By Olivia Cuccaro
On the Atlantic Coast of the US, Palm Beach is paradise found. For years, the island has upheld a level of luxury unmatched by any other Florida getaway. American oil tycoon Henry Flagler made his home here – a testament to the area’s prestige – and his historic mansion turned museum is just one of the exciting landmarks to see. Visitors of this chic and sunny region are in for the best coastal living has to offer including award-winning golf courses, exhilarating water sports, superb yachting and the renowned Palm Beach International Boat Show. The warm weather is ideal for sunbathing on pristine beaches or shopping along the palm tree-lined Worth Avenue. Attractions like the Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach Zoo and South Florida Science Center and Aquarium make it a family-friendly destination with plenty to do. At top-of-the-line resorts with beachfronts, tranquil spas and Florida’s finest dining, this is a city that offers the best of the best.
Where to Stay:
Surrounded by lush gardens, The Brazilian Court is a tropical oasis in Palm Beach. A Mediterranean-style villa, the hotel’s interior has warm mahogany accents and extends its welcome to pets. The outdoor pool and hot tub are open year-round and a 24-hour fitness center is available to guests for a workout. Relax in the many landscaped courtyards or be chauffeured in a Mercedes to the nearby beach for an ocean escape. The location of our January/February 2017 fashion shoot, this luxurious property is an Elite Traveler favorite.
Top Suite: Two-Bedroom Lanai Suite with Terrace (Hepburn Suite)
This Spanish Colonial-style suite spans 1,800 sq ft and features two bedrooms, 2.5 marble baths with jetted tubs and walk-in showers and a private patio or terrace. Laundry and twice daily maid service are also included.
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A sophisticated beachside resort, The Breakers is a natural choice for your Palm Beach stay. To soak up the sun, there’s a Beach Club with private oceanfront, four pools, 25 daytime bungalows, two championship golf courses and 10 tennis courts. The 24-hour fitness center offers complimentary classes during the week and clinics are also available for golf and tennis. If shopping is your cardio, there are 11 on-property boutiques including Guerlain and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Top Suite: Imperial Suite with Oceanfront View
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A stunning panoramic ocean view is the key feature of this 1,700 sq ft suite. It includes a foyer, wet bar, five Juliet balconies, 1.5 baths, oceanfront dining and living areas and can be connected to additional oceanfront guest rooms. A personal concierge is also included with your stay.
An elegant island vibe is found at Four Seasons Palm Beach. The beachfront location means guests can enjoy snorkeling in the ocean or take a dip in the pool and still enjoy white sand beach all around them. There’s also a Peter Burwash tennis program, 24-hour fitness club and watersports led by a US Coast Guard Masters level certified captain–take a private surf lesson for $75/hour. Swell Boutique carries designers like Missoni and Pomellato for shopping on the property.
Top Suite: Deluxe Oceanfront Two-Bedroom Suite
An ivory-colored haven, this suite boasts two furnished balconies and a Juliet balcony for watching the waves. Located on the fourth floor, the 1,370 sq ft suite encompasses two bedrooms with king-size beds, two full marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, one guest powder room and spacious living area.
Next, see Where to Dine and Where to Relax in Palm Beach.
Where to Dine:
Café Boulud: Fine dining inside the Brazilian Court Hotel from a household name, the menu incorporates signature Boulud dishes with French favorites. Executive Chef Rick Mace delights with dishes like foie gras torchon, black truffle tagliatelle or a 14 oz dry aged NY strip. A 400-selection wine list includes ports and sherries, with vintage digestifs also to sip between courses.
Buccan: “Small plates with big flavors” are the specialty of this Palm Beach establishment. Chef Clay Conley, a two-time James Beard nominee, highlights the tastes and textures discovered during his world travels to create an exciting fare like Octopus tabbouleh, lamb chop with mango chutney and Moroccan “BBQ” chicken. For sushi, try the sister restaurant Imoto.
Café L’Europe: Since 1980, this restaurant has been a favorite among Palm Beach regulars for the upscale cuisine and attentive service. Café L’Europe features a bistro, main room and wine room for your choice of dining experience. With lobster risotto, roasted duck and peppered center-cut filet, the menu lists easy, elegant choices for dinner.
Renato’s: This Italian eatery is a romantic spot to enjoy dinner for two. Order veal scallopine in the courtyard for an al fresco meal, or savor homemade wild mushroom ravioli in the stately main dining room. Private parties can be also be accommodated in the Wine Cellar, Capri and Peruvian rooms.
Where to Relax:
Eau Spa: Unwind with a glass of champagne, a signature cupcake and a variety of rejuvenating treatments at this spa inside the Eau Palm Beach Resort. The expansive 42,000 sq ft spa features 19 customizable treatment rooms, dipping pools, hanging chairs, cabanas, private garden villas with outdoor tubs, saunas, steam rooms, oversized Jacuzzis, fitness center and a Movement Studio. Cater to your inner royal with The Queen of Hearts – a red flower scrub, bath, 60-minute red flower massage and 60-minute Eau Naturale facial ($475). For the kings, there’s an entire “MENu” of male-focused treatments too.
Frédéric Fekkai Salon: Inside The Brazilian Court, this chic boutique salon and spa maintains the acclaimed hairstylist’s celebrity status. Treat yourself to a full makeover with the Fekkai Night Out package, which includes a blowout, manicure, Le Peel skin care treatment and makeup application ($270). For $750, Fekkai himself will cut and style your locks. Eight styling stations and two treatment rooms also offer additional hair, nail, waxing, facial and massage services.
Spa at The Breakers: Serenity awaits at the resort’s 20,000 sq ft spa with 17 treatment rooms. Reverse signs of aging with the Deep Sea Signature Facial, which includes a firming eye treatment, facial massage, hand treatment and reflexology. If you’re in need of head-to-toe pampering, the Signature Spa Suite Experiences feature masques, massages, body scrubs and facials tailored to your personal preferences ($695). The spa uses OSEA, ERBE and Tammy Fender products and also includes a salon.
Next, see What to Do in Palm Beach.
What to Do:
Shopping: Worth Avenue
Heralded as one of the most beautiful shopping districts in the US, Worth Avenue is home to more than 200 high-end shops and restaurants. The venue stretches four blocks to include the likes of Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tomas Maier, Graff, Hamilton Jewelers, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. Stroll the avenue to find the pieces featured in our January/February fashion shoot.
If treasure hunting is more your style, Antique Row on South Dixie Highway boasts collectible furniture and housewares.
Festival: Palm Beach International Boat Show
From March 23 to 26, 2017, the 32nd annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of boats, yachts and accessories from the world’s leading marine manufacturers. It’s a must-attend for the yacht lover.
Should you be inspired to charter one for yourself, there are many local companies including Palm Beach Yachts International.
Entertainment: International Polo Club Palm Beach
During the winter, Sundays are for Polo matches. To watch the game in style, book the Coco Polo Lounge for exclusive field-side seating, gourmet brunch, signature welcome cocktail and expedited valet entry ($200/person plus fees).
When an indoor event is preferable, Kravis Center hosts concerts, musicals and ballet performances.
Activity: Golf at PGA Resort
Play five championship courses at this golf-centric resort. There’s the Jack Nicklaus-redesigned Champion Course, which hosts the Honda Classic each spring, The Fazio, The Squire, The Estates and The Palmer (designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer himself). Attend the David Leadbetter Golf Academy onsite to brush up on your game.
Where to Park the Jet: Palm Beach International Airport
FBO services are available from Signature Flight Support, Jet Aviation and Atlantic Aviation at Palm Beach International Airport. 1500 Perimeter Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406.
