VIBE

Set away from the hubbub of downtown Palm Beach (read: a 10-15 minute drive from Worth Avenue), this timelessly elegant and serenely sophisticated resort attracts a mix of family vacationers, romantic escapees, and business travelers with its classically upscale yet causal South Florida vibes. The six-story hotel houses over 300 rooms, all furnished in a classic style with custom-made Italian mahogany fixtures, large ottomans, 400-count Egyptian cotton linens, and views of the ocean or gardens from spacious private balconies. The lush, seven-acre grounds are dotted with cabanas and glittering pools and offer alluring views of the Atlantic.

GO HERE WITH

Family; kids; fellow business travelers; significant other

WHY WE LIKE IT

It is almost impossible to experience discomfort or boredom here, as this resort’s sole aim (it seems) is to pack as much (or as little) into your day as desired. Apart from its beautiful beachfront, outdoor pool, and world-class spa, it also offers itineraries for active families and groups, including golfing, aquatic sports like boating or fishing, onsite tennis courts with optional pro lessons, and even coastal programs for kids and teens. Oceanfront cabanas can also be rented for the day and personalized to include anything from unlimited water bottles and chilled towels to a stocked refrigerator and HDTV flatscreen. Business travelers revel in helpful amenities like dual phone lines, high-speed Internet access, complimentary daily newspapers, oversized writing desks, a full business center, and meeting rooms for small groups.

AMENITY WE LOVE

Eau Spa is our favorite spa in Palm Beach.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

We would like if the hotel were a bit closer to the center of Palm Beach–this would open up additional dining options and allow for easy access to the fabulous shopping that the town has to offer. (This is the furthest out of all of our Palm Beach hotel picks.)

GOOD TO KNOW

Though not overcrowded, the hotel’s beachfront is not actually privately owned. Ocean View guestrooms have either direct or limited views of the Atlantic Ocean–the tubs in their bathrooms are angled to face it. Resort View guestrooms offer vistas of the hotel gardens and pool. Pets are accepted for a fee of USD 150 per stay. Babysitting, limousine, and valet parking services are available. All guestrooms here are non-smoking.

CLOSEST COMPS

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach (Palm Beach)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Palm Beach