The owner and CEO of Palm Beach’s most beloved hotel, The Colony, writes about her most cherished moments shared with her family and friends at the pinkest accommodations in town.
BY: SARAH WETENHALL
Palm Beach, with its colorful and storied history, is a place where family traditions thrive. These traditions reflect the unique charm of the island and showcase the influences that have shaped our community over the years. Of course, the beach plays a central role in my family’s traditions.
The sun, sand, and surf are integral elements of our Palm Beach experience. From leisurely strolls along the pristine shores to sunbathing, shell finding, and surfing, I find my family truly bonds over the simple pleasures
of coastal living.
My two daughters, Amelia and Maggie, love the surf classes The Colony provides. Just steps from the ocean, our Pink Paradise offers the most Instagrammable beach setup experience, including custom pink yeti coolers packed with our favorite snacks. This beachfront picnic is yet another one of my favorite traditions. Social events also hold a special place in our family’s favored Palm Beach traditions.
We’re fortunate enough to enjoy attending the glamorous galas and charity events that reinforce the strong ties of Palm Beach and, more importantly, benefit the meaningful causes that serve our community and beyond.
These occasions are not only opportunities for socializing but also platforms for passing down
values from one generation to the next. We love to actively engage in philanthropy, contributing to various causes and organizations that align with our values.
Many of these functions are sponsored by or held at The Colony, creating a sense of unity and shared
purpose within the community. Bingo and trivia nights at The Colony are more casual social gatherings that are integral to our family.
The most sophisticated game nights you’ll ever see, these Sunday and Monday night events have become rituals for the community. It’s always a fun time getting a big group of friends and family together for a game night at our Pink Paradise.
Palm Beachers also enjoy celebrating art and culture. The Colony is home to various art installations, pop-up activations, book signings, and more, allowing guests to connect meaningfully and authentically with Palm Beach–inspired creations; this inspires guests to create their own traditions.
One of my family’s favorite traditions is spending the holidays on the island. Although it’s hard to beat Christmas in New York, there’s something about the joy of traveling to Palm Beach for the holidays. The excitement of the last day of school before winter break, coupled with the bliss that comes with escaping the cold for a bit, is something my family looks forward to each year.
And what are the holidays without good food? I always cook Thanksgiving dinner at home in Palm Beach with the assistance of my three children. Of course, The Colony Hotel plays a role in these traditions and many more.
At Swifty’s, our hotel’s infamous poolside restaurant, the meals are always lively, delicious, and memorable, and even more so during the holidays.
Another aspect of Palm Beach that has given rise to a fairly new family tradition of ours is the island’s equestrian culture. Most of my weekends are now spent with my middle daughter, Amelia, at local
horse shows and equestrian events. We’ve formed the greatest little subcommunity here and enjoy participating in a sport that is relevant in both our Florida and New York circles.
In this fast-paced world, where change is constant, family traditions in Palm Beach provide a sense of continuity and connection, and I’m grateful to share these traditions while also fostering them for others at The Colony. The timeless elegance and revelry of the hotel, coupled with the allure of Palm Beach, creates a backdrop for family stories and legacies.
Whether it’s celebrating holidays, milestones, or simply basking in the beauty of Palm Beach, the traditions formed around The Colony Hotel and PB community have become a source of familial pride and a testament to the enduring spirit of our historic island.
