Your escape from reality is closer than you might think.
The Brazilian Court’s pool
The buzz word du jour: staycation. And with so many sought-after reservations in Palm Beach, why jet to never-never land when you can book a leisurely weekend away right here? With culinary masters, redesigned digs, exclusive spa treatments, historic landmarks, on-property salons, yacht cruises and more, it turns out your luxury stay is in your very own backyard. Here are our top picks for a rest and recharge.
The entrance to the 95-year-old Mediterranean-style hotel
Nearing a century of the finest in hospitality, The Brazilian Court greets spring with reinvigorated interiors and special packages to match. The circa 1926 grande dame is the epitome of Mediterranean glamour, with its stucco facade, romantic arched walkways, terra-cotta barrel roof tiles and wrought-iron accents. And now its interiors, once again, live up to its legacy. Inside, owner Bobby Schlesinger commissioned renowned designer Lauren Hastings of LSI Designs for the recently completed interior upgrades.
In the redesigned rooms, the furniture is custom, with accent decor from Arteriors, Assouline,Made Goods and local shops, including Keller Palm Beach and Mecox Gardens.
With the redesign, each room features curated black-and-white photography that pays homage to some of the most inspiring icons of pop culture. Among them, find Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.—all photographed by Terry O’Neill. Among the furnishings, lush green velvet headboards and sofas provide a nod to the palms outdoors, especially the gardens surrounding Café Boulud, while white linens and pops of lavender brighten the rooms. Fan-favorite The Brazilian Court Salon too has unveiled renovated environs. Decked in custom Italian furnishings, the fresh, intriguing design features expanded space for hairstyling and treatments, a new mani-pedi room and a traditional men’s barber. Rooms from $399, 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach, 561.655.7740, thebraziliancourt.com
This Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa suite has an ocean view.
Champagne in hand, crashing waves in the background, ocean views beyond—this is how a getaway to Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa begins. The rooms, outfitted with Jonathan Adler’s signature brand of kitsch and vibrant colors, overlook the hotel’s private beach, pool or garden. At Club Level, guests can expect top-notch dedicated concierge service as well as handselected wines courtesy of the in-house sommelier, among other perks. Not to be missed is Angle, the resort’s culinary destination where filet carpaccio and duck rillette with pain perdu are de rigueur.
In addition to the pool, there are private cabanas on offer that can be stocked with Champagne, tapas, cold-pressed juices and more.
But top of the agenda this spring is indulging in spa treatments with exclusive Swiss line Valmont—the only spa in the area to offer these specialty products. On the menu is the Valmont Vitality of the Glaciers facial, aka pure bliss. The harms of everyday stresses and pollution are erased from the skin with boosts of cellular renewal. Emerge renewed, hydrated, detoxed and with a postfacial glow. Rooms from $995, suites from $2,499, 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, 561.533.6000, eaupalmbeach.com
In the lobby, Kemble Interiors’ fireplace pagoda complements the recently unveiled custom de Gournay wallcovering.
For the spring season, The Colony Hotel has introduced a host of new developments. First up: Swifty’s POOL, an outdoor restaurant with seating around the hotel’s pool and its hanging garden, in collaboration with Swifty’s owner and founder Robert Caravaggi. Look for dishes like jumbo Maryland crabmeat with tomato aspic, cheese souffle and prime New York steak au poivre from chef Tom Whitaker.
The Colony Hotel’s two-bedroom Villa Bougainvillea
Then came a rethinking of the decor. In partnership with world-renowned company de Gournay, The Colony has created an original wallpaper design inspired by the midcentury mural that adorned the lobby when it opened in 1947. This prompted a refresh of the lobby, a social space now called the Living Room. The Colony’s team collaborated with de Gournay on a pattern depicting flora and fauna indigenous to South Florida, meticulously painted on custom pink Edo Xuan paper. Now, regal flamingos sip water as a lizard stares, alligators creep by from shallow pools and panthers wearing diamond necklaces stalk their prey—all while The Colony’s monkey mascot, Johnnie Brown, waves a pennant flag from a palm tree.
The rest of the decor is the work of Kemble Interiors and is marked by vignettes, cocktail tables and conversation-inducing furniture. Pink velvet, natural grass cloth, bamboo lattice and gray linen accent the hotel’s original terrazzo floors, which were completely restored. More than a lobby, the Living Room is a meeting point for guests. The aforementioned wallpaper is even available for sale as framed panels through the hotel. Rooms from $769, 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach, 561.655.5430, thecolonypalmbeach.com
Flagler Club's terrace
The Flagler Club is the exclusive 25-room guesthouse within The Breakers. Flagler Club guests are given special perks and accommodations, including ultrapersonalized service from a staff of highly trained hotel pros, on call and at your service 24/7—including a chauffeured house car service via Tesla. The Club’s swanky PranaSleep Super Vinyasa adjustable beds are decked out in Frette linens; the bathrooms are fully stocked with L’Occitane en Provence premium products and a Dyson hair dryer—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In-room treats are given daily, including wine and chocolates specially created for guests of the Flagler Club.
Guests are also able to enjoy free breakfast, light fare and cocktail hour, along with postdinner dessert and cordials in the Club’s sixth-floor living room and outdoor terrace. The space was designed by famed interiors guru Adam D. Tihany (who also spearheaded many designs throughout the rest of the hotel) and is meant to be a sleek and chic, yet warm and inviting space in which guests can relax. Of course, guests have access to the entire property and are even treated with distinction, thanks to the room key—a shiny black card that’s meant to be flashed throughout the property for extra-special treatment. 1 S. County Road, 888.974.0139, thebreakers.com
Complimentary treats such as sparkling water and fresh fruit are served at the White Elephant Palm Beach’s pool.
An offshoot of the original in Nantucket, the White Elephant Palm Beach, which occupies the former Bradley Park Hotel built in 1924, was stripped to the studs and completely transformed with a Mediterranean Revival aesthetic for a feel that’s more private residence than hotel. With 13 rooms and 19 suites spread across four floors, this newly opened spot has quickly caught the attention of the Palm Beach crowd—notably the penthouse suites with large living rooms, kitchens and spacious terraces, and the three-bedroom Park Suite, which overlooks neighboring Bradley Park.
The hotel was originally owned by Colonel Edward R. Bradley, who ran an exclusive beach club beginning in the 1920s.
The restaurant, Lola 41, also a Nantucket transplant, offers globally inspired dishes, while the building’s facade and its black-and-white awnings are inspired by architect Addison Mizner. This spring, the White Elephant debuts a self-guided bike tour that dives into Mizner’s influential work. Take in notable stops like Villa Mizner, the architect’s last home; Villa dei Fiori, built by the Jell-O heir; and La Guerida, owned by the Kennedy family for more than six decades. For those who feel the need for speed, opt for a cruise along the Intracoastal aboard a Barton & Gray yacht. Rooms from $650, suites from $995, 280 Sunset Ave., Palm Beach, 844.462.9483, whiteelephantpalmbeach.com
For island pomp and circumstance, nothing beats The Breakers, the gorgeous property that has hosted captains of industry, socialites and European nobility since 1896. The charms here are many, with four pools, two golf courses and multiple dining options (Sunday brunch at The Circle is a can’t-miss). This year, the Palm Beach icon rings in its 125th anniversary in signature elegant style. With commemorative programming throughout 2021—from exclusive food and beverage experiences to special amenities, art and activities—founder Henry Flagler’s legacy stands proud.
“For well over a century, The Breakers has thrived as an iconic, world-class oceanfront resort, delivering the highest standards of excellence,” says CEO Paul Leone. “The organization’s longevity is a reflection of Henry Flagler’s vision, the unwavering commitment of his heirs, the Kenan family, as well as the allure of Palm Beach. Our owners’ long-term view, purpose-driven approach to our business and passion for our team has been vital to the property’s success. Our past has helped shape our future, and we remain inspired that the best is yet to come.” 1 S. County Road, Palm Beach, 561.655.6611, thebreakers.com
Photography by: Courtesy of The Brazilian Court; courtesy of Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa; by Brantley Photography; by Lesley Unruh; courtesy of The Breakers; by Chi-Thien Nguyen/Elkus Manfredi Architects
