The Colony Hotel President & Owner, Sarah Wetenhall together with Aerin Lauder and Mark D. Sikes hosted an intimate holiday dinner at the iconic boutique hotel. The special evening was held to celebrate the unveiling of Villa Aralia, designed in collaboration with Mark D. Sikes, as well as the holiday installation by Aerin Lauder featuring a magnificent 12-foot tree in a theme of seashells and tropical flowers, including many ornamental details from her personal collection.

The evening kicked off with cocktails in the Villa Courtyard where guests were treated to a first look at Sikes’ reimagined Villa Aralia. Exemplifying the designer’s fresh take on classic aesthetics and updated American sensibility, Villa Aralia is the latest guest apartment at The Colony to receive careful restoration and ultra-chic updating in partnership with a leading design tastemaker. Last year, The Colony Hotel debuted AERIN Villa Jasmine designed and curated by Aerin Lauder, which guests also had the opportunity to explore during cocktails. Afterwards, guests moved to the main hotel where all three co-hosts made welcome remarks and toasted to the occasion. A multi-course dinner by Switfty’s was served alfresco under the hotel’s outdoor hanging garden with live music by the pool.