Palm Beach is the perfect place to escape if you are tired of Miami and Fort Lauderdale vibes.
I am a Latina wine educator who lives for the intersection of travel, culture, and pure, unadulterated sophistication. I’ve spent a lot of time in South Florida, especially Miami and Fort Lauderdale, for both work and play. But after a post-Disney retreat, my soul was craving something different. It craved a quiet kind of glamour. It was the kind that whispers rather than screams. My heart was set on Palm Beach. I first fell in love with the city after seeing Heartbreakers (2001). The Breakers hotel played a starring, albeit exterior, role in my imagination.
This time, I reflected personally on the price tag. I feared “old glamour” might translate to “mold smell.” I read some google reviews attesting to it. Hence, those reviews led me to a quiet escape on Singer Island. The boutique feel and serene beaches were a perfect palate cleanser. Yet, the gravitational pull of Palm Beach was strong.
The highlight of my trip was a pilgrimage to the island for an unforgettable evening. The moment I stepped onto Worth Avenue, It struck to me. I was not in Ocean Drive. I was in a scene of quite luxury and I was about to really enjoy an Italian restaurant in Florida. Palm Beach is a place where old and new not only coexist but create a beautiful, rich tapestry. The new generation is honoring the legacy of old-world Florida. They are ensuring that the elegance and beauty of the past are not lost. Instead, they are reborn.
My evening was a culinary dream come true at Bice, an institution just a block away from Worth Avenue. The ambiance was everything I had hoped for—the clinking of glasses, the murmur of conversation, and the soft, elegant lighting. As a wine educator, a great wine list is paramount, and Bice did not disappoint. I spent a delightful amount of time perusing the selections before settling on a perfect Franciacorta to accompany my meal.
The Cacio e Pepe at Bice was a simple dish elevated to perfection. The creamiest sauce clung to every strand of pasta. Beyond Bice, I’m already planning my return to visit the iconic The Breakers. I want to have lunch at one of their many acclaimed restaurants, like HMF. I also want to try The Seafood Bar. For a more modern vibe, I’ve heard incredible things about Buccan, known for its vibrant atmosphere and imaginative global fare. And for a taste of French elegance, Café Boulud is a must-visit.
Worth Avenue is more than just a street; it’s an experience. It’s a beautifully manicured, palm tree lined fantasy of luxury. My stroll was a sensory delight. I enjoyed the window displays of international fashion houses like Tiffany, Chanel and Gucci. The charming “vias” and courtyards tucked away were each a discovery in itself. This is where you find the one of a kind, the handcrafted, and the truly exclusive. For anyone who loves design and curated aesthetics, the Royal Poinciana Plaza provides a different shopping experience. It is more relaxed and has a stunning mid century feel. It’s an oasis of high end boutiques and delicious dining. It is the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon of retail therapy.
While I found my peaceful sanctuary on Singer Island, the allure of Palm Beach’s hotels is undeniable. The legendary The Breakers remains the pinnacle of luxury, a place I aspire to stay at one day. For those who share my love for boutique hotels and great value, looking outside of the main island is a fantastic option. The Singer Oceanfront Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, where I stayed, proved to be an exceptional choice. The tranquil setting and beautiful beachfront offered a peaceful escape, and the modern amenities provided the perfect balance of comfort and style. New chain hotels like The Ben in West Palm Beach are also great options, offering modern amenities, a rooftop bar with spectacular views, and a different kind of stylish comfort.
Beyond dining and shopping, Palm Beach offers a wealth of activities. For history and art lovers, the Flagler Museum is a must-visit. It is housed in Henry Flagler’s magnificent Gilded Age estate. The museum is a glimpse into the city’s opulent past. The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach is another cultural gem. It has an impressive collection of European art. It also features American and Chinese art. But if you are like me, a walk through the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens provides a tranquil escape. Monumental sculptures are nestled within a lush, tropical landscape. For a truly unique experience, try a boat tour of the Intracoastal Waterway. You will see the magnificent mansions from a different perspective.
The tranquility of the area lends itself perfectly to wellness. The beaches offer a natural escape for a sunrise walk or a moment of quiet reflection. Many hotels and resorts offer world-class spa treatments, often with a focus on holistic and revitalizing therapies. I firmly believe in self care that indulges the senses. For a wine lover like me, this means enjoying a quiet moment with a perfectly chilled glass of wine. I like to pair this with a good book. It’s about finding small pockets of peace amidst the glamour. This could be at the beach or a perfectly curated wine bar.
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