Okay. I’ll be honest: I’ve never actually stayed at The Breakers while in Palm Beach. But I’ve spent enough time wandering the resort’s lush gardens and endless beach to know that I really, really want to! It’s just my kind of place. Are we all that surprised that I’m a laying by the pool with a frozen drink kind of girl? Not even a little bit!
Parker Fit & Flare c/o Best Dressed (Similar Here and Here)// Fringe earrings (Similar Here)
Like an enormous castle, The Breakers looms large over Palm Beach island and is visible almost as soon as you cross the bridge from West Palm Beach. Even if you’re used to opulence, driving up the palm tree lined avenue to the grand front entrance is a truly awe-inspiring moment. The lobby, with it’s painted fresco ceilings and towering french doors, is like stepping back into time. I always expect Daisy Buchanan to come sweeping past me on her way to a roaring party. Who wouldn’t want to get lost in this daydream for a few days?
Reason 1: The Food!
With eight restaurants on property, there is something for even the pickiest of eaters at The Breakers. Perfect, because I’m a pickier eater than my three-year-old niece!
My favorite spot for dinner, Echo, is a pan-Asian smorgasbord set among an exotic, lantern filled garden. Nothing makes me feel more sophisticated than Echo’s stainless steel chopstick. It’s a glamorous, modern spot and while you’re there try the Peking Duck Bao Buns and the White Tiger Roll.
Everyone will tell you that HMF is the ultimate Palm Beach spot. They aren’t lying. Like the rest of the hotel, this bar sports a distinctively Gatsby vibe with waitresses bedecked in pearls and black dresses. Order the Chanel #6 (vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, topped with champagne) or The Floozy (tequila, fresh ginger, Cukes, jalapeño, and lime) along with cigars or (if you aren’t a drinker like me) pull up a chair and order one of their six decadent desserts; I like the gluten-free Gianduja Chocolate Torte with caramel sea salt gelato.
Everyone will tell you that HMF is the ultimate Palm Beach spot. They aren’t lying. Like the rest of the hotel, this bar sports a distinctively Gatsby vibe with waitresses bedecked in pearls and black dresses. Order the Chanel #6 (vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice, topped with champagne) or The Floozy (tequila, fresh ginger, Cukes, jalapeño, and lime) along with cigars or (if you aren’t a drinker like me) pull up a chair and order one of their six decadent desserts; I like the gluten-free Gianduja Chocolate Torte with caramel sea salt gelato.
When I can drag myself away from the beach, I’m hitting the airy Beach Club Restaurant for a quick bite. It’s casual and has lots of small plates to share. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee, enjoy brunch, or have an afternoon cocktail but it’s exclusively open to resort guests and club members.
Reason 2: The History!
Time to indulge the wonder-filled nerd in me. The Breakers is one of the most iconic spots because of it’s storied history. Founded in the late 1890s by wealthy industrialist Henry M. Flagler (namesake of the hotel bar, HMF) began building up these pristine, Florida beaches into a vacation hot-spot for the wealthy. After a couple of fires, The Breakers re-opened in 1926 with a distinctively Mediterranean flair that is believed to have been modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome (explaining the fresco ceilings in the lobby). It’s about a 15-minute walk to the Flagler Museum where you can learn more about the expansive history and also be awed by the mansion that houses it!
Reason 3: The Shopping!
While there is no lack of shopping on the island (Worth Ave is a fashion lover’s dream), The Breakers has 12 separate shops scattered throughout the resort, so there’s no reason to disrupt your beach day to indulge in some retail therapy.
You can’t be seen on Palm Beach without at least a little bit of Lilly Pulitzer. She actually started her famously colorful and preppy line right on the island while working at her parent’s juice stand. (Seriously). So if you find your suitcase a little light on pastel prints, hit the Lilly Pulitzer just off the main lobby. As far as I could tell, they carry the entire new collection from dresses and tops to shoes and accessories.
I love browsing for my niece at Coconut Crew, a darling shop stocked with designer duds for newborns to tweens! They also have games and books, in case your mini-me isn’t sartorially inclined. I always absolutely drool at the window of Match, a shoe boutique full of all the recent must-haves from Stuart Weitzman and, my personal favorite, Loeffler Randall.
Reason 4: The Poolside Bungalows
As long as we can get up early, The Breakers lacks no opportunity for fun in the sun. The beach is on the smaller side, off to the right of the actual hotel, just a half mile but there are four pools (including an adults-only infinity pool) and, for a price, you can always reserve one of the private poolside bungalows to up your luxe game. Of course, I’d be happy with a lounge chair, the sunshine, and a good book….plus, a splash in the infinity pool every now and then just for good measure. But I wouldn’t turn down the concierge service, day beds, and outdoor showers of the bungalows either!
Reason 5: The Spa
Finally, nothing says a vacation to me like a trip to a spa. I’m a massage addict so their signature Quartz massage sounds DIVINE. Apparently, you lay on a bed of warm, quartz sand while you get a traditional massage. I don’t know why but it sounds awesome. Beforehand, there is a private courtyard with a shallow pool to lounge around while wearing fluffy white robes. The spa also features manicures with Gucci polish (you get to keep the bottle for touch ups), hair services using Living Proof, and makeup application services from Guerlain (the line also has a bright shop just off the lobby).
The Breakers is pricey but maybe someday I’ll be able to enjoy the resort as a hotel guest, and not just as a looky-loo on a day trip!
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