Though I’ve been to Palm Beach numerous times over the years, somehow this time was my favorite. Part of the reason was surely that I felt like I was getting away, having a travel experience. But it was also because “PB” as I call it was relaxed, with an absence of traffic, and everyone was especially welcoming, happy we were there. Plus, we had such a wonderful hotel stay at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, rated as Florida’s top resort for 5 years running in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, we extended our visit a night for a 4 day/3 night getaway. It was our first hotel stay since the start of COVID-19, so could experience the safety protocols. Here’s my first hand experience:
We were happy to see the hotel is having a special promotional offer through September 30 they call “Press Play”. For the price of a hotel room they give you everything from a $50 resort credit, nonmotorized water sports, use of tennis courts, overnight parking to kids and teen club program plus more, a good value.
Check in was a safe breeze, with guest registration by text (you agree to the data you supplied when reserving or not by text), and the receptionist behind a partition was wearing a mask and gloves. Besides all the cleaning protocols you’d expect in a luxury hotel, they offer special features like online access to over 6K digital publications, custom stocked mini bars curated on request, and a cocktail butler who will bring a cart to your door and prepare the cocktail of your choice you can enjoy in your guest room. And get this, in room Peloton bikes are available to guests booking a suite or king bedded room for an additional charge.
Our guest room was designed by Jonathan Adler who is known for decor with “modern American glamour”. It’s meant to bring to mind luxe watering holes, from Capri to Santorini. The whimsy and color — turquoise, coral, canary yellow, was a welcome departure for the times. The room overlooked one of two good size swimming pools that astride a long white sand beach, ideal for long walks. The sound of the ocean from our balcony was perfect for that added dose of serenity. After an afternoon at the beach, we dined outdoors at one of three restaurants, Temple Orange, enjoying lovely breezes and a delicious classic martini along with their Mediterranean specialties.
Day two we took advantage of the inclusions in the Press Play program — paddleboard for Mr. W and a glass of champagne poured by the champagne butler at the Tranquility pool for me. In the afternoon it was spa time at Eau Spa. The hotel used to be a Ritz Carlton (you’ll see the traditional furniture from that time in the lobby). When the management changed, it was decided that the new name would be taken from the Spa, which deservedly is a top brand name in Palm Beach.
The 42,000 square foot decor is stunning, and it has facilities one doesn’t often see — not just sauna, steam and jacuzzi, but a jacuzzi with a domed rain shower and handsome mosaic tile recliners that are warmed.
Besides the relaxation area, there’s a meditation garden and Self Centered Garden with dipping pools and hanging chairs.
For an exfoliation treatment you can make your custom mixture, choosing from among citrus blends, vanilla, lavender and more in their Scrub and Polish bar. The massage I had was top notch, and Mr. W loved his facial. Even if you don’t stay in the resort, it’s worth a visit to go to the spa, which also has a selection of stylish resort wear.
Evening brought another highlight — a custom Manhattan from the hotel’s own Manhattan trolley which I’ll be previewing in Fabulous Friday. It’s one of two wow features from the fine dining Angle restaurant, the other being a Turkish coffee ceremony. We weren’t able to try Angle, which specializes in contemporary American cuisine as we wanted to check out Palm Beach classics and see how they were faring. Next time.
Day three we did the Palm Beach thing which you’ll read about tomorrow, having a grand time, ending up with dinner at the Leopard Lounge. The resort is in Manalapan, a scenic 20 minute drive along the Intracoastal Road from Worth Avenue.
Sunday, after a leisurely breakfast, we headed back to Miami, stopping at The Boys Farmers Market in Delray Beach*. We felt totally relaxed ,as if we had really been far away. And better yet, only had an hour’s drive home!
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, 100 S Ocean Blvd, Manalapan, FL 33462 Phone: 800-328-0170. Press Play rates start at $409 a night through September 30.
*The Boys Farmers Market, A SoFL Experience
