ELLE Escapes: Palm Beach

Photo credit: Courtesy / Design Leah Romero
Photo credit: Courtesy / Design Leah Romero

There’s something about Palm Beach. Maybe it’s the signature swaying trees or crisp blue water. Perhaps it’s the relaxed, somewhat secluded, yet perpetually talked-about locale. Or the prime people-watching, as the island has attracted members of the fashion pack from Aerin Lauder to Katie Sturino, but still manages to feel like an intimate, close-knit community—whether you maintain a residence there or are just passing through. Regardless of the reasoning, it remains an indelible part of Florida, synonymous with luxurious homes and the glamorous lifestyle to match. For your next trip down south, we rounded up the best places to visit and, of course, where to shop.

Photo credit: Leah Romero
Photo credit: Leah Romero

Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa

Photo credit: CJ Walker
Photo credit: CJ Walker

One of New York City’s top salons is officially open in PB, at Via Flagler right by The Breakers. Indulge in one of many treatments, including but not limited to the Power Hour (read: blowdry, manicure, pedicure). Because you deserve to be pampered at the quickest pace humanly possible.

Royal Poinciana Plaza

Photo credit: Royal Ponciana Plaza
Photo credit: Royal Ponciana Plaza

With stores ranging from La Ligne to LoveShackFancy and the newly opened Veronica Beard boutique, plus restaurants, you could spend your whole day walking around the John Volk-designed Royal Poinciana Plaza and be totally content doing so.

Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course

Photo credit: Discover The Palm Beaches
Photo credit: Discover The Palm Beaches

Golf and Palm Beach basically go hand in hand. If you’re a novice in the sport, this scenic par 3 course, overlooking the water, is a good place to practice your swing—or just laugh about your regrettable bogeys.

Photo credit: Leah Romero
Photo credit: Leah Romero

Le Bilboquet

Photo credit: Ori Harpaz
Photo credit: Ori Harpaz

For South of France vibes on Worth Avenue, head to Le Bilboquet. The Upper East Side mainstay known for its bistro fare (and Cajun chicken in particular) has joined its fellow displaced New Yorkers with the opening of its latest outpost. As owner and self-professed bon vivant Philippe Delgrange will attest, Bilbo is always a good time.

Café Boulud

Photo credit: Brownwyn Knight
Photo credit: Brownwyn Knight

Billed as “one of Palm Beach’s most coveted dining destinations,” this Daniel Boulud-helmed restaurant, with its luxe outdoor terrace at The Brazilian Court Hotel, lives up to the hype. Everything on the menu is solid, but the White Cosmo, a mix of vodka, elderflower, and white cranberry, finished with an orchid ice cube, is undoubtedly your IG moment.

Swifty’s

Photo credit: Discover The Palm Beaches
Photo credit: Discover The Palm Beaches

Good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Swifty’s, situated poolside at The Colony Hotel, may be one of the more casual dining options on the island, but a delicious one nonetheless. Take advantage of the live music offering—specifically, acoustic guitarists strumming everything from the Beatles to the Backstreet Boys.

Photo credit: Leah Romero
Photo credit: Leah Romero

Sant Ambroeus

Photo credit: Nicole Franzen
Photo credit: Nicole Franzen

Located in the Royal Poinciana Plaza, Sant Ambroeus has a decadent bar and spacious outdoor section that’s ideal for a round of post-retail therapy drinks. (Because you could probably use a cocktail to help wash away the fact that you just blew your tax refund in one fell swoop.)

Lola 41

Photo credit: Ovi Mustea
Photo credit: Ovi Mustea

Though Lola 41 shares an address with the White Elephant hotel, the Nantucket-based sushi bar is an entity all its own, with an extensive wine list, sake, cocktails, and craft beers in a courtyard—and a bar adorned with vintage coins from all over the world.

HMF

Photo credit: The Breakers Palm Beach
Photo credit: The Breakers Palm Beach

No trip to Palm Beach is complete without a trip to The Breakers, and its restaurant and lounge space, HMF, is the perfect place to grab a drink and wander the storied halls. After all, there’s a reason it’s been named a Wine Spectator Grand Award winner each year since the accolade’s inception in 1981.

Photo credit: Leah Romero
Photo credit: Leah Romero

The Colony Hotel

Photo credit: Discover The Palm Beaches
Photo credit: Discover The Palm Beaches

This all-pink hotel is not only nice to look at, but boasts charming Art Deco interiors and a great scene for poolside lounging. The programming is also top-notch: don’t miss celebrity trainer Isaac Boots’s leg- and butt-blasting Torch’d workout in the East Garden on Saturdays.

The Brazilian Court Hotel

Photo credit: Brownwyn Knight
Photo credit: Brownwyn Knight

Spacious suites? Private pool area? Custom Linus bikes for loan? Check, check, check. The Brazilian Court Hotel offers a bit of old-world glamour in the center of town, a quick ride from the Palm Beach Lake Trail.

White Elephant Palm Beach

Photo credit: Chi-Thien Nguyen/Elkus Manfredi Architects
Photo credit: Chi-Thien Nguyen/Elkus Manfredi Architects

All of the White Elephant’s properties are tasteful and elegant, and Palm Beach is certainly no exception. The newest, fully renovated hotel on the island, it features luxe rooms decorated with pop art, a heated pool, and shuttle service to the beach.

Photo credit: Leah Romero
Photo credit: Leah Romero

You Might Also Like