American industrialist Henry Flagler was a key figure in the development of Florida as a tourist destination by constructing a railroad that brought well-heeled city dwellers from the north to the warmer, idyllic beaches of the south. The railroad initially ended at The Palm Beaches and was only extended further to Miami in subsequent years making the former destination a hub for luxury-seeking travellers.
From delightful dining to sumptuous accommodations and myriad ways to spend time, LLM travel writer Baldwin Ho has sought out the finest ways to fill your days in this Floridian gem.
Luxury resorts
Luxury accommodation comes in a multitude of formats at The Palm Beaches. If you are looking for discreet, boutique elegance, there is Brazilian Court Hotel nestled among the multi-million-pound houses on Palm Beach Island. The country manor feel of the hotel and the privacy it affords its guests make it one of the most popular hotels with celebrities.
For those looking for old-school opulence, there is The Breakers, which was established in 1896. The gilded age magnificence of the hotel has attracted tourists from all over the world for decades. The hotel reinvests around $25 million each year to ensure it keeps the standards of the hotel up-to-date. Golf lovers, meanwhile, will flock to the PGA National Resort. Nestled among six championship golf courses and boasting a world-class fitness centre, it is no surprise that most of the world’s top golfers live in nearby Jupiter.
One of the most exciting developments is the opening of the Amrit Ocean Resort later this year. With 100,000 sq ft of spa space, it will be one of the premier wellness resorts in the world. Spread across four floors, it will have every experience imaginable including heat therapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, a hydro-reflexology path, a lap pool, an inhalation salt therapy room, and arctic chill fountains. Their treatments blend Eastern philosophy with Western luxury and the resort is on Singer Island with over 300 feet of pristine beaches and very few resorts.
A multitude of dining options
From high-end to casual dining, it’s all about incredibly seasonal produce at The Palm Beaches. You are spoilt for choice just by staying at The Breakers with 10 dining options. Their seafood bar has an eye-catching aquarium as the bar top, whilst Henry’s offers elevated comfort food that you’ll be delighted to sample daily. Their ahi tuna ‘cones’ are great for sharing whilst their generously portioned salads are ideal for a quick bite before you head out to the beach or golf course.
The Restaurant at the Norton is one of those great contemporary establishments that offers hip, modern American cuisine that goes with the surroundings. Their menu particularly excels in the snacks section with the likes of caviar and crème, ahi tuna bomb and salmon crudo. All are daintily presented with maximum flavours. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the serene Robert B. Goergen Garden and the overall natural design equates to an overall soothing experience for diners.
Beacon is another modern establishment that deserves culinary accolades. Seasonality is everything here and the servers will explain what fresh oysters are available when you order. You’ll find the most tender of octopus that has been perfectly sous vide and served up with blistered tomato, aji avocado purée, and red sorrel. Their desserts are artistic masterpieces such as the dark forest which is served up as a mushroom art installation.
Shopper’s paradise
No visit to The Palm Beaches is complete without visiting Worth Avenue, the Rodeo Drive of Florida. The upscale boutiques and international dining options have attracted tourists and celebrities alike, with Bruce Springsteen and Celine Dion known to be regular visitors.
If you are looking for air-conditioned comfort, The Gardens Mall is a great option with over 150 luxury shops and 1.4 million square feet of leisure space. They are particularly strong on the clothing front, and you are likely to come out with a new designer look – all of the iconic names are present like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. Most of the restaurants in the mall are geared towards the quick bites variety.
One of the most charming shopping spots in town is The Royal Poinciana Plaza, a classic John Volk creation from the 1950s, which symbolised Palm Beach chic from that era. It has the ideal mix of quirky boutiques and international brands, all set in the surroundings of a scenic courtyard garden.
World-class museums
The area has been known as the culture capital of Florida and it’s not hard to see why. Flagler Museum epitomises the height of the gilded age glory days and, here, you’ll see Henry Flagler’s original railcar which he took to Key West. The palatial nature of the beaux arts building means it has been invariably called ‘more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world’. The stories behind the American industrialist who turned Florida into the leisure destination it is today are engrossing.
Another museum to consider is the Norton Museum of Art. With over 7,000 works in its comprehensive collection, including pieces from Matisse, Miró, Monet, and Picasso, it is widely considered to be one of the most important art museums in the States. They often have special exhibitions that highlight lesser known American artists.
Sea turtles
Sea turtles are a massive part of Florida, and especially so in The Palm Beaches. The main species you will come across are leatherback, green and hawksbill, and The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is the best place to observe these specimens.
One of Florida’s most visited non-profit scientific destinations, the center is focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation. They deal with injured sea turtles not just from Florida, but all over the country and each dollar you spend on the entrance ticket and in the gift shop all goes back to their charitable causes. Their sea turtle releases are one of the most anticipated events on their calendar and are attended by thousands of people on their nearby beaches.
Factbox
For more information visit thepalmbeaches.com.
