?
Where do I even begin? For brunch, the Ropa Vieja pairs exceptionally well with the Havana Beach Bloody Mary. And of course, El Supremo Cubano has been a guest favorite for years, and our Mandy Burger, a local favorite, has been hailed as the best burger on 30A. Need I say more? For dinner, the Whole Fish Catch of the Day is an experience you won’t regularly find in South Walton. We serve whatever fish has been caught locally that day, marinate it and lightly fry it to maintain its tenderness ­and serve it escabeche-style, a Caribbean preparation that includes pickled vegetables and spices. It’s mouthwatering delicious! I also recommend the Oysters de Antigua; roasted and combined with tamarind and coconut flavors, these tasty bivalves make the perfect pairing to our Hemingway Daiquiri. For something with a bit more of a Southern take, La Perla del Sur Ribs are just delicious (be sure to pair it with the Ernest Intentions cocktail for the ultimate experience).

What might guests be surprised to learn about Havana Beach’s menu?
That in addition to delicious and inspired dishes, our mixologists have also crafted an equally thoughtful cocktail menu. Inspired by 1950s Havana, our signature cocktail menu offers classic favorites with a Caribbean twist. These include the Hemingway Daiquiri (a longtime guest favorite) and the Banana Boulevard. Whether you’re eating, toasting or both, we hope this menu provides a vibrant taste of the past. Additionally, to accommodate the dietary restrictions of all of our guests, our menu offers several gluten-free options, and our team is always happy to make modifications based on guests’ needs.

__

Havana Beach Bar & Grill is located at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®. Havana Beach is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch menu items are available daily, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hours and offerings may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.

With so many options to unwind, soak up the sun, enjoy rooftop cocktails or savor a taste of the coast with a fine-dining experience, no stay at The Pearl Hotel is the same. That’s why we’ve pulled together a five-day itinerary, packed with some of our favorite experiences, to help plan your ideal getaway to The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach® Community.

Day One
Valet your car and check in to The Pearl Hotel at 4 p.m. to promptly enjoy your complimentary cocktail greeting as you’re directed to your room – will you choose a Gulf, Town or Pool view? Take a moment to unpack and unwind, or enjoy the hotel’s signature welcome treat, its house-made pimento cheese (you might opt for saving some for a midnight snack). Then, head up to the Havana Beach Rooftop to enjoy a menu of shareable plates, creative cocktails and a can’t-miss sunset from atop the hotel. Retreat into your room for a freshly baked turndown treat before you slumber into sweet dreams.

Day Two
Treat yourself to room service for breakfast (it’s vacation, after all). Then, the sugar-white sand and emerald-green water beckon… head to the beach, where your complimentary beach setup awaits (for convenience, it includes chairs, an umbrella and towel service) Not quite ready for the beach today? Lounge the day away poolside at the hotel’s adults-only pool, where you can also enjoy towel service and poolside food and drinks and towel service.

Day Three
Rise with the sun and with a delicious breakfast outdoors on the veranda at Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Today’s itinerary calls for family-friendly fun at one of the Rosemary Beach® community pools, or by reserving a standup paddleboarding or kayaking excursion through one of South Walton’s rare dune lakes with The BoatHouse Paddle Club. Want to get even closer with nature? On nearby West Kingston Road, you’ll find an enchanting butterfly garden with a wooden footpath winding through a maze of colorful plants that attract thousands of beautiful butterflies.

And, of course, you’ll want to leave some room for dinner, too! At Havana Beach (or on the Rooftop), you’re bound to want to treat yourself to a delectable menu that’s equal parts Gulf Coast, equal parts Caribbean.

Day Four
Take in the sights along Scenic Highway 30A by biking through our neighboring beach communities and exploring dining, shopping and so much more. Park your complimentary bike and spend the afternoon lounging under the warm Northwest Florida sun. In the evening, have yourself a lively night, complete with a casual dinner, drinks and delightful conversations in the Rosemary Beach® Town Center – or take it all in from your private balcony as you enjoy room service.

Day Five
It’s time to check out, so why not treat yourself to a relaxing goodbye at SpaPearl? With a distinctive blend of experiences that incorporate the therapeutic and invigorating elements of the coast and of the hotel’s namesake gemstone, the hotel’s poolside spa is an idyllic place to unwind before heading home. Treat yourself to one of the spa’s signature treatments, or purchase SpaPearl-inspired items to have you feeling relaxed at home long after your vacation is over. Be sure to book your service(s) online!

* * *

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.

Timeless luxury, coastal sophistication and personalized touches abound at The Pearl Hotel, where the littlest details are the biggest gestures. As the only full-service, adult-oriented hotel in South Walton, The Pearl provides the idyllic setting for a romantic beach getaway.

From the cocktail greeting at check-in to the hand-delivered freshly baked treat at bedtime, each detail is meant to be slowly unpacked and enjoyed (in front of a stunning Gulf sunset and with a glass of bubbly in hand, a plus). Much like its name implies, The Pearl is a gem that’ll dazzle guests visit after visit.

The Pearl’s thoughtfully curated experience makes each couple’s visit a distinctly memorable one. Not to mention, its surroundings within the coastal, West Indies-inspired community of Rosemary Beach® provide an air of romanticism, complete with pointed turrets, sun-splashed terraces and black-and-white striped awnings just footsteps away from the sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico.

The 55-room boutique hotel is intimate in scale and classic in style, with elegant, modern and recently reimagined accommodations that all showcase picturesque views of either the Gulf, Town or Pool. For an extra special stay, couples may opt to book one of The Pearl’s nine Gulf-View Suites or splurge on The Pearl Suite, complete with its own separate master bedroom, private balcony, soaking tub and rainfall shower.

At the intimate poolside Spa Pearl, couples may choose from a unique blend of treatments incorporating invigorating and therapeutic oceanic elements for a truly serene experience. Couples looking to explore the picture-perfect town may do so by foot or bike, thanks to the complimentary bikes available to guests of The Pearl.

Additionally, guests of The Pearl also receive complimentary beach chairs and oversized umbrellas at the hotel’s private beach, but couples may choose to reserve a poolside cabana at which to lounge the day away.

When it’s time for a delectable meal, couples may choose to enjoy in-room dining in their private balcony, savor an unforgettably romantic dinner at the hotel’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, or enjoy plentiful celebratory toasts (and sunsets)  at the Havana Beach Rooftop.

Ready to dream up your romantic getaway? Visit thepearlrb.com to explore accommodations, see current offers and book your stay.

Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast offers a beach experience unlike any other – and not just because of the area’s emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand. Beaches along Scenic Highway 30A have both beauty and charm, and it’s this combination that has made the place we call home a beloved vacation destination. In fact, for many travelers, 30A itself has become an annual tradition.

So, in the spirit of such tradition, we’ve rounded up our favorite, classic beach experiences. We hope they’ll soon become part of your traditions, too!

Take in a Sunset
We might be biased, but there is simply nothing more stunning than a Gulf Coast sunset – and certainly not more beautiful than catching it while on 30A. Toast to it on a rooftop with a drink in hand at the Havana Beach Rooftop, or have the cotton-candy skies be the backdrop to a fresh seafood dinner at Fish Out of Water. Gather your family for an unforgettable barefoot photo-op Gulf-side just before the sun sets, or schedule a private kayaking class around Western Lake just in time to see the sun set over the dunes.

Build a Sandcastle
Sometimes simple pleasures really are the most joyful. Whether you’re crafting a family masterpiece, simply tracing your fingers on the beach’s sugar-fine sand, or booking professional instruction from some of the area’s most acclaimed sand sculptors, you won’t regret spending time just playing in (and with) the sand.

Nosh on Fresh Seafood
We think Gulf Coast seafood is the best seafood (and you will, too!). Our coast’s bounty is plentiful and unlike any other in the world, which is why you’ll find only the freshest, most seasonal seafood featured in our restaurants’ inventive creations – from the Taste of the Sea Tower at Fish Out of Water (pictured above) and the Hot Grouper Bites at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to Panhandle Fish Sandwich (with Gulf Mahi) at Costa Chica and Gulf Shrimp Ceviche at WaterColor Grill. All we’re really saying is, save room for lots of seafood!

Huddle by a Beach Bonfire
Sand, stars and s’mores – need we say more? Wind down a beach day with an expertly set-up beachside bonfire, complete with all of the fixin’s for s’mores. WaterColor Inn offers beach bonfire packages for two hours of bonfire fun for up to 30 guests. Book a spot in time for sunset, and choose to add on food, beverages and even games for a truly memorable sendoff to a beach day.

Go Crab “Hunting”
Right after the sun sets on the Gulf Coast, ghost crabs (named for their pale appearance) come out in the dozens to look for small prey on the sand. That’s when visitors and locals alike love to go out beach, flashlights in hand, to look for them – quite an interesting and fascinating sight! While it’s called “hunting,” you won’t want to harm these little guys. Searching for them is part of the fun.

Bike Along 30A
One of the best ways to explore South Walton is to biking along 30A, weaving your way in and out of the 16  distinct beach neighborhoods that dot the area. Each coastal community is just as charming as it is distinct, so you’ll have plenty to see and enjoy at each stop – from the West Indies-inspired town of Rosemary Beach® and the nostalgic, family-friendly feel of WaterColor®, to the more secluded, scenic style of WaterSound®. Staying at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel or Watersound Inn? All three properties offer complimentary bike rentals to their guests!

As summer comes to an end and the families head back to school, there’s a shift in the air along 30A. The air becomes a bit cooler, the sunsets more vibrant and visitors relish in the quieter beaches. In fact, these are just a few reasons why the fall is prime season for girlfriends’ getaways to South Walton.

With a variety of accommodation options, delectable Gulf Coast dining, unrivaled sunsets, outdoor exploration and plentiful ways to relax, the only challenge you’ll have in planning your next escape with your girl gang is figuring out just what you’ll pack into your itinerary.

To get your planning started, we’ve pulled together a few of our top St. Joe resort experiences. Whether you’re seeking a full-service boutique hotel experience or a laidback home-away-from-home vibe, fun or relaxation indoors or outdoors, or simply looking to bask in the simplicities of the Gulf, these will surely have you and your friends covered.

Now, gather the ladies and get your getaway going! We look forward to welcoming you.

__

Make Yourself at Home
From full-service elegance to a more laidback, limited-service approach, St. Joe’s portfolio of lodging experiences provides consistent customer service, comfort and coastal style (of course).

Stay at South Walton’s only adult-oriented hotel, The Pearl Hotel in picturesque Rosemary Beach, for a thoughtfully curated boutique hotel experience that’s as distinct as each guest, complete with on-site dining, a spa, complimentary beach setups and more. Enjoy a quintessential and long-beloved 30A tradition at WaterColor Inn, the flagship of the iconic WaterColor community, and indulge in a guest experience that delivers on the extra touches, including a variety of pools and recreational opportunities. Seeking the ultimate in comfort and convenience? Escape to Seagrove Beach’s newest boutique hotel, The Lodge 30A, to enjoy a prime location and home-away-from-home hospitality. If you’re seeking rejuvenation and relaxation, Camp Creek Inn is the ideal location to meet your needs. Enjoy the privacy and serenity of this newly opened boutique hotel’s luxury accommodations and private club amenities.

Toast to Friendship
Cheers to good times spent with even better friends with an unforgettable dinner or cocktail celebration at any of our St. Joe dining establishments. Celebrate the joy of living, eating and drinking well at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, featuring a colorful food and cocktail menu that is equal parts Gulf Coast, equal parts Caribbean; or head to the Havana Beach Rooftop for tapas, cocktails and stunning sunset views. Indulge in a long-standing WaterColor dining tradition at Fish Out of Water, complete with fresh seafood and panoramic Gulf views.

And of course, you’ll find plentiful dining options along 30A, all in close proximity to The Lodge 30A, The Pearl Hotel and WaterColor Inn. Additionally, guests of WaterColor Inn also have access to a plethora of delectable offerings of Gather Kitchen + Bar and the WaterColor Beach Club. A stay at Camp Creek Inn affords you access to six private dining venues, including three onsite at the hotel.

Disconnect to Reconnect
Traveling with your friends offers an invaluable opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with one another, making simplicity and relaxation a tenet of the ultimate girlfriends’ getaway.

And there’s perhaps no more relaxing (or analog) 30A amenity than South Walton’s beaches themselves! With sugar-white sand and the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise that our area’s beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the world. And whether you’re a guest of The Pearl Hotel, Camp Creek Inn, WaterColor Inn or The Lodge 30A, you and your girlfriends will have plentiful opportunities to soak in our beaches however you choose. Take in an early-morning dip, lounge in the sun to your heart’s content or indulge in an iconic 30A sunset with your toes in the sand.

For the ultimate R&R experience, book yourselves a service or two at Spa Pearl, where you can all enjoy an invigorating and therapeutic poolside spa escape.

Explore Like a Local
The sky is the limit when it comes to exploring South Walton’s natural wonders. Whether you stay in Rosemary Beach, Seagrove Beach or WaterColor, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to walking, biking hiking, kayaking or standup-paddleboarding your way through 30A’s coastal beauty. Rentals and excursions are available through the WaterColor BoatHouse (WaterColor Inn guests have special access to rentals), and there are plentiful parks and trails to explore on your own, too (we recommend the Watersound Trail, Deer Lake State Park and Western Lake). Guests of WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel have access to complimentary bike rentals, so be sure to add pedaling through South Walton’s distinct beach communities to your itinerary!

Shop ‘til You Drop
We think every girlfriends’ getaway requires some retail therapy, and in 30A, you’ll find yourself in great company. No matter where you stay within the St. JoeÒ portfolio, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to some of the area’s best shops – from the merchants of Rosemary Beach and the stores of the WaterColor Town Center to the variety of amenities at Greenway Station and every beach community in between.

Step out in style with the latest seasonal styles from TheWaterColor Store (including items for the kiddos back home at WaterColor Kids); treat yourself to one-of-a-kind, locally made jewelry from Carrie Rhea Designs; or snag the essentials for recreating a relaxing spa experience at home at Spa Pearl. And because t’s not too early to get your holiday shopping started, our 30A Gift Guide may also come in handy.

Still on the fence on what to pack? We have you covered with our Beach Bag Essentials!  

---

Just as the colorful and storied old-town Havana haunt from which it draws its inspiration, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, The Pearl Hotel’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, celebrates the joy of living, eating and drinking well. And it takes the latter to heart – crafting made-to-order cocktails that creatively engage all of the senses at the restaurant’s hand-carved mahogany bar.

Celebrating is what Havana Beach’s professional mixologists are all about, all while highlighting the best flavors and trendiest bartending techniques and still mixing up the classics. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or interested in trying something new, this team has you covered. In fact, during the restaurant’s busiest days, you’ll catch them shaking up more than 1,700 cocktails a day!

Sip your way through the classics with “A Taste of Havana” or opt for something “Elegant & Timeless.” Feeling “Light & Playful” after a day on the beach, or “Bold & Confident” ahead of a night on the town? Whatever the occasion, Havana Beach Bar & Grill has the cocktail to fit the mood of your celebration.

To learn more about the restaurant’s thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, we asked The Pearl’s Director of Food & Beverage, Kevin Dixon, to share some insights. Cheers!

What is the inspiration behind Havana Beach’s cocktail menu?
Our cocktail menu offers an inventive mix of classic and modern libations. Through our signature cocktails, we wanted to tell the story of Havana in the 1950s, a time of lively gatherings, where trendy travelers wanted to see and be seen. Each cocktail is an opportunity to expand upon that story, whether through historical references or through ingredients. Additionally, all of our professional mixologists bring their own inspiration and creativity to their craft, continually innovating flavors and bartending techniques. More than a menu, Havana Beach cocktails provide a full experience, and it’s one that can’t be experienced anywhere else on 30A.

What are some of the menu’s standouts?
Every Havana Beach cocktail deserves a spotlight of its own, but the Banana Boulevard and the Wolf on Mainstreet are particularly interesting. A fun take on the classic Boulevardier of the post-Prohibition Era, the Banana Boulevard fuses Caribbean flavors like banana and citrus with the classic cocktail’s traditional balance of sweet and bitter. More adventurous cocktail lovers will love the Wolf on Mainstreet. Spicey, earthy, sweet and smokey, this cocktail dances on your palate from start to finish, thanks to the flavors of pineapple, jalapeño, lime and Mezcal.

Which cocktail is a tried-and-true guest favorite? What do you think makes it so?
The Roseberry has been a Havana Beach staple for more than two years now and has become a go-to drink for our regulars. With flavorful rosemary-thyme-infused vodka as a base and layered with rose, elderflower and dark berry flavors, it’s refreshing yet earthy enough to appeal to everyone.

Which is your personal favorite?
I don’t like to play favorites, but my current go-to is the San Cristobal Sour, which is Havana Beach’s inventive play on a Tamarind Sour. With its flavorful bourbon base, coupled with the creamy and tropical notes of tamarind and orgeat, the sweet-and-sour flavor keeps things interesting from first to last sip.

__

Havana Beach Bar & Grill is located at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®. Havana Beach is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Full cocktail menus are available in all dining areas. The cocktails referenced above are available only in the restaurant’s bar area and main dining room and at the Havana Beach Lounge. Hours and offerings may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.

WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel offer an award-winning lodging experience that’s sure to leave you wanting to come back year after year – but don’t just take it from us!

Both hotels have once again received a Four-Star designation from Forbes Travel Guide. Not only are they the only properties on Florida’s Gulf Coast to tout the distinction in 2023, but they have also consistently received Forbes Travel Guide’s acclaimed standing since 2013 (WaterColor Inn) and 2015 (The Pearl Hotel). 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.

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.

“Travel is in an incredible position for continued growth, as people prioritize authentic, in-person experiences,” says Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “The hotels, ocean cruises, restaurants and spas on our 2023 Star Rating list demonstrate an impressive commitment to creating memorable environments that nurture connection, joy and sense of place as we experience the world to its fullest.”

In addition to the coveted Forbes Travel Guide recognition, WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel 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?

Learn more about WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel – or plan your stay! – here or here.

Experience Family-Friendly Fun at The Pearl Hotel

The Pearl Hotel may be known for its romantic aesthetic, idyllic location within the charming beach community of Rosemary Beach® and its countless accolades among the world’s best hotels, but it’s also a treasure trove of gem-like experiences for the whole family. Elevated yet approachable, luxurious yet grounded, The Pearl is best enjoyed in the company of all of your loved ones.

Splish, Splash to Your Heart’s Content

Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, play in the surf or build a sandcastle by the shore, your family will love spending the day at The Pearl’s dedicated stretch of beach, where guests enjoy complimentary beach setups, including beach chairs and oversized umbrellas. Ready to swap out the sugar-white sand for some family pool fun? Grab your pool passes at the Front Desk to access Rosemary Beach®’s four community pools (Coquina, Sky, Cabana and Barbados). Your challenge will be making time to experience them all!

Embark on an Adventure

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, including the butterfly garden on nearby West Kingston Road and these five must-see natural sights within a short distance from the hotel.

Let the Games Begin

Add a physical challenge and an element of competition to your family getaway with a match of tennis at the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club, or try your hand (or rather, foot!) with FootGolf, a combination of golf and soccer, at Origins Golf Club. Of course, you can also opt for golfing. The Origins six-hole regulation course alternatively plays as a 10-hole par 3 layout.

Soak Up the Best of 30A

Thanks to complimentary beach cruisers available on a first-come, first-served basis, guests of The Pearl can explore South Walton’s most iconic sights and attractions by bike. Pedal along part or all of the scenic, 18.6-mile 30A Bike Trail through the area’s rare coastal dune lakes and distinctive beach communities. Along the way, you’ll also discover plenty of photo-perfect spots. For the ultimate souvenir(s), be sure to browse the boutiques along the independent shops that dot the Rosemary Beach Town Center, just steps away from the hotel.

Taste the Gulf’s Bounty

When hunger calls, your family will surely find something to satisfy every palate at The Pearl’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill, which offers three distinct, family-friendly dining experiences (in the main dining room, on the veranda and on the Havana Beach Rooftop). The delectable menu (also available for in-room dining) celebrates the best of the Gulf Coast, infused with the flavors of the Caribbean. Outside of the hotel’s doors, you’ll also find an array of dining options, including restaurants, coffee shops and on-the-go treats in the Rosemary Beach® Town Center.

However your family plans to enjoy their 30A stay, it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable one at The Pearl Hotel – one meant to be slowly unpacked and lovingly shared.

__

To learn more about The Pearl, find special offers or book your stay, visit our accommodation landing page.