The Best Beaches, Hotels, and Restaurants

There’s something about Palm Beach. Maybe it’s the namesake trees. Or the prime people-watching—the relaxed island known for its exclusive resorts and private beaches has drawn in members of the fashion pack like Aerin Lauder and Katie Sturino, but still somehow manages to feel like an intimate, close-knit community, whether you’re a homeowner or are just passing through for the weekend at one of its cool boutique hotels (our vote goes to The Brazilian Court). Cruise around with the top down—I chose Lexus’ LC 500 Convertible in the flashiest color imaginable—as you enjoy a truly niche part of Florida, synonymous with luxury and the lifestyle to match. For your next trip down south, we rounded up where the snowbirds eat, drink, and sunbathe.

What to See

The Spa at The Breakers

The Breakers has everything, from the beach to golf, tennis, bars, and restaurants, but don’t sleep on The Spa, which now offers Tata Harper facials and products. I opted for the Ultimate Facial, featuring the skin care founder’s Supernaturals line, a customized cleansing, and a hand, scalp, and neck massage that miraculously cured my tech neck.

Royal Poinciana Plaza

With stores including La Ligne, LoveShackFancy, and Veronica Beard, plus restaurants, you could spend your whole afternoon walking around the John Volk-designed Royal Poinciana Plaza and be totally content doing so. I recommend stopping by Donald Robertson’s new open-concept gallery and studio for art, prints, and, if you feel so inclined, a private group class led by the artist himself.

Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course

Golf and Palm Beach basically go hand in hand. If you’re a novice in the sport like I am, this scenic par 3 course overlooking the water is a good place to practice your swing—or just replay your regrettable bogeys over and over in your head. (I’m working on it.)

Lack of Color The Inca Bucket

Veronica Beard Kamila Reversible Jacket

Tory Sport Pleated Stretch-Jersey Tennis Dress

Where to Eat

Café Boulud

With its picturesque outdoor terrace at The Brazilian Court, this hard-to-get-into Daniel Boulud-helmed restaurant 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—begs to be Instagrammed. If only And Just Like That… filmed in Palm Beach.

LoLa 41

Though LoLa 41 shares an address with the White Elephant hotel, the Pan-Asian restaurant is a destination on its own, with dishes ranging from sushi to Korean beef bulgogi over noodles, cocktails, and a bar adorned with vintage coins from all over the world. Fun fact: the name is a nod to the resort’s Nantucket location.

Le Bilboquet

For a South of France vibe on Worth Avenue, head to Le Bilboquet. The Upper East Side mainstay helmed by self-professed bon vivant Philippe Delgrange is known for its bistro fare and Cajun chicken in particular. Displaced New Yorkers, take one.

LoveShackFancy Mireya Bralette

LoveShackFancy Arla Midi Skirt

Larroudé Miso Platform Sandal

Where to Drink

Swifty’s

A good choice 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 satisfying one nonetheless. Take advantage of the live music—specifically, acoustic guitarists strumming everything from the Beatles to the Backstreet Boys. No need for song requests here.

HMF

The Breakers’ restaurant and lounge space, HMF, is a great place to grab a drink and wander the property’s storied halls. There’s a reason it’s been named a Wine Spectator Grand Award winner each year since the list started in 1981.

Sant Ambroeus

Located in the Royal Poinciana Plaza, Sant Ambroeus has a bar and outdoor section that’s ideal for a round of post-retail therapy drinks. Or a gelato, if that’s your thing.

Silvia Tcherassi Bellagarda Puff Sleeve Crop Top

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Amanda Lindroth Palm Beach Tote Orange

Ileana Makri Grass 18K Yellow Gold & Emerald Sunrise Leaves Hoop Earrings

Where to Stay

The Brazilian Court Hotel

Sizable suites? A private, shaded pool area and hair salon? Custom Linus bikes for loan? The Brazilian Court Hotel gives guests a homey feel in the center of town, a quick ride from the Palm Beach Lake Trail. Take it from co-owner Courtney Davis: “The hotel was built to feel like a private estate, so when you’re here, you feel like you have your own place in Palm Beach,” she tells ELLE.com. “That’s what I love the most: waking up in the morning, sitting on the terrace with a coffee, and imagining Daniel Boulud is my own private chef.”

White Elephant Palm Beach

The newest, fully renovated hotel on the island, White Elephant Palm Beach has spacious rooms decorated with pop art, a heated pool, and shuttle service to and from the beach.

The Colony Hotel

Celebrating its 75th year in business, this all-pink hotel is not only pleasant to look at, but has Art Deco interiors, recently redesigned rooms, a great pool scene, and activations from Dolce & Gabbana, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and artist Ashley Longshore. The programming is also noteworthy: don’t miss bingo night or seasonal workouts by celebrity trainer Isaac Boots in the East Garden.

Bleusalt The 1Z

Herschel Supply Co. Hardshell Carry On Luggage

Beauty Picks

Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil

For a face that gleams in the sunlight, pack this hydrating oil with vitamin C in your beach bag.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara

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If you plan on taking dips in the pool, applying waterproof mascara is a must. Sweat- and water-resistant with a lengthening effect, this one pairs well with a cocktail.

EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

Just because you’re longing for a tan doesn’t mean you can skimp on the SPF. Venus Williams’ sun serum is super sheer and blendable, with a matte yet hydrating finish. This woman certainly has plenty of experience with sunscreens.

Deputy Editor

Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.