Escape to Paradise: Watercolor Inn & Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Watercolor Inn & Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Watercolor Inn & Resort - A Review Dipped in Sunshine and Scattered Thoughts
Alright, buckle up buttercups. I’m just back from Watercolor Inn & Resort, and my brain feels like a watercolor painting that's been rained on (in a good way, mostly). Forget those perfectly polished reviews – I’m here to spill the (slightly sandy) tea. This place… it’s got its good, its… well, less-than-stellar, and a whole lot of beautiful in between. Let's dive in, shall we? And yes, I've got some opinions. Lots.
SEO & Metadata (because, adulting):
- Keywords: Watercolor Inn & Resort, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Luxury Resort, Beachfront, Spa, Accessible, Family-Friendly, COVID Safety, Dining, Activities, Reviews, Travel, Accommodation
- Meta Description: A candid review of Watercolor Inn & Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Discover the pros and cons, from stunning views and luxurious amenities to the nuances of accessibility and dining. Honest opinions and experiences included!
- Category: Travel, Hotels, Reviews
Accessibility: Navigating the "Paradise" Streets (and Sometimes Missing a Curb)
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is a huge deal, and it's not always, shall we say, perfect here. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. Which, technically, is true. There’s an elevator. And some rooms are designated as accessible. HOWEVER! Getting around the grounds, especially if you're using a wheelchair, can feel like an adventure. The cobblestone pathways? Cute. Practical? Less so. My friend Sarah, who uses a wheelchair, navigated them with impressive grit, but it was a struggle at times. The pathways weren't always smooth, and the slopes weren't always kind. Don't get me wrong, the staff were fantastic and super helpful when needed but even they couldn't level a path. On the plus side, once you get to the beach, they do have beach wheelchairs available, and that’s a HUGE win. I actually saw Sarah laughing her head off riding the waves, which was worth its weight in, well, wet sand.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I believe they do. I'm not 100% expert in this area. (see above)
Wheelchair Accessible: (See above - It's there, but not perfect. It needs improvement.)
Internet (and the Eternal Quest for a Signal):
- Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: The Wi-Fi, mostly, was pretty decent. A small miracle! I had a few glitches, naturally. But hey, that’s life. And, if you're really old school, you can still get LAN. Though it's 2024 so… yeah.
- Available in all rooms: YES! And thank goodness. Because, hello, Instagram.
For the Kids: Paradise, But with Sand and Screen Time (probably)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This place is definitely family-friendly. I saw more splashing kids than I care to remember, though, honestly, it was kind of adorable. There are kids' menus (thank goodness for chicken nuggets!), and some areas are specifically designed for them. Babysitting is available if you need a night to yourself… or just to escape the chaos.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Pampering to Pancake Races
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The spa? Oh. My. Goodness. Worth every single penny. I got a massage that legitimately erased three years of stress. The pool situation is fantastic. They have the good kind of outdoor pool (with a view of the Gulf, naturally). The fitness center is well-equipped, but I'm not sure I ever actually made it in there… priorities, people! The sauna and steamroom… heaven. Pure, sweaty, glorious heaven. The fitness center is nice. But you know, beach.
Things to do, ways to relax: Honestly? Mostly just relaxing. Strolling the beach, reading a book under an umbrella, watching the sunset. It's that kind of place. They also have bikes for rent, and you could do some actual activities and stuff. Not me, though. I was busy perfecting my nap technique.
Cleanliness and Safety: A COVID-Era Reality Check
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They clearly take COVID safety seriously. I felt safe, and they definitely covered the bases. All the sanitizing. The social distancing. The individually-wrapped everything… it was good, probably necessary, but it makes you feel like you're living in a sterile bubble? But hey, better safe than sorry, right? They made every effort to keep everything clean.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Gastronomic Adventure (with a few bumps)
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Okay, let's talk food. The restaurants are generally good, but there are highs and lows. The breakfast buffet? A classic. A little pricey, but good. (And yes, they have a Western and Asian breakfast: fancy!) The poolside bar? Essential. Especially after a long day of… well, doing nothing. The food itself was decent. Nothing mind-blowing, but consistently pleasant. Room service? Always a win. Especially when you're feeling lazy. We had one meal that was… a bit… off. My fish was slightly overcooked, and my companion's dish arrived lukewarm. Maybe it was an off-night. But, it did take a little oomph out of the whole thing.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: The concierge was incredibly helpful. The daily housekeeping kept our room spotless (even when we were… less than tidy). The elevators are there, the convenience store is useful, and the laundry service is a lifesaver. You could probably throw a whole wedding here. If you were into that sort of thing. (I'm not.)
Available in all rooms: This is the crucial part.
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The rooms? Gorgeous. Spotless. The bathrooms? Luxurious. The beds? Seriously, I'm having a hard time going back to my own. Blackout curtains? Essential for those lazy mornings. Coffee/tea maker? Check. Extra long bed? Oh yes. All the details are accounted for. And the view from my window? Jaw-dropping. That's really the kicker.
Rooms
I stayed in a room with a view of the beach, and I could have gladly stayed there. The room was perfect although there was a small mis-hap with the TV, but they quickly fixed it.
Escape to Lothian House: Grabouw's Hidden Vineyard Paradise
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-ironed itinerary. We're going to Watercolor, alright, a place that probably smells faintly of money and sunscreen, and I'm going to try to navigate it with all the grace of a newborn giraffe. Here we go… or at least, here I go, mumbling to myself and probably misplacing my sunglasses at least three times a day.
Watercolor Inn & Resort: Existential Dread & Sun-Kissed Bliss (Probably) – A Totally Unofficial Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Beach Panic
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Arrive at the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). Pray to the travel gods the flight wasn't delayed (it probably was, because let's be real). Grab the rental car – hopefully, I didn't accidentally book that tiny Smart Car again. Last time it felt like I was driving a clown car. The existential dread of unpacking and the realization that I have too many shoes starts now.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Check into the Watercolor Inn. Try not to faint at the lobby's sheer "Coastal Chic" perfection. Seriously, are those throw pillows actually perfect? Where do they store their wrinkles? The check-in process should be smooth. (Famous last words, right?)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Unpack…sort of. By "unpack," I mean shove everything into drawers and hope for the best. The beach is calling, so I think the first thing to do after unpacking is to head to the beach. It's going to be magnificent. Wait, I need sunscreen. And a hat. And a beach bag that I promptly forget where I left it. The beach is where I'll sit and listen to the waves…and probably accidentally fall asleep for two hours and get sunburned.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Panic that I forgot to pack anything decent to wear. Wander the shops. Decide everything is ridiculously expensive. Buy a t-shirt that says "I'm a Mermaid, Obviously" because, well, why not?
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Beach time! Actually get to the beach this time. Let the waves wash away my pre-vacation anxieties. Build a pathetic sandcastle that looks like a toddler attempted it. Vow to get a decent tan line…and probably fail miserably.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner at Fish Out of Water (F.O.W). Dress code? Hopefully, "slightly less embarrassing than what I'm wearing right now." Try to act sophisticated while ordering something that's probably fried. Observe the sunset and try not to cry tears of joy (or maybe exhaustion). Wine. Lots and lots of wine.
Day 2: Bikes, Burgers & the Impending Tide of Laundry
- Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up. Contemplate how long I can stay in bed. Realize the answer is "not long enough." Coffee is essential.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Rent bikes and attempt to look effortlessly cool while wobbling down the paths. Immediately get distracted by charming houses and manicured lawns. Almost run into someone. Apologize profusely. Try to find a map that doesn't make me feel like I'm navigating a labyrinth.
- Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Burgers and fries at a beachside cafe. Inhale the food like a person who hasn't eaten in a decade. Judge everyone around me for their perfect picnic setups. Secretly wish I had been prepared.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore the area more via bike. Or maybe get back to the beach. The sand and the waves are my happy place.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Pool time! Read a trashy novel. People-watch. Wonder if everyone else feels as awkward as I do. This is where the important decisions get made. Do I go in the water? Do I get a drink? Do I even want to be here? The answers vary, with each moment.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Another dinner! This time, maybe try to be more adventurous with the food. Or maybe not. Comfort food is calling. More wine. Definitely more wine. Contemplate how all my clothes will soon need to be washed, and a mountain of laundry will follow me home from this fabulous trip.
Day 3: The Great Spa Heist & Post-Bliss Regret
- Morning (9:00 AM): Spa day at The Spa at Watercolor. Try to pretend I belong. Attempt to relax. Struggle to turn off my brain. Vow to embrace the experience. Spend the entire time calculating how much everything costs.
- Mid-Morning/Lunch (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Post-spa bliss. Wander around feeling like a cloud. Eat something healthy (and expensive) from the spa cafe.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): More beach, more sun. This is the peak of the vacation. Time to actually disconnect and find some inner peace (yeah, right). Attempt to learn to surf (probably fail miserably).
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Pack. Start dreading the end of the vacation. Realize I haven't sufficiently used all my sunscreen. Wonder where I put my sunglasses.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Final dinner. Reflect on the trip. Decide it was a combination of amazing and slightly awkward. Order the most expensive dessert on the menu. Vow to come back…eventually.
Day 4: Departure & The Post-Vacation Blues
- Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up. Do a final sweep of the room for forgotten items (there will be some). Grab coffee, for the love of all that is holy.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Check out. Hug the front desk person (maybe). Drive to the airport. Remember the rental car.
- Afternoon: Fly home. Start planning the next vacation…while unpacking and doing mountains of laundry.
Important Notes & Ramblings:
- Unforeseen Events: This is a vacation, not a military operation. Expect things to go wrong. Roll with it. Laugh at yourself.
- Food: Eat ALL the things. Eat every single thing. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
- Hydration: Water, water, water! And possibly wine. See above.
- Sunscreen: Apply religiously. Seriously.
- Embrace the Mess: It's okay to feel awkward, emotional, and slightly bewildered. That's what makes it a real vacation.
- Enjoy! If all else fails, just breathe, and enjoy the fact you are here.
- Emotional Breakdown: There might be tears. There might be laughter. There probably will be a combination of both.
- Let's Be Honest: I'm probably going to forget to do half the things on this list. And that's perfectly fine. Because in the end, it's the memories, and the chaos, that will make this trip truly unforgettable. (Or maybe I'll forget it entirely. We'll see.)
Escape to Paradise: Watercolor Inn & Resort Awaits! ...or Does It? Let's Be Real.
Okay, so Watercolor Inn. Sounds fancy. Is it REALLY worth the hype? (Because, let's be honest, hype is usually… well, overhyped.)
Alright, let's dissect this. Hype? Oh, Watercolor has it. Gorgeous photos of pastel sunsets, smiling families frolicking on pristine beaches… It’s practically Instagram catnip. But is it REAL? Okay, here's the unvarnished truth: It's stunning. Like, genuinely gasp-worthy. The architecture? New Urbanism meets beach chic. The beach itself? Softest white sand you’ll ever squish between your toes. The water? That ridiculously turquoise shade… you've seen it in the brochures. It's real. However… the hype *does* gloss over a few things. See, I went with my toddler, and let me tell you, paradise lost a little of its shine when contained messes and tantrums took center stage. More on that later.
What's the vibe at Watercolor? Are we talking super-stuffy, or can I actually RELAX? (Because I need RELAXATION.)
Vibe check! Okay, so it's not *entirely* stuffy. Think elevated casual. You *could* wear a sundress, you know? You *could* (and SHOULD) just wander around in bare feet and a cover-up. But like, you'll *also* see ladies in designer beachwear, and dudes sporting perfectly ironed linen. It's a mix. I'd say it leans towards "family-friendly luxury." You'll see kids, yes. Lots of them. So if complete silence and solitude is your thing, maybe reconsider. I came in thinking I could read a whole book by the pool. Spoiler alert: I got through *two chapters* before my kid decided the pool's edge was the perfect place for a splash zone. So... relaxed, yes. Completely zen? Possibly not.
The rooms... what are they like? Because "luxury" can mean SO many things these days. (And I've had some bad experiences.)
The rooms... Okay, let's talk rooms. I went with the Oceanview Suite, I think. Or maybe it was the Gulf View Suite. Honestly, after the third meltdowns and a toddler refusing to sleep, the names all kind of blurred together. Whatever we got, it was spacious. *Really* spacious. Like, seriously HUGE. The decor? Coastal chic, think light woods, comfy furniture, pops of blue and white. The bathroom? Double sinks! This is a win. The balcony? Glorious views of the beach (when I wasn’t chasing a toddler). My only real gripe? The air conditioning. It was LOUD. Like, white noise machine level. We eventually got used to it, but that first night, it was keeping me awake. I wanted peace and quiet. I got... a hurricane of AC. But hey, the views more than made up for it. And the beds! Oh, the beds. Cloud-like. I think I slept for twelve hours straight one night… after my kid finally passed out.
Is the food good? Because vacation food can be… well, disappointing. And expensive.
The food. Okay, this is where Watercolor redeems itself in a BIG way. It's not just *good*; it's legitimately fantastic. The Fish Out of Water restaurant? Yes, please. The seafood is to die for, the cocktails are inventive, and the sunset views from the bar? Unbeatable. (Again, I didn't always *see* them thanks to kid wrangling). The breakfast buffet? Worth every penny. Pro Tip: Get the waffles. Seriously. Get. The. Waffles. Now, the prices? Yeah, they're… premium. Expect to shell out. We tried to offset the expense by grabbing some sandwiches and stuff from the little market for lunches, but it still added up. Be prepared to budget *carefully* for dining. Because those waffles, though… you're gonna want them. Every. Single. Morning. And maybe again for a late night snack.
What is there to DO besides, you know, look pretty? (Because I'm not great at just "looking pretty.")
Okay, so besides, you know, the whole "gazing at the ocean and marveling at your own existence" thing? There's a bunch to do. Water activities are, obviously, a big draw. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, even a little Hobie Cat if you're feeling ambitious (I'm not). There's a pool (or a few, actually). The beach has chairs and umbrellas, so you can just… chill. The spa looked lovely, but I didn't get a chance to experience it. Because, you know, the toddler thing. You can walk around the town square and browse boutiques, though there's not a tremendous amount of variety. There's a bike path, so you could cycle around. Honestly? I mostly played in the sand with my kid and tried not to get buried. Also: sunset watching. A LOT of sunset watching. And a *lot* of kid-wrangling. It was a marathon, not a sprint. But a beautiful marathon.
The beach... what's the deal? Is it packed like sardines? Because I need SPACE.
The beach. Ah, the beach. It’s a major selling point, and with good reason. It’s a glorious stretch of white sand and sparkling water. The sand is powdery, it doesn’t burn your feet even at high noon, and the water is exactly that shade of turquoise you dream about. Now, the *people*… It's a resort beach, so there are other people. But it didn’t feel overly crowded, which was a HUGE bonus. You could (mostly) find your own little patch of paradise. They have chairs and umbrellas set up, which is convenient, or if you're like me you can plop down your own towel. My biggest gripe? The beach service. Sometimes it was amazing; other times, you waited forever for a drink. I might have stalked the servers one afternoon... the heat can do that too you. Be prepared to be patient. And if you're traveling with a toddler, be prepared to make sand castles, chase said toddler, and then, occasionally, *sit* and enjoy the view. Which is the most important part, really.
Is it kid-friendly? Because if my kids are screaming the entire time, I'm not relaxing.
Ah, the million-dollar question: kid-friendliness. Let's face it: kid-friendliness is a spectrum. Watercolor is definitely *designed* to be kid-friendly. There are kids everywhere. They have kids pools, water slides, and kids' clubs. And yetEscape to Chicago: Luxury & Comfort Await at Hampton Inn & Suites Skokie!
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