Perfectly Palm Beach

The Colony Hotel Marries Glamour, Design And Playful Charm

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Destinations

When you’re craving a staycation destination offering a mix of style, luxury and history, The Colony Hotel in the heart of Palm Beach awaits.

Originally constructed in 1947, the hotel is instantly recognizable thanks to its coral facade, which has made it a landmark of this seaside enclave. Over the decades, it has welcomed royalty, celebrities and trendsetters, who have all flocked to its gardens and retro-chic interiors. Today, after thoughtful renovations and a renewed emphasis on design collaborations, the “Pink Paradise,” as it is affectionately known, remains at the center of Palm Beach’s social scene.

The Colony offers 93 guest rooms and suites, including 14 residences, comprising of a mix of villas, bungalows and penthouses. A stay here comes with plenty of reasons not to leave the property: one main pool (as well as one for villa guests and one for bungalow guests), a bar and the ever-popular Swifty’s restaurant. Its location also places guests steps away from the Atlantic and at the eastern end of Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s legendary shopping street lined with Mediterranean Revival architecture, upscale boutiques and courtyards. Often called Florida’s Rodeo Drive, it lends an extra layer of indulgence to a stay.

Accommodations combine the comforts of home with Palm Beach glamour. Villas and bungalows tucked behind the east garden and main pool, closer to the beach, offer plunge pools and full kitchens. Several residences showcase high-profile design partnerships. The Goop Villa, created by Ronen Lev, marries Parisian romance with coastal elegance across more than 2,500 square feet. Graceful arches, Goop x Fromental wallpaper and collectible furnishings set the tone, complemented by Monogram appliances, Brizo fixtures and bathrooms stocked with Goop skin-care products, including the cult favorite Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator. Villa Jasmine, designed by Aerin Lauder, embraces a palette of pale pinks, greens and blues inspired by Palm Beach’s pastel architecture, with French doors opening to a courtyard with fountain, Aerin tabletop pieces and curated books that reflect Lauder’s personal style. Villa Aralia, refreshed by AD100 designer Mark D. Sikes, channels his signature blue-and-white aesthetic into a 1,000-square-foot space that feels both classic and contemporary. The Cabana Bungalow, designed by Martina Mondadori of Cabana magazine and Ashley Hicks, bursts with Milanese flair, dazzling with Schumacher fabrics, Matouk linens and a kitchen covered in colorful, custom-designed tiles.

Beyond the accommodations, it’s the service and atmosphere that distinguish The Colony. Guests at reception are greeted by staff in Zimmermann dresses — an unexpected detail that feels entirely Palm Beach. Golf carts shuttle visitors to the beach, where umbrellas and loungers await, along with attentive food and beverage service on the public sands. The hotel’s electric Volvo EX-90s can be reserved for trips around the island. Even the smallest touches are curated: Dyson hair dryers and straighteners in rooms and pink Yeti coolers by the pool.

Days often revolve around the main pool, which, though modest in size, is impeccably arranged for comfort. A lively DJ sets the mood, cocktails arrive promptly and floats bobbing on the water lend a festive air. Dining extends the indulgence. Swifty’s, The Colony’s signature restaurant, is a magnet for locals and hotel guests alike. Breakfast spans from fresh fruit platters and yogurt parfaits to omelets, pastries and the decadent Colony Cereal Crusted French Toast. Lunch tempts with Chilled Tomato Gazpacho, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and Swifty’s 1/2 Pound Burger. On weekends, brunch transforms the poolside into a vibrant scene. Dinner, however, is where Swifty’s shines. Starters include the Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Cocktail with Remoulade Sauce and the Chilled Globe Artichoke, which is poached in citrus and served with Swifty’s House Vinaigrette. For mains, The Swifty’s Mixed Grill for Two arrives with filet mignon, pork chop, bacon steak and pork sausage, accompanied by salsa verde, wild mushrooms and smashed yuca. Other standouts include the Swifty’s Jumbo Lump Maryland Crab Cakes, served with creamed spinach, Lyonnaise potatoes and tartar sauce, and Chef Tom’s Fish & Chips. Guests can also explore the Pink Paradise Café for a casual breakfast or snack, pop into Madison Apothecary for beauty and wellness essentials or splurge on Dolce&Gabbana at the lobby boutique. These retail touches enhance the hotel’s role as both resort and gathering place, offering convenience without sacrificing luxury.

More than a hotel, The Colony has become a stage where Palm Beach’s social scene and aesthetic ideals play out. It is glamorous yet whimsical, steeped in history yet refreshingly current. In every detail, from its pastel palette to its curated villas and lively poolside, the property radiates a sense of play that has made it a beloved fixture for nearly 80 years. For those seeking a getaway infused with style and ease, The Colony remains Palm Beach’s quintessential address. 

The Colony Hotel is located at 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach. For more information, call 561-655-5430 or visit thecolonypalmbeach.com.