Wynn MedingerVisit the polo capital of the world
Where to stay
F or maximum glamour, set up camp in Palm Beach, and for a full-on robber baron extravaganza, look no further than THE BREAKERS. Built by railroad magnate Henry Flagler in 1896, this historic resort offers unapologetic luxury by the sea with every amenity and activity imaginable. Modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome, it’s the grande dame of Palm Beach.
If it’s a romantic hideaway you want, the BRAZILIAN COURT is just the ticket. The location on a residential street offers peace and privacy. The elegant rooms are studies in dark wood, with a traditional feel that conjures an aura of the tropics. As a bonus, the hotel boasts the 5-star Café Boulud, one of Palm Beach’s most elegant restaurants, as well as a Frederic Fekkai salon.
If you’re looking for classic Palm Beach with a bit of British colonial flair, THE COLONY is for you. Located smack in the middle of downtown Palm Beach, this pastel palace harkens back to a quieter time. Sit by the pool and have a gin fizz, or borrow one of the trademark pink bicycles for a spin around town.
For a busy, buzzy resort that has a hint of Art Deco flavor, the EAU PALM BEACH is a great choice. You’ll enjoy fine dining, myriad activities, and a bit of glitz. For maximum enjoyment, opt for a ground floor room with a terrace. Sip your morning coffee there or in the private cabana that’s just a few feet away, overlooking the beach. You won’t find a better spot to watch the sunrise.
The FOUR SEASONS is everything you’d expect, right down to the delicate scent that wafts through the lobby. The colors are muted, the atmosphere is so peaceful as to be soporific. Relaxation is obligatory, and you can’t beat a nap in one of the green and white striped beach loungers. You’ll float back to consciousness just long enough to shake the sand out of your towel and order another cocktail.
If you’re bringing the entire family, the JUPITER BEACH RESORT AND SPA can accommodate everyone. Comfortable and stylish to suit mom and dad, but plenty of activities for the kids and at a price that encourages bringing the entire tribe. Visit the spa for an exceptional massage.
Where to eat
CAFE BOULUD Renowned New York chef Daniel Boulud has created a jewel of a restaurant that serves French classics as well as inventive seasonal specials inspired by the riches of the sea and the local farmers’ markets. A simple but elegant dining room offers the perfect backdrop for chef’s artistic creations, and the wine list will knock your socks off. If you start your evening at the striking marble-topped bar, be sure to try the White Cosmopolitan. With vodka, elderflower, white cranberry, and an orchid ice sphere, it’s as delicious to drink as it is lovely to look upon.
THE SEAFOOD BAR at the Breakers is just one of the many restaurants at the resort. The coconut shrimp appetizer is my top choice, and the key lime pie is the best anywhere. Sit at the bar and when you tire of the spectacular ocean view, you can watch the tropical fish swimming in the bar’s built-in aquarium.
FLORIE’S at the Four Seasons hotel is a Mediterranean-inspired partnership with Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco. Live fire cooking and earth-conscious offerings dominate the menu, and even the cocktails are garden inspired. Opt for the signature heirloom tomato and peach carpaccio.
BUCCAN is the home of creative American cuisine with a lively bar scene. For a bit of heaven, order the sweet corn agnolotti with ricotta, bacon, and espelette butter. Pro tip—order the small portion, as it’s very rich. The watermelon martini is to die for, so be sure to have one – or three.
CPB at the Colony Hotel offers American cuisine with a twist in a tropics-inspired dining room. Wood floors and ferns call to mind a British colonial villa in a far flung tropical paradise. The food is inventive and the restaurant has amazing vegetarian options. Try the truffle and ricotta ravioli. Stick around after dinner and most evenings you can enjoy live music, everything from jazz and piano bar standards to a DJ spinning classic vinyl.
TA-BOO is one of the most storied restaurants in Palm Beach, and has been welcoming guests at its Worth Avenue location since 1941. Frank Sinatra and JFK ate there back in the day, and you still never know who you might run into. Ta-boo Lust is the signature dessert of the house—a coconut-cream pie with a walnut-cookie crust that would make Mary Ann green with envy.
