The Palm Beaches are known as America’s First Resort Destination™, it’s the birthplace of iconic beach vacations and still home to some of the most stunning Florida resorts today. Here’s our pick from beachfront luxury to good value and great design.
Wake up to the beach every morning
When it comes to choosing where to stay, Florida’s beachfront resorts always edge out in front of the rest. Nowhere does those quite like The Palm Beaches, after all this is where luxurious beachfront hotels were practically invented.
The Boca Raton: one of the original Florida resorts
The Boca Raton first opened its doors in 1926, which makes it one of the original Florida resorts and part of the reason why The Palm Beaches lay claim to the title America’s First Resort Destination™.
You won’t find this fabulous, luxury 5-star resting on past glories. Quite the opposite in fact. After its recent multi-million-dollar makeover The Boca Raton now offers the choice of five hotels in one, as well as Palmera Spa: named Florida’s Best Resort Spa at the World Spa Awards 2022. If you want to make the most of a flawless shoreline, The Beach Club is the place for watersports or simply lazing in the sun. And Harborside Pool Club with its waterparks, lazy rivers and excellent Banyan Bunch kids’ club was clearly designed with families in mind.
The Colony, Palm Beach
When none other than Architectural Digest describes a Florida resort as an ‘iconic destination’, you can be sure it’s worth a closer look.
The Colony, also known as the ‘Pinkest Hotel in The Palm Beaches’, opened in 1947 and it’s been delightfully eccentric ever since. Kids will love the story of Johnnie Brown, the spider monkey and resort mascot who once ran for election as Mayor of Palm Beach. However, despite its historic status, The Colony couldn’t be more 21st century when it comes to perfecting family vacations.
Not only does it sit steps from the beach, Beach Butlers make sure you have everything you could ever need for a day by the sea. There are free to borrow bikes for cycling round town. And if you want to stay put, the lovely hotel pool is the place for that.
The Palm Beaches’ cool take on luxury Florida resorts
Way back in the 1920s, The Palm Beaches’ architectural style was born in West Palm Beach. You can see it at its finest in the graceful colonnades and courtyards on elegant Worth Avenue. But it’s also a signature theme in several luxury hotels which mix the cool of great locations with incredible design and a laid-back mood that works well for families.