A Christmas tree covered in seashells. It’s the holidays (and high season) at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Long time guest Susan Harrison states of the hotel, “There is always a warmth you feel when you stroll in, and it’s beautiful all year.
While the outside is now painted Colony Pink (a custom shade by Farrow & Ball that motivated its nickname, Pink Paradise), you’ll still discover a diverse mix of hotel visitors and live music. The original owners meant for it to be a location for their houseguests to stay and for the neighborhood to collect year-round, and its mission as the “local’s hotel” stays the very same today in lots of methods.
For Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall, who bought The Colony in December 2016, their history and memories with the hotel long precede their ownership. “My family has been involved with The Colony considering that 1970, when my father-in-law acquired it and kept an apartment or condo there till his passing even after he wasn’t in ownership,” states Sarah.
As the 2nd generation of the family in ownership, the Wetenhalls are intentional about supporting the legacy they’re a part of and fondly refer to the structure as “she.” Sarah says, “We are stewards of something bigger than us– she came in the past and will live after. We are simply a small part of The Colony’s story; she comes from the neighborhood, to Palm Beach.”
Bend Traditions … Just a Bit
Just Like Palm Beach, a village with a big personality, the hotel with 93 spaces and villas strikes a balance between the past and present. Working along with Mimi Maddock McMakin (the principal designer and founder of Kemble Interiors) in addition to with the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, the brand-new owners took excellent care to protect the history and memories within. Starting with the ballroom and ending with the guest spaces, they tackled one area at a time. “Throughout the renovation, we were conscious to maintain the essence of The Colony Hotel,” states McMakin. “The layout has pretty much remained the very same. We simply improved it so it’s comfortable for discerning guests but still lets them feel as if they’ve been transferred back to the forties. We’re utilizing rattan, walking stick, wicker, and pretty florals endemic to the relaxed design of Palm Beach.”
” Here in Palm Beach, there is no lack of motivation. You simply need to open your eyes and take a walk,” remembers Sarah of how the wallpaper got going. “I like learning about history to acquire a sense of place, so I began going through archival photos, which is where I discovered a photo of the original lobby.” The Colony initially opened with black terrazzo floors, which were reinstalled, and had a small mural behind the front desk entitled The Early Days in Palm Beach. Sarah says, “That’s when it clicked, and I had a vision of a floor-to-ceiling scene that’s representative of the entire island.
The pink background is complete of native plants, flamingos and cougars wearing fashion jewelry, parrots with nests of Easter eggs, fish with wings, monkeys (inspired by Johnnie Brown, the hotel’s mascot), and local architecture– from trellis gates and water fountains around town to the renowned Worth Avenue clock tower. “We had the pleasure of slipping in little secrets that are special to us– the anniversary date for my partner and me; the year the hotel was built; my father-in-law with his pets; and our pet dog, Palmer,” she says.
Sprinkled throughout the pleasant structure, you’ll likewise discover a sea grape theme, which was based on a drawing by Zinnia, among McMakin’s grandchildren. “Sea grapes are belonging to the island, and you see them all over, so that really talked to The Colony’s particular past in an unique way,” describes Sarah.
Get Inspired by Old Florida
A big part of Sarah’s vision for the future of The Colony was changing the lobby (an area visitors need to pass through to get anywhere in the hotel) into a welcoming living room. Visually, this grand welcome starts with the customized hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper that carries you throughout the hotel so you feel as though you’re living in its heart at all times.
Enjoy the Details
Thoughtful attention also encompasses the outdoor areas. The Kemble group of Cece Bowman and Mackenzie Hodgson found unique vintage ceramic garden seats, with styles including a stack of books and an elephant, to use in lieu of traditional end tables by the lounge chairs around the swimming pool. “One of the success stories of this hotel is that Sarah shares unique products with her visitors, that makes The Colony distinct and takes away the feeling of an industrial space,” says McMakin.
At the end of 2019, Swifty’s, a legendary New York City restaurant understood for its well-known clientele, came to The Colony as a pop-up. When the hotel resumed at the end of 2020, the eatery moved outside. “It provides the taste that you are a guest at a personal home taking pleasure in a party,” states McMakin.
Make it Beachy and Bright
Something’s constantly taking place at “the club without dues,” whether it’s family-friendly Monday-night trivia, Sunday-night bingo, or a DJ set by the pool. But December is when the events kick into high equipment and the design is on full display. “The power of Palm Beach at Christmas is not something to be messed with,” says Sarah, who hasn’t missed out on one at The Colony given that 1999.
While there’s always been a beautiful tree, don’t expect to discover the traditional red and green. Instead, the hotel partnered with designer Aerin Lauder to create a brand name new search for the season. Drawing motivation from the surrounding environment, Lauder says she dealt with “a rejuvenating color combination to fit the environment and add a dynamic holiday spirit.” The tree is embellished with playful accents, including real and ceramic shells, coral fans, ceramic birds, and glass accessories, plus a seashell topper and a palm-embroidered tree skirt and garland.
The main attraction is the living-room’s spectacular 12-foot-tall tree, however subtle trimmings are woven throughout– garland wrapped columns, large-scale wreaths on the larger-than-life front doors, gleaming ornaments brightening Swifty’s hanging garden, and palm trees twirled up with shimmering lights. “There’s no lack of events here. This place makes you seem like it’s your second home from the moment you get here,” states Harrison.
Beachfront Sparkle: Lauder’s Tree-Trimming Tips
Choose a pallet: “From the stunning shade of pink painted on the exterior to the lobby’s de Gournay wallpaper, everywhere you look there are touches of color and tropical accents, so I desired the tree to reflect that.”
Tell a tale: “My favorite trees constantly have a story. They should be filled with layers of memories and meaningful objects.”
Branch off: “I’m constantly motivated by nature, and I seemed like there was something truly wonderful about having a tree with real components, so there are starfish and a mix of found and ceramic shells plus coral fans, bird ornaments, and glass balls in green and coral shades.”
