As we say adieu to a year of pandemic and civil unrest, a detoxifying weekend retreat is definitely in order. Shake off the stress of the last 12 months in a destination created for relaxation: Palm Beach. Built by railroad magnate Henry Flagler at the turn of the 20th century as a winter resort for the Northeastern elite, Palm Beach continues to cater to a well-heeled crowd. Spend the day relaxing in one of its spas, sip fresh juice on its sugar-sand beaches or visit a top-tier restaurant for a divine meal. Here’s to starting 2021 right.
Where to Stay
Flagler built The Breakers (One South County Road, Palm Beach; 877.724.3188; thebreakers.com)—the second of his sweeping luxury resorts in Palm Beach—in 1896. After a fire in 1925, the hotel was reconstructed by a New York City design firm, the same one behind the Waldorf-Astoria on Park Avenue. Reopened in 1926, the updated hotel was modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome. It’s long been the go-to destination for European nobility and American presidents. The Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and Astors have all rested their gilded heads on its high-thread-count pillows. Today, the resort’s guest rooms and suites have been updated with modern decor and amenities, though the hotel has maintained its historic charm.
Steak Tartare with black truffle and Tuna Crisps ‘fish vin’ wonton small plates at Buccan in Palm Beach.
Where to Eat
Indulge in fine dining at Buccan (350 South County Road, Palm Beach; 561.833.3450; buccanpalmbeach.com), long acknowledged as one of Palm Beach’s top restaurants. Here, the menu is modern and inventive, with plenty of small plates that make for perfect sharing. Though the kitchen—helmed by James Beard nominee Clay Conley—turns out top-tier dishes, the atmosphere is anything but stuffy. Boisterous and convivial, Buccan combines relaxed Florida charm with an upscale vibe.
Where to Spa
The Eau Spa inside the luxury resort Eau Palm Beach (100 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan; 561.533.6000; eaupalmbeach.com) is a decadent shrine to relaxation and escapism. With 42,000 square feet of dedicated spa-space, guests can relax in the outdoor garden, soak in the al fresco tubs, lounge in the sauna or steam rooms and enjoy beauty treatments. In this whimsical paradise, the champagne and cupcakes flow freely.
The soothing pool at Eau Palm Beach.
Where to Cleanse
Meraki Juice Kitchen (328 Fern St., West Palm Beach; 561.508.6640; merakijuicekitchen.com) is a one-stop health shop that offers plant-based cuisine, cold-pressed juices, fresh baked goods, coffee and ice cream. Try the Bright blend, made with pineapple, fennel, apple, lemon, lime, ginger, kale and cilantro, or the Gratitude mix with celery, romaine, spinach, parsley, kale, apple, grapefruit, lemon and mint. Ready to release 2020? Get serious about letting go with a juice cleanse. Meraki offers one-day juice cleanse packages that aim to balance the thyroid, regulate hormones and calm inflammation. Enjoy them while you relax on the beach, and you’ll be ready for all the new year has to offer.
