For more than 75 years, The Colony Hotel has been decking the palms.
Carmel Brantley; Styling by Page Mullins
AChristmas treecovered in seashells.
Tropical cocktails by the pool.
Credit:Carmel Brantley; Styling by Page Mullins
Columns swathed in greenery and twinkling lights.
Its the holidays (and high season) at The Colony Hotel inPalm Beach, Florida.
But at Christmas, it really puts on its finery.
Credit:Carmel Brantley; Styling by Page Mullins
To me, The Colony represents the best of Palm Beach.
Sarah says, We are stewards of something larger than usshe came before and will live after.
Starting with the ballroom and ending with the guest spaces, they tackled one area at a time.
Depending on the time of day, the pink shifts, reflecting all the shades found in a flamingo’s wing. “She’s been many colors in her life and will probably be many more, but for now, she’s our Pink Paradise,” says Sarah.Credit:Carmel Brantley; Styling by Page Mullins
Throughout the renovation, we were mindful to retain the essence of The Colony Hotel, says McMakin.
The layout has pretty much stayed the same.
Were using rattan, cane, wicker, and pretty florals endemic to the relaxed style of Palm Beach.
Credit:Carmel Brantley; Styling by Page Mullins
Here in Palm Beach, there is no shortage of inspiration.
The elaborate design makes you pause to take in every detail.
Hidden within the flora and fauna are nods to the Wetenhall family.
The Colony’s official mascot, a monkey named Johnnie Brown, is shown in this wallpaper. He was a former pet of the late Addison Mizner, an architect who greatly influenced the look of Palm Beach.Credit:Carmel Brantley; Styling by Page Mullins
Delight in the Details
Thoughtful attention also extends to the outdoor spaces.
When the hotel reopened at the end of 2020, the eatery moved outside.
These areas have always had a casual, European-style atmosphere.
The Worth Avenue treelighting ceremony is followed by carols and milk and cookies on the front steps of the Pink Paradise.
Youll likely encounter sunbathers and swimmers alongside people eating meals, and no one bats an eye.
It gives the flavor that you are a guest at a private home enjoying a party, says McMakin.
But December is when the celebrations kick into high gear and the decor is on full display.
Palm trees and columns around the hotel are decorated with 15,000 feet of lights.
While theres always been a beautiful tree, dont expect to find the classic red and green.
Instead, the hotel partnered with designer Aerin Lauder to create a brand new look for the season.
Theres no shortage of celebrations here.
Over 30 dozen ornaments, primarily from Aerin and D.Stevens, accent the lobby tree.Credit:Carmel Brantley; Styling by Page Mullins
This place makes you feel like its your second home from the moment you arrive, says Harrison.
Tell a tale:My favorite trees always have a story.
They should be filled with layers of memories and meaningful objects.
