Palm Royale The show is now in its second season and I have been watching it from the perspective of 25 years as a resident of Florida. Over the years, I’ve seen Palm Beach go from an exclusive resort as depicted on the show to one that’s open to all. Make no mistake, many positives remain from the city’s original, opulent iteration—think pastel poolsides and country club chic. Maxine may have to fight for her access, but a luxury revival means that the city is now open to all travelers.
Noteworthy:The Palm Beaches” encompasses much more than just the barrier island of Palm Beach. This 47-mile coastal destination includes 39 distinct communities—from West Palm Beach’s vibrant dining scene just across the Intracoastal Waterway to Boca Raton’s resort luxury 20 miles south. They’ve eliminated the gatekeeping while maintaining the glamour. Our picks of where to play, eat, and stay are below.
What to do in Palm Beach
Let’s begin with Palm Beach itself. Worth Avenue is just a short walk away. The Colony The “Pink Paradise”, which has been open since 1947, welcomes guests. Whimsical interiors by Dorothy Draper protégé Carleton Varney feature hand-painted wallpaper with monkey mascot Johnnie Brown (named for architect Addison Mizner’s pet). The poolside scene at Swifty’s captures classic Palm Beach with crisp rosé and live music. There’s also The BreakersThis Palm Beach landmark has been synonymous for luxury ever since Henry Flagler built it in 1896. This Italian Renaissance palace is located on 140 acres along the oceanfront and features ceilings hand-painted by Florentine painters. It is still family-owned, and hosts the most prestigious galas on the island. This proves that, while Palm Beach changes, its iconic buildings endure.
West Palm Beach, Florida The Belgrove Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection The resort will open in December 2024, with an elegant West Indies feel along Lake Mangonia. The 150-room resort is a celebration of island-inspired elegance with free bicycles, paddle-lessons at The Belgrove Racquet Club and exclusive access the Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses. Dutchman’s Pipe Golf Club. A private cabana by the pool comes with charcuterie as well as a “drinks tree” of Ketel One cocktails. If you’re looking for something more urbane, The Ben Autograph has another outstanding property in its portfolio. More afield The Boca Raton The hotel has just completed a $250-million renovation, which restored the 1926 masterpiece of architect Addison Mizner in five hotels spread over 200 waterfront acres. Marisol at The Boca Raton The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood, delivered daily by the local fishermen. The newly transformed oceanfront restaurant, crafted in partnership with Michelin-award-winning chef Johnny Spero, features an indoor-outdoor design perfect for savoring vibrant shellfish towers and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails with ocean breezes.
Palm Beach has many things to do
Worth Avenue Around 250 boutiques and galleries are located along four blocks, from Lake Worth all the way to the Atlantic. Beyond the expected luxury names—Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton—the real treasures hide in the pedestrian passageways designed by Addison Mizner, intimate Mediterranean-style courtyards where locals shop, like an outpost of preppy velvet slipper specialist Stubbs & Wotton.
Palm Beach has a rich cultural scene that goes beyond the resorts and dining. The Norton Museum of Art Showcases American, European, contemporary, and contemporary collections Mizner Park delivers upscale Boca shopping. For a serene escape, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach offers 16 acres of tranquil landscapes—a meditative contrast to Palm Royale‘s social intensity. Rent bicycles and explore the Lake TrailThe scenic route along the Intracoastal is a constant source of eye candy, with its mansions and mega yachts. The pace is relaxed, the views are spectacular and, unlike the show, it is easy to access. The gardens at the Four Arts Library Date back to the 1930s. There are also areas with Chinese and Spanish themes.
