Escape to Paradise: Palm Beach’s Best-Kept Secrets Await You

By Eric Hrubant, Founder & CEO of CIRE Travel

If you ask anyone along Florida’s picturesque coasts to describe the best way to unwind, they’ll likely tell you: “Cross the bridge.” Whether it’s a scenic causeway or a grand span, the promise of fresh ocean air awaits on the other side. If you’re craving a refreshing sea breeze with a side of opulence and sophistication, you’ll want to cross one of the three iconic bridges that lead to Palm Beach—where luxury and leisure effortlessly blend with the sun-soaked, tropical ambiance.

Sure, Palm Beach is known for its beautiful beaches and upscale shopping, but what some don’t know is that it also offers rich cultural experiences, historic landmarks, vibrant art galleries, and outdoor adventures beyond its ritzy image.

So, while you’re dreaming of dipping your toes into the sand, our CIRE Travel team is busy curating an itinerary that will guide you through the finest dining, exclusive shopping, exciting adventures, and ultimate relaxation in a place where dreams are made.  Come take a peek!

The Best in Palm Beach Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Palm Beach is renowned for its world-class accommodations, offering everything from historic landmarks to boutique hotels with private beachfront access. These hotels provide impeccable service, lavish amenities, and prime locations close to the island’s top attractions.

When people think of Palm Beach, their mind drifts immediately to The Breakers because – let’s face it – what’s Palm Beach without a little (or a lot) of extravagance?

The Breakers Palm Beach, originally known as The Palm Beach Inn, was founded by oil and railroad tycoon Henry Morrison Flagler in 1896. After a fire destroyed the hotel in 1903, Flagler rebuilt it, renaming it The Breakers to reflect its proximity to the ocean and the waves that “break” along the shore. After a second fire in 1925, The Italian Renaissance-style resort we see today was born. With grand ballrooms, ornate ceilings, and lush courtyards reminiscent of European palaces, you can’t help feeling like you have been transported through time but with all the modern luxuries of today. Over the decades, The Breakers has been a favorite destination for royalty, celebrities, and prominent figures and remains one of the most opulent and historically significant hotels in America.

Unwind and sink into comfort within the meticulously designed rooms with stunning ocean views, plush furnishings, and high-end amenities, making every stay feel like a private retreat.

When it comes to dining, The Breakers doesn’t just satisfy; it indulges. With nine unique restaurants, enjoy everything from fresh, local seafood at the beachfront Ocean House to Italian cuisine at the sophisticated Flagler Steakhouse. For a truly elevated experience, the stunning HMF lounge combines world-class cocktails with a vibrant, vintage Palm Beach vibe, ensuring that every meal is as memorable as the surroundings.

Remember now, this is The Breakers. If you’re going to live in sheer opulence, don’t stop with the room and the dining. Picture yourself lounging at one of the four oceanfront pools, surrounded by lush palm trees, and indulging in a beach baguette.

For those seeking serenity, the world-class spa offers a range of treatments, from rejuvenating facials to relaxing massages, all in a tranquil setting. If fitness is on your agenda, there’s no better place than the state-of-the-art fitness center or the two championship golf courses that boast sweeping views of the Atlantic. Tennis lovers can enjoy expertly maintained courts, while water enthusiasts have endless options—from paddleboarding to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Traveling with kids?  The hotel offers a kids’ club, so every member of the family is treated to an unforgettable experience. No matter your desire, The Breakers caters to it with elegance and ease, ensuring that every moment feels like an escape.

If an intimate hideaway beneath the palms is what you seek, The Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach exudes timeless elegance and old-world charm. Nestled among lush, tropical courtyards, this boutique hotel, infused with Roaring 1920s glamour, offers a serene escape just steps away from Worth Avenue. The Brazilian Court Hotel has a storied past as a glamorous hideaway for the rich and famous, drawing guests like Gary Cooper and Greta Garbo during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Over the decades, it has maintained its allure as a sophisticated retreat, hosting popular figures and socialites who come for its serene beauty and timeless Palm Beach elegance, making it a symbol of lavishness and exclusivity. The Spanish Colonial architecture, rich mahogany furnishings, beautifully manicured gardens, and impeccable service make for an unforgettable experience. The guest rooms and suites are the epitome of sophistication, featuring plush bedding, artisanal touches like custom painted wisteria wall panels, and a curated collection of photography that will catch your eye at every turn.

And if that’s not enough to entice you to step through those lobby doors, the hotel is also home to the most sought-after dining destination in Palm Beach, Café Boulud. Sip on champagne and dine on Chef Daniel Boulud’s impeccable French cuisine beneath the pecky cypress ceilings inlaid with a shimmering bed of seashells. Or enjoy dinner with a light breeze on the outdoor terrace that flows off the main dining room. Savoring a meticulously crafted cocktail and indulging in sumptuous, fresh seafood beneath the swaying palms and alongside peaceful fountains creates a dining experience so captivating and unforgettable that it will linger in your memory long after the last bite.

For a true Palm Beach experience, set sail along the intracoastal on the hotel’s sleek and stylish private yacht exclusive to hotel guests. A yachting concierge (oh yes, you read right) will assist guests with reserving complimentary seats for the multiple daily voyages.

Whether you’re lounging by the quiet pool, enjoying the chic ambiance of the on-site spa, or savoring a cocktail in the intimate courtyard, The Brazilian Court combines classic Palm Beach allure with contemporary comfort, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking understated splendor.

If you are looking for a charming hotel destination with a fashionable scene, then head to The Colony Hotel.

It’s Palm Beach’s most charming retreat, where “thinking pink” is a way of life. This boutique hotel, known for its cheerful pink façade, perfectly embodies the playful elegance of Palm Beach. The signature color isn’t just eye-catching—it’s the ideal hue for the island’s tropical, sun-soaked surroundings and has become as synonymous with Palm Beach as the swaying palm trees themselves. Inside, the hotel radiates charm with its vibrant, whimsical décor, blending bold patterns and refined comfort that will leave you tickled pink. Each guestroom is blanketed in a unique charm that is displayed through punchy shades of color with scalloped trim and wicker accents.  Just steps from the beach and the glamour of Worth Avenue, The Colony offers a welcoming, stylish escape where the pink vibes and island grandeur promise an unforgettable stay.

Drift on out to the sparkling pool and sink into a lounge chair with a good book or cozy up to one of the Colony’s bars and restaurants that serve creative cocktails and cuisine to Palm Beach’s best dressed. Swifty’s, a Palm Beach favorite located around the lively pool scene, serves mouthwatering dishes like beer braised birria pork and cheese empanadas, Florida panzanella salad, and “designer” meatloaf with gravy.

At The Colony, your beach day is more than just an outing—it’s a pampered experience in true Palm Beach style. With the beach a few feet away, the beach butler ensures that every detail of your seaside adventure is taken care of. With plush chairs, soft towels, and perfectly positioned umbrellas, your beach setup will be nothing short of luxurious. Hungry? Gourmet bites can be delivered straight to your spot, all in chic, custom-branded YETI coolers packed with everything you need, from dishware to napkins.

If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a custom-branded beach cruiser and bike map—free to borrow, of course—and pedal your way to the sparkling blue waters or along the Palm Beach Lake Trail.

Want to ride in style? Hop aboard the hotel’s signature ‘Colony Pink’ vintage Land Rover Defender 110, complete with roll-down sides, sea grape print seats, and a waterproof sound system to set the perfect vibe. Whether you’re heading to the beach, shopping on Worth Avenue, or dining at Palm Beach’s finest restaurants, this ride is more than just transportation—it’s a slice of Palm Beach paradise.

The Best Shopping in Palm Beach

Sure, there are plenty of activities on the island to keep you busy, but let’s be honest—nothing gets your heart pumping quite like a day of shopping on Worth Avenue. This world-famous shopping destination offers a mix of high-end designer boutiques, exclusive jewelers, chic art galleries, and sophisticated home décor shops. Whether you’re browsing iconic names like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton or discovering hidden gems in the charming Mediterranean-inspired streets, Worth Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. It’s more than just retail therapy—it’s an experience of glamour, style, and Palm Beach elegance that leaves visitors craving more.

Royal Poinciana Plaza is Palm Beach’s premier shopping destination, offering a chic mix of high-end boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet dining in a lush, garden-like setting. This dreamy open-air plaza, designed in the 1950s with a classic Palm Beach architectural flair, provides a relaxed yet sophisticated shopping experience. Whether you’re browsing couture, unique home décor, or fine jewelry, the plaza caters to discerning tastes. With its quaint courtyards, towering poinciana trees, and fountains, it’s more than just a place to shop—it’s a stylish retreat where visitors can enjoy a leisurely day amidst beautiful surroundings, capturing the essence of Palm Beach elegance.

The Best Palm Beach Dining

Nothing works up an appetite quite like shopping. The dining scene in Palm Beach is a vibrant mix of elegant waterfront restaurants, mouthwatering steakhouses, and charming bistros. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood or indulging in gourmet international cuisine, Palm Beach offers unforgettable culinary experiences.

If you can manage to tear yourself away from the fabulous restaurants within Palm Beach’s lavish hotels, you’ll find an equally dazzling foodie scene waiting just outside their doors. Start with Bice, where Italian sophistication meets tropical elegance. Their house-made pasta dishes are legendary, especially the decadent Tagliolini Alla Bolognese paired with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio. For a chic, French bistro vibe, head to Le Bilboquet, where the outdoor atmosphere amidst the climbing jasmine or indoor pewter countertop bar is as delightful as the food. Indulge in their perfectly spiced signature Cajun Chicken while sipping on a refreshing Aperol Spritz. Over at Cucina, the vibrant, trendy spot loved by locals, the White Pie, a pizza topped with black truffles and prosciutto, is a must-try, and it pairs beautifully with a bold Negroni. Each of these spots offers its own unique take on dining, making every meal an adventure in flavor and style.

The Best Things to Do in Palm Beach

Palm Beach offers more than just sun, sand, and shopping; it’s a destination brimming with activities that combine history, nature, and outdoor fun. One of the most serene and beautiful experiences can be found at the Four Arts Botanical Gardens. These lush, impeccably manicured gardens are a hidden oasis where visitors can stroll through various themed landscapes, from a tranquil Japanese garden to an exotic tropical rainforest. The peaceful environment, filled with blooming flowers and soothing fountains, makes it the perfect spot for nature lovers or anyone looking to unwind in paradise.

For architecture enthusiasts, Palm Beach is a living museum of design. The island is known for its stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture, with grand estates nestled beyond majestic hedging. Walking along streets like Worth Avenue or exploring the majestic homes, you’ll be swept away by the beauty of the ornate details, grand courtyards, and vine-covered archways that define Palm Beach’s signature style. Each building tells a story of the island’s rich history and the visionaries who transformed it into a glamorous retreat.

One of the most impressive architectural marvels is the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Housed in Whitehall, Flagler’s opulent Gilded Age mansion, this museum offers a fascinating look into Palm Beach’s past. Visitors can tour the lavishly decorated rooms, filled with stunning period furnishings and art while learning about the man who essentially put Palm Beach on the map. The sheer grandeur of the mansion, combined with the history it represents, makes it a must-see for anyone visiting the island.

Of course, Palm Beach wouldn’t be Palm Beach without its magnificent mansions. Driving or biking along the island’s coastal roads, you’ll see sprawling estates set against the glittering backdrop of the Atlantic. These multi-million-dollar homes, with their manicured lawns and private beachfronts, offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. It’s a breathtaking reminder of Palm Beach’s status as a playground for the elite, and even just admiring these homes from afar is an experience.

Finally, if you are looking for an adventure on the sea, go ahead and slip out of those designer duds and into a swimsuit and head on over to any of the local water sport rentals to fulfill that adventurous craving.  Boating, fishing, jet skiing and parasailing are all at your fingertips.

Paradise Found in Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the ultimate destination for those seeking a perfect blend of luxury, history, natural beauty, and world-class experiences. From strolling through stunning botanical gardens and marveling at grand architecture to indulging in gourmet dining and relaxing on pristine beaches, this island has it all. At CIRE Travel, our travel experts specialize in crafting unforgettable luxury vacations, ensuring every moment is tailored to your desires. Our team knows the ins and outs of Palm Beach, from the finest restaurants to the most exclusive resorts and hidden gems. Whether you’re dreaming of a private beach escape, a historic mansion tour, or simply soaking in the glamour of Palm Beach, CIRE Travel promises to guide you every step of the way. With us, your Palm Beach getaway will be nothing short of exceptional.

CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY.  Our expert corporate travel planners, honeymoon agents, and luxury travel planners support clients across the country and around the world.