So following a long overdue girls weekend in Miami I couldn’t help but tack on just one more day of fun in the place I’ve been begging to play day tourist, my very own version of Disneyland at the oh so chic and oh so perfectly pink Palm Beach.
And since I only had about eight hours to conquer this tiny chic strip of land just east of West Palm, this micro guide doesn’t hold to some of my other ones, but I managed to make the most of my time with a few friends along the way who are much more familiar.
My 8 Hours in Palm Beach
Caffeine Fixes
Worth Avenue Clock Tower // after my almost two hour drive up the coast from Miami, a nice stroll along the ocean was well appreciated, short but including the landmark clock tower, a great spot for photos too. Lot’s of people were jogging, walking dogs and pushing strollers; a perfect spot to get some fresh air before starting the day.
Massage at The Colony Hotel // unfortunately my massage here was cancelled a few days beforehand so I can’t fully recommend it, however, Naturopathica manages the spa services and is quite reputable with its’ other locations in New York, Arizona and Aspen so my expectations were high! Regardless I still made it back to The Colony later in the day, a must see for anyone who visits Palm Beach!
Coffee stop at Sant Ambroeus // very shortly after my quick stroll I was ready for my caffeine fix, Milanese style! My favorite restaurant for coffee and pastries by day, pasta and wine by night in New York just so happens to have an outpost here at The Royal Poinciana Plaza, and in true Palm Beach fashion has a perfectly tropical setup al fresco to match. My friend Samantha and I already had a lunch plan made so we sat for at the coffee bar for a quick fix, unfortunately for Parker they ran out of cookie tins to take home but a must snag if you visit!
A Worth-While Lunch
Shopping at The Royal Poinciana Plaza // we strolled the shops a bit and I swooned over the opulent selections of elegant caftans at La Vie Style House, a bold pink boutique any Palm Beach lady would most certainly wear during cocktail hour. Unfortunately I missed the Hill House Home boutique because I was too busy taking in the lush tropical grounds, perhaps one of the most glamorous malls I’ve ever visited if you can even classify it as such!
Courtyard lunch at Le Bibloquet // one of the few places that holds up in every location, a New York staple made better with a bright, airy courtyard and elevated lunch crowd. The way I aspire to be half as chic as the experienced women who regularly lunch here with their mahjong group! My friend Samantha and I shared a cobb salad and branzino, along with a delectable bread basket, the perfect reset after a weekend full of super rich dinners! As my other friend Stephanie later told me, Palm Beach has mastered the country club cuisine and not much else but then again that’s what we have Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York for!
Worth Avenue // after our lunch we set out to peruse all the fancy boutiques and charming European-esque passageways off Worth Avenue, essentially the Rodeo Drive or 5th Avenue of Palm Beach. Here you’ll find mostly known upscale brands like Chanel, Max Mara and Intermix and a few smaller shops housing everything from jewlery, home decor and vintage Hermès bags. Find them tucker inside any charming via or courtyard.
Cocktail Hour in Palm Beach
Afternoon mocktail at Palm House Hotel // a relatively new spot that won my precious time in between friend dates with its ornate shell adorned wall and rose tinted lobby bar. Naturally I had to throw on a vintage 60s dress and jacket set to wear while I frequented for a quick refresher. The bartender was kind enough to make me a soda water with a splash of grapefruit and lime, (over ice, in a wine glass of course) with a dried blood orange garnish, which truly quenched my thirst and maintained the color palette. The lobby is airy with high ceilings and some seating areas perfect to catch up with my hubby over the phone before my last engagement for the day. The pool scene was perfectly pink and wild make a great afternoon spot for any guest, located right in the center of town.
Trivia night at The Colony // soon it was time to meet my second friend, Stephanie, a New Yorker who happened to be snowbirding in Palm Beach for the season. We originally had plans to meet at The HMF Bar at The Breakers, but since it was closed we rerouted back to The Colony for a nosh before the well known Monday trivia night. She ordered the absolute best appetizer, similar to chips and guac but with a twist as the chips were so flaky and sweet and oddly delicious, wish I could have taken them home right after on my flight back to lalaland!
A Palm Beach Snapshot, Mini Guide
Where to Stay
The Colony Hotel // The pink palace (aka Beverly Hills Hotel) of Palm Beach, a centrally located and very well adorned boutique hotel with resort-like vibes but much smaller. It’s a busy place for non-guests with a lively bar and pool scene. I would consider it for a girls trip given it’s so cute and close to all the restaurants and shops but probably not the best for families or a more relaxing atmosphere.
The Breakers // The pearl of Palm Beach, its storied and grand on a large resort property with beach access, lots of shops and restaurants, as well as a golf course. Definitely good for any group but mostly family friendly and the best 5 star accommodation in town.
Palm House Hotel // A chic and central pink boutique hotel, a little less busy than the Colony and less expensive. I loved the modern pink bar and striped pink cabanas at the pool, a spot I’d take my mom or girlfriends!
The Brazilian Court // Chic and romantic is the vibe I get here, a luxury hotel with European charm and most likely where I’d choose for a couples getaway. Café Boulud is their onsite elegant restaurant and the entire place is oozing Spanish colonial charm!
Four Seasons Palm Beach // Located about 25 minutes south of proper Palm Beach but stunning grounds and a perfect oasis a little farther from the hustle and bustle. This seems like the perfect option for any family, couple or group looking for some more seclusion and updated resort design in contrast with The Breakers.
Where to Dine
Renatos’s // bougainvillea backdrops for lunch on the courtyard, candlelit at night!
Sant Ambroeus // best coffee bar and meal post shopping at The Royal Poinciana Plaza!
Swift’s at The Colony // nice for cocktails and fun outdoor bar scene come 4pm!
Le Bibloquet // chic lunch and delectable French cuisine!
Pizza al Fresco // easy pizza spot in the beautiful via Mizner courtyard!
La Goule // Fancier French faire than Le Bibloquet, definitely on my list for dinner.
What to Wear
Palm Beach is the epicenter of elegant resortwear; think flashy colors, refined details. Country club by day; white shorts, sweater sets, shift dresses, kaftans, sandals. Vacation formalwear by night; think more decorative caftans, shift dresses and sets for women and linen white pants, loafers and pastel suit jackets for men. The island is well known for being the height of wasp glamour in the 60s, mainly in part because of Slim Aarons coverage of vacationing socialites in his popular photography. His work still remains as aspirational accounts of wealthy jet setters across the US and Europe, Palm Beach being one his most photographed locales!
