WaterColor News & Press - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

WaterColor Inn & Resort Ranked 23rd Best Mainland U.S
Resort in Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards

Santa Rosa Beach, FL - (October 30, 2009) - The WaterColor Inn & Resort, one of the most celebrated resorts on Northwest Florida's stunning Gulf Coast, was ranked 23rd in the "Top 75 Mainland U.S. Resorts" category of Cond?Nast Traveler's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards. This is the third consecutive year that WaterColor Inn & Resort has been named to this prestigious list.

The magazine's November issue lists the best hotels, resorts, cruises, airlines, islands and cities in the world, as chosen by more than 25,000 of its readers. Each hotel is rated on activities/facilities, food/dining, location, overall design, rooms and service. WaterColor Inn & Resort scored an impressive 89.1 out of 100.

"It is an honor to be recognized by the readers of Cond?Nast Traveler as one of the best resorts in the country," said Eric Sather, general manager of WaterColor Inn & Resort. "We strive to create a gracious guest experience that people will look back on with fond memories. It's wonderful to have this affirmation that so many guests have such high praise for us."

Catering to guests of all ages, the AAA Four-Diamond WaterColor Inn & Resort offers a 60-room beachfront inn designed by David Rockwell and 140 vacation homes ranging from one to seven bedrooms. Set on 499 acres, the property boasts numerous amenities including a Beach Club, several swimming pools, Tennis Center, spa, and KidsCamp. Complimentary bicycles, kayaks and canoes make it easy for guests to traverse the resort's woodland trail system, ride into the neighboring town of Seaside, and explore Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake on the premises. For golfers, there is the Tom Fazio-designed Camp Creek Golf Club, the Greg Norman-designed Shark's Tooth Golf Club, and the Origins course designed by Davis Love III for family and short play.

Dining at WaterColor's highly acclaimed Fish Out of Water restaurant, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, is a treat not to be missed. Chef de Cuisine Philip Krajeck is passionate about using locally sourced and organic ingredients in his dishes. It is this passion that has driven him to create special seasonal "Farm Dinners" where local purveyors, such as cheese makers and organic farmers, come to the resort to speak about their products while guests enjoy a sumptuous meal prepared with their products.

Throughout the year, WaterColor hosts special events and themed retreat packages focusing on fitness, art, culinary education and more. On November 6 and 7, the Telluride MountainFilm on Tour returns to WaterColor for the ninth consecutive year. This year's two-night independent movie festival celebrates the theme of "food" (www.mountainfilmfl.com). In early March 2010, in continuation of its new "Inspirational Weekend" motivational series, the resort will offer an "Adventure Boot Camp For Women" featuring running workshops, training activities and small races building up to participation in the Seaside Half Marathon on March 6.

For WaterColor Inn & Resort information and reservations, call 866-426-2656 or visit www.watercolorresort.com.

About WaterColor Inn & Resort
Voted one of the "Top 75 Mainland U.S. Resorts" by readers of Cond?Nast Traveler in 2009 and "Best Hotel in Florida" by the readers of Travel + Leisure in 2008, the exclusive 60-room WaterColor Inn & Resort offers luxurious waterfront accommodations, award-winning dining at Fish Out of Water, a full-service spa, KidsCamp and a multitude of recreational activities including three golf courses, tennis, biking, kayaking and fishing. Well appointed Gulf-view residences and charming cottages are also available for rent. WaterColor Inn & Resort is managed by Seattle-based Noble House Hotels & Resorts.

For WaterColor Inn & Resort information and reservations, call 866-426-2656 or visit www.watercolorresort.com.