Excuse Me, You Need to Get Down to Palm Beach ASAP
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Oh, New York winters... such a cold, brutal, dark, and seemingly endless test of will. This past winter humbled me time and time again. In a staunch rebellion against the dipped temperature demons, I made my way down to the Palm Beaches (plural, because it also includes West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Wellington, and quite a few others). Tbh, I had preconceived notions re: the stuffy, old, Palm Beach vacay stereotypes, so I wasn't quite sure how the weekend would turn out. But on my journey, I was delighted to be let in on such a little-known secret.
And because I am ever so generous, lean in and catch this tea: Palm Beach is the spot for your next girls' trip. Like, it's got bar crawls, ridiculously relaxing spas, super cute brunch spots, and the works. This is no longer the Palm Beach that your great auntie raved about back in the day (but all the best elements of its bright, cookie-cutter rep still linger). It's time to round up your troop and plan this Florida expedition ASAP. Yes, you'll be on the actual beach for a good amount of time, but there are plenty of other activities to scope out.
So, listen up, and allow me to provide a lineup of must-sees and what to do in Palm Beach to help lift a bit of the vacation planning off of your plate.
(FYI, The writer received comped accommodations, meals, & experiences during this getaway.)
Stay
The Ray: Delray Beach perfectly balances relaxing daytime activities and high-energy nightlife. To really feel in the mix, The Ray is it, accommodation-wise. Aside from its prime downtown location, the hotel was just such a soothing landing pad for the entirety of my weekend stay. I got up at ungodly hours just so I could squeeze in some time at their gorgeous gym, and my room's street view was everything and more. But, above all else: The Rosewater Rooftop Restaurant is absolutely the moment. I can only pray that one day I will find an avocado toast that'll match theirs (or I'll have to just keep going back). At night, it becomes a Delray hotspot for guests and locals alike, so take advantage of this haven to grab a cocktail and take in the sunset.
Play
Anushka Spa (West Palm Beach): Allow me to fill you in on this legendary salon/medspa: Industry veteran Anushka Blau conceived this top-ranked one-stop shop for all things beauty & wellness. Seriously, they can and will address anything. Hair care needs? Check. A quick lash touchup? They've got you covered. Wanna wind down with a relaxing spa treatment? Their experienced staff will have you refreshed in no time. I highly suggest asking for Ellie. She's got 25 years of experience in the beauty space and is an absolute gem with a wealth of knowledge.
Call (561) 820-0500 to book an appointment.
Delray Beach Fashion Week (Delray Beach): Stroll down the boutiques on Atlantic Ave, and you'll come to find that Palm Beach has a ton of local designers, like Amanda Perna and Glavidia Alexis. It's safe to say that every year, when Delray Beach Fashion Week rolls around, there's a full lineup of talent. It recently celebrated its tenth anniversary in Downtown Delray, so check out one of the shows or events if you're in town around February.
The Honda Classic (Palm Beach Gardens): Golf fans/golf haters/those who are truly indifferent, listen up, 'cause this event is for all. Every year, for one sunny week in late February, the Honda Classic hosts some of the best golfers in the world for a massive tournament in Palm Beach Gardens. Outside of the courses, fans can watch from any one of the luxury lounges, or check out the large array of food/drink/activity options they've got set up. It's such a party, plus you get to watch some world-class golfers kill it in their element. Win-win.
Polo Brunch (Wellington): Trust me when I say you've never had a brunch experience quite like this. South Florida just so happens to be a magnet for the world's premiere Polo players, all thanks to the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington. If you want to check them out during your trip, why not elevate the viewing experience with a champagne and buffet brunch right on the field? They host their brunches in the springtime, so you've gotta stop by if your travel dates allow. I was fully living for all of the bubbly and bougie photo ops.
The Gardens Mall (Palm Beach Gardens): This mammoth shopping center in Palm Beach Gardens has basically every store you could ever think of. Grab your beauty essentials from Sephora, or hit the Sunglass Hut to grab some new shades before you catch a polo match. You can also check out one of the many high-end boutiques. I swear I spent hours here and still did not touch every store. Oh, and when you need that quick break to rest your legs? The Cooper's Hawk restaurant is ready for you on Level 2, with a delicious Napa Valley-inspired menu, and a full wine tasting bar. (Random, but I also highly recommend grabbing a candle from the Cooper's Hawk store bc they smell like heaven.)
Eat
Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar (Delray Beach): This Asian Fusion cuisine in Downtown Delray Beach is the perfect dinner spot for pre-bar hopping sustenance. When you're strutting down the Delray Beach cultural epicenter, Atlantic Avenue, take a two-second detour, and this booming restaurant is hard to miss. The vibes are so alive, and the range of dishes is delish. As someone who appreciates a generous portion size, I've gotta shout out Coco Sushi Lounge for not playing any games. That red curry was no joke, and I genuinely could eat the pad Thai every day for weeks. Pro-tip: The green tea mojito is a delicious start to your night.
LionFish (Delray Beach): Seafood fiends, rejoice. As I mentioned, Atlantic Ave. is the place to catch the vibrant Delray Beach energy, so this right here is a prime spot. LionFish has mouthwatering dinner options, like crispy rock shrimp and vegan sliders that you can dig into with the chicest atmosphere. Their Cosmo cocktail is also one of the best I've ever had, and trust, I'm a pro ;).
PLANTA: If it was socially acceptable to tattoo "PLANTA" across my chest, I'd be inked up after this lunch. Plant-based food has met its peak at this spot, located at The Square shopping center in West Palm Beach. Definite menu highlights were the spinach and artichoke dip, the truffle udon noodles, and the spicy tuna roll (which features a "tuna" made from watermelon! It works, believe me).
Café des Beaux-Arts: When you're pulling up to The Flagler estate, you'll see why it's a crib that deserved museum status. This Gilded Age mansion spans a casual 100k square feet and boasts 75 rooms. All this to say, it's a sick daytime activity to tour the spot while you're in Palm Beach. It's the best open house ever. While you're there, you can also dive into the picnics and seasonal tea experiences they offer at the Café des Beaux-Arts. It has scones, macaroons, and classic teas, all with the most jaw-dropping water views.
Café Boulud (Palm Beach): If you leave Palm Beach without stopping by Chef Daniel Boulud's French heaven, your trip was not done properly, sorry. Something about sipping their Pearfume cocktail midday at their location in the Brazilian Court Hotel made me believe in true bliss. And get the lobster roll, that's an order.
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