The
Splendor of Palm Beach, Continued
the nation's corporate
giants, leading financiers and all around socialites gather here for
a whirlwind of black tie galas to raise money for an endless list of
charitable causes. And, of course, they come here to enjoy the subtropical
setting that offers the finest, be it dining, shopping, golfing or just
plain relaxing. You can do that too, tuxedos and tiaras not required.
Joining the town's list of Forbes' wealthiest in recent years is a growing
list of entertainment celebrities who have taken up residence here.
Look closely and you might see rocker Rod Stewart on the town's recreation
center, kicking a soccer ball around the athletic field. Or Jimmy Buffett
with his little ones in tow, crossing the street to get to the beach.
Sandwiched in between
the British rocker and the tropical troubadour is none other than The
Donald, as in Trump. He lives in his own private world known as The
Mar-a-Lago Club, a members-only establishment that the real estate
mogul opens on a regular basis to local charities.
A peek through the arch
at Mar-A-Lago |
Though you can't just drive in and take a look around, that doesn't stop
many a tourist from just parking outside the gated entry for a quick peek
and a photo. 
You certainly can't miss it. The national landmark dominates South Ocean
Boulevard and gets its Mar-a- Lago name from its ocean view to the east
and Intracoastal Waterway view to the west. The 17-acre estate, known
as "The Jewel of Palm Beach" was built by cereal heiress Marjorie
Merriweather Post and includes its own golf course and underground tunnel
leading to the beach. A mansion in the truest sense of the word, it boasts
the tallest tower on the island - 75 feet in height. Trump, who definitely
knows his real estate, bought the estate in for a mere $7 million back
in 1985 from the Post Foundation.
And up the street
from Trump is ex-wife number one, Ivana, who has her own home just across
from the Atlantic Ocean.
Palm Beach has always attracted big names, as evidenced by the arrival
of Spanish explorer Senor Juan Ponce de Leon who made a brief stop on
the island back in 1513, waved ashore by Indians who were more interested
in his boat than his travels.
Mary Lily and Henry
Morrison Flagler.
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Another ship, the aptly named Providencia, made an unscheduled stop on
the then anonymous barrier island when it ran aground in 1878. The unfortunate
accident for the Spanish crew left early settlers with 20,000 cocoanuts
- part of the ship's cargo. The South Florida pioneers planted about 14,000
of them. The stately trees combined with the ocean backdrop led the settlers
to christen their swampy, isolated home "Palm Beach" in 1886,
registering the moniker with officials in Washington, D.C., in order to
receive mail by boat from Jacksonville, Florida.
The
New Breakers Spa and Beach Club
The
Spa At The Breakers is an exciting new addition to this world-class
resort, where one can indulge in head-to-toe revitalizing and
pampering, from the plush robe and slippers provided upon arrival
to the complete range of relaxing or invigorating activities and
services. Twelve different massage therapies are available, as
well as sea therapies from France, body scrubs wraps, facials,
beauty salon, manicures and pedicures. There are seventeen private
treatment rooms, Swiss shower, Vichy shower, massage, steam, sauna,
a fully equipped oceanview cardio and weight room, 300 square
foot oceanfront jacuzzi and a 25 meter lap pool. Treatments can
be a ala carte or as package programs. Why not go for a complete
day package, starting with a Le Soin Bleau facial, then a scrub,
aromatherapy bath and massage, rejuvenating hand therapy with
manicure or pedicure, hair styling and unlimited use of the Spa
facility and classes?
Emerge
beautified and fortified at the stylish oceanfront Beach Club Restaurant
and Terrace and enjoy offerings such as Spa foods or the spectacular
Sunday Brunch. The Beach Club's expansive vista of the Atlantic
Ocean provides the stylish backdrop for this 26,000 square foot
facility, which includes 4 pools, including a children's pool and
a lap pool, 10 private cabanas, with all the trimmings such as a
daily delivery of a basket of goodies, beverage service, and pool
deck lockers.
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It wasn't until
the late 1800s that today's Palm Beach began to take shape under the direction
of Henry Morrison Flagler, one of the founders of the Standard Oil Corporation.
Flagler saw, and took, the opportunity to turn the out-of-the-way jungle-like
setting into a literal playground for the rich. Not only did he make Palm
Beach accessible through his Florida East Coast Railway, he left an indelible
mark through Whitehall, the stately mansion built as a wedding gift for
third wife Mary Lily Kenan. Completed in 1902, it still stands today as
the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.
The Flagler Museum
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When you come for a visit, the private-home-turned-museum would make an
excellent starting point for any Palm Beach tour.
Dubbed the "Taj
Mahal of North America," the museum preserves not only the spirit
of Flagler, but also the nation's Gilded Age when industry was booming
and today's necessities such as electricity, telephones and automobiles
were just changing the American landscape.
The museum, which
throws open Flagler's ballroom as well as private bedrooms for public
view, transports visitors back to that time when possibilities seemed
endless. The museum grounds also pay tribute to the visionary by displaying
one of his private railcars, giving a glimpse of the status and stature
Flagler enjoyed during his time.
The spectacular interior of The
Breakers was handcrafted by
Florentine artisans.
photo courtesy of The Breakers
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Another "must see" is that grand dame of hotels, The Breakers,
which marked its 100th anniversary in 1996. Built by Flagler in 1896 as
the Palm Beach Inn, it has re-emerged after fires and hurricanes as the
breathtaking historic landmark that dominates the island today.
Whether there as
a registered guest or just passing through for cocktails and dinner,
The Breakers does not disappoint. Its extravagant attention to detail
- be it the fragrance of fresh lilies that greets you in the lobby or
the impeccable service that just seems to naturally flow from the staff
- adds up to a feeling of Old World enchantment mixed with modern day
efficiency without being rushed.
The hotel lacks
nothing, offering golf, tennis, fishing, sailing, diving - virtually
every form of outdoor vacation sport - along with quiet courtyards ideal
for people-watching in between meals at one of the hotel's nine restaurants.
And if that weren't enough, The Breakers recently completed a $25 million
project that added the Oceanfront Conference Center and Spa to its long
list of amenities (see sidebar).
The Brazilian Court,
a romantic
landmark |
Other accommodations on the island are just as impressive, if on a smaller
scale. The Brazilian Court has its identity down pat, billing itself
as "a quiet oasis." Nestled in a quiet, residential area, the
hotel exudes European charm, offering understated elegance throughout
from its recently renovated guest rooms and suites to its award-winning
Chancellor Grille restaurant and calming flower-filled courtyard.
Don't
be surprised if you stumble upon a bride and groom while you're there.
Because of its tranquil, romantic atmosphere, the Brazilian Court has
cultivated quite the reputation as the perfect spot forintimate weddings.
Fido will love it too. Yes, the hotel offers a room service menu for
the pampered pooch.
The stately Colony
Hotel |
Another good pick is the The Colony which invites guests to "Relax
in the tradition of Old Florida." Just steps from the ocean, the
hotel offers fine continental cuisine in the Polo Restaurant and encourages
guests to enjoy the climate by having their meals along side its Florida-shaped
pool. Part of its charm is its origin as a private home, built as far
back as 1928.
Visitors to Palm Beach
also proclaim The Chesterfield as one of their favorites as it
is "just a scone's throw from Worth Avenue." If you detect a
bit of British influence here, you're right on track. Margaret Thatcher
prefers it, with its Traditional English Afternoon Tea served in the library.
The Leopard Room at The
Chesterfield Hotel |
The Churchill Cigar Room has its own humidors, but the most distinct feature
of the establishment is its Leopard Lounge where the proper hotel shows
a bit of its wild side. Get ready for leopard print carpeting and swirling
naked nymphs that adorn its ceiling. Put on your glad rags and dance the
night away after an oh-so-satisfying dinner. Click here for more
lovely Palm Beach hotels
With the energy you have left, Worth Avenue is a must.
Palm Beach offers world-
class shopping on Worth
Avenue. |
The world renowned shopping street is almost beyond description, with
a dizzying array of the world's top boutiques and retailers, all within
walking distance of each other.
What's your pleasure?
Worth Avenue has it all.
The Esplanade on
Worth Avenue. |
Starting at the ocean, shoppers are greeted by Saks Fifth Avenue,
located in The Esplanade - a shopping experience of is own filled
with fine boutiques. Soon to join the luxury retail giant is Nieman
Marcus, now under construction directly across the street.
Just a short list
of some of the names says it all - Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier,
Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Hermes
speak to the essence of Palm Beach and its penchant, make that demand,
for luxurious living.
Even if visitors
find those retailers out of their reach, that's no reason not to at
least window shop on the street that almost glitters with sheer opulence.
Local treasures
also abound in such gift shops as Donald Bruce , where wonderful
trinkets you don't need become things you must have. Or step into Palm
Beach Gift and Gourmet for the most scrumptious chocolate encased
cherries on this earth.
And there's always lunch, or dinner, that can be enjoyed on the Avenue
or in one of its gorgeous vias.
Ta-boo: Birthplace of the
Bloody Mary |
Ta-boo , for example, is a Worth Avenue institution that offers
a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere. Frank Sinatra thought so, as did
Joseph Kennedy and Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton who allegedly inspired
the creation of the Bloody Mary at the restaurant's bar.
Renato's is another
excellent choice where charm meets a warmth elegance while serving up
contemporary Italian fare.
If you just want
a snack or a light lunch on the run, you can have that too at Parisorbet
and Gracie's Garden Cafe . Both offer a respite for tired shoppers
who need a quick pick-me-up.
But while in Palm
Beach, don't neglect the simple pleasures that can be overlooked amidst
the staggering wealth.
Begin the day at
the town's public midtown beach for a hint of the day's beauty to come
as the sun rises over the ocean. Take an afternoon stroll on the Lake
Trail that runs almost the entire length of the subtropical island along
the Intracoastal Waterway. And grab a bench at day's end at the town's
docks to get a glimpse of the stunning sunset sure to await you there.
Click here for more sumptuous dining
in Palm Beach.
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