Inside the latest designer makeover at The Colony, Palm Beach's top boutique hotel.
photos courtesy of The Colony, Palm Beach
photo: Lesley Unruh
Known as Palm Beach’s “Pink Paradise,” The Colony is an iconic boutique hotel beloved for its personalized service and highly-coveted location—minutes away from the beach and the upscale shopping on Worth Avenue. Nestled within the luxurious Palm Beach property are seven stunningly appointed villa apartments, created from the historic Mediterranean-style Casa Manana (the original home of the hotel’s founders).
Beyond The Colony Hotel’s signature pink-painted exterior, plush velvet furniture, and flamingo-flocked lobby walls lies a gift wrapped in crisp whites and soothing blues. It has been dubbed "Villa Aralia".
photo: Carmel Brantley
The villa debuted in late 2021 as the result of The Colony Hotel’s collaboration with esteemed Los Angeles-based interior designer and best-selling author Mark D. Sikes. It’s the latest guest apartment on-property to receive an impressive restoration and a complete makeover at the hands of the leading design force. Other noteworthy talents have included Celerie Kemble and Aerin Lauder, whose Palm Beach roots run deep.
interior designer Mark Sikes
Villa Aralia is a 1,100-square-foot private paradise that offers its own entrance, two bedrooms, two baths, plus an open living and dining room with an adjacent kitchen. Sikes, gleaning inspiration from his frequent stays over the years, sought to create a space as classic as Palm Beach and cool and carefree in keeping with The Colony’s distinct vibe. “I love the authentic Palm Beach spirit of the hotel. It feels old school but fresh and fun,” says Sikes.
photo: Carmel Brantley
While apropos of the property’s locale, Sikes’ chosen sea-and-sky color scheme wasn’t too far of a leap; as the designers’ huge fan base is aware, blue and white is his jam as well as his trademark pairing. “This villa is an ode to that color palette and to the all-American approachable style we are known for.”
Using a bold and enduring Brunschwig & Fils cabana stripe fabric as a springboard, Sikes’ design concept for the villa includes whimsical, white-lacquered pieces from the designer’s signature collection with Chaddock Furniture, accented with brass and plaster fixtures from Sikes’ eponymous collection with Hudson Valley Lighting.
photo: Carmel Brantley
photo: Carmel Brantley
photo: Carmel Brantley
photo: Carmel Brantley
Should you decide to book a stay at Villa Aralia, prepare to enjoy full hotel amenities, including butler service, transportation, access to the exclusive villa pool, and many other luxe perks.
photo: Lesley Unruh
And, in case you want to take a piece of paradise home with you, the Mark D. Sikes lighting and furniture collections used in Villa Aralia are available for purchase at Hive Palm Beach.
photo: Carmel Brantley
The Colony Hotel is located at 155 Hammon Ave, Palm Beach, Florida For information about Villa Aralia and to book your reservation, visit: thecolonypalmbeach.com
