The Palm Beaches, Florida: The Ultimate in Tropical Luxury

In Palm Beach’s most exclusive area, lined by a long expanse of private beach, you’ll find The Breakers Palm Beach, one of the most prestigious resorts in the world, famous for pampering its guests for more than 100 years. Its architectural style blends a classic ambience with modern amenities. In addition to luxurious accommodations overlooking the sea, four swimming pools and a world-class golf course, the resort has nine noteworthy restaurants. Savor brunch at The Circle, a sumptuous lounge with amazing ocean views, and sip a cocktail at the glamorous HMF Bar, named for Henry Morrison Flagler, the hotel’s founder and the founder of Palm Beach itself.

The International Polo Club Palm Beach, a luxury polo club created by practitioners of the sport, can also be enjoyed by those who just admire the beauty of the sport and the horses. In addition to some of the best polo fields in the world, you’ll find tennis courts, bars, restaurants and a spa.

Any conversation about high-end resorts in The Palm Beaches must include the Boca Raton Resort & Club, part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection. Accommodations range from first-class yacht rooms to cozy bungalows, all with waterfront views. Not to be missed is the Waldorf Astoria Spa, which was recently voted tops in the world by Conde Nast.

The Palm Beaches are also known as “Florida’s Golf Capital,” with more than 160 golf courses across the region. Just 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, you’ll find the PGA National Resort & Spa. Ideal for golf and spa lovers, it’s home to five of Florida’s most impressive golf courses, while the spa has nine outdoor mineral pools. Ironwood Steak & Seafood recently earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and the Waters of the World Café is perfect for a light lunch after a morning of golf. Other dining options include the IBar, Bar91 and the Palm Terrace.

After a busy day, there’s nothing better than putting your feet up and recharging the batteries with a relaxing session at SiSpa at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa. Choose from the many treatment options and surrender to the hands of some of the best spa professionals in the area, then relax in the steam room or hot tub.

One of the most refined shopping areas in the country, Worth Avenue was recently named one of the 20 most iconic streets in America by USA Today. A few steps from the ocean in Palm Beach, the area has welcomed visitors for generations. A stroll through its pedestrian areas reveals shops representing the most sophisticated brands imaginable tucked among picturesque courtyards filled with fountains, gardens and bougainvillea-draped verandas.

Want to shop for the latest brands and check out the city’s hippest restaurants and trendiest bars? Head to Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, where you’ll find eight blocks filled with all that and more. Thursday nights on Clematis Street are great fun as a street party takes over, with music, food and dancing.

Near Clematis Street, CityPlace is reminiscent of a European plaza, with dozens of upscale shops and boutiques, a performing arts center, 20 movie theaters and many restaurants, bars and outdoor cafés creating the perfect place to spend a memorable day or night. A free trolley runs between Clematis Street and CityPlace, making it easy to visit both.

A bit to the south, in Delray Beach, the address for fun is lively Atlantic Avenue. Bars, restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs and live music halls all vie for visitors’ attention. Delray Beach was recently named Most Fun Small Town in America by USA Today. It’s perfect for a coffee break at a sidewalk café, outdoor dining and dancing the night away at one of the many popular bars.

Don’t head home without first checking out the latest fashions at The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens. Indulge in retail therapy at this luxury shopping center with more than 160 stores with respected brand names including Burberry, Gucci, Hugo Boss and Salvatore Ferragamo.

To find bargains for the whole family, spend a day at Palm Beach Outlets, where you’ll find more than 100 shops of the most prominent brands in clothing for adults and children, accessories, gifts, perfumes and much more.

For a sumptuous dinner after a long day spent shopping, head north to Jupiter. Surrounded by lush vegetation, Guanabanas restaurant is a water’s-edge restaurant and bar that’s 100 percent outdoors. Its focus is on cooking with fresh and local ingredients, including seafood. The cocktails are original, and live music enhances the atmosphere.