The Palm Beaches Family

T h e Pa l m B e a c h e s Fa m i l y

A note from 1

When we published The Palm Beaches Little Black Book a year ago, I explained how just one trip to this East Coast destination was enough for me to be completely charmed, completely won over. What I didn’t realise then, was that this one trip would lead to an addiction. That this one trip would become many, and the inescapable warmth of world-class hospitality and old-world glamour would leave me with many fond memories to look back on.

Now, after my numerous forays into the world of The Palm Beaches, I feel I am really getting to know the destination, and most importantly, getting to know its people.

It’s this sense of knowing that allows me to experience The Palm Beaches like a true Floridian. Whether I am out deep sea fishing with friends I made in Boca Raton on trips long past, or exploring what art really is with the gallery owners of West Palm Beach I’d met that morning; I feel like every moment I spend on this stunning coastline, I am becoming more a part of The Palm Beaches network. Becoming a true member of The Palm Beaches Family.

And now I encourage you to do as I did. Yes, you must revel in the glitz and the glamour, and be moved by the beautiful surroundings, but more importantly, you must make time to see The Palm Beaches through the eyes of the locals; for they are the ones that make this place special. They are the people that will offer up The Palm Beaches as your home from home. Do this, and The Palm Beaches family will welcome you with open arms.

- Tom Marchant, Co-founder of Black Tomato

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Step behind the scenes and meet our Palm Beaches Family – the people who know The Palm Beaches’ most treasured secrets and most spectacular allures. From chefs and golf pros to artists and fashionistas, we’ve scoured The Palm Beaches for the individuals that have a story to tell. Each member of this special family has given us an insight into the very best of The Palm Beaches, helping us to create the ultimate East Coast travel guide.

So, whether you’re here for spa breaks and shopping, or to explore the waterways and the everglades, our Palm Beaches Family will ensure you do so in the most authentic (and luxurious) way possible...

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Meet our Pa l m B e a c h e s Fa m i l y

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M E E T G A RY G E I S L E R G a r y is a s c u ba i n s t r u c t or and was ou r fir s t por t of call to l e arn a b o ut a l l t h i n g s c o a s t a l i n The Palm Beaches .

“The diving off Palm Beach is fantastic. You’ll see all kinds of tropical fish, turtles, rays, manatees and sometimes even dolphins (the Gulf Stream current comes very close to our shore which brings us a ton of fish, sea life and warm water). For birdlife there are osprey, pelicans and sea gulls to name a few.

The key here is knowing your own personal limitations and skill level. There is beach diving at an intercoastal spot (Blue Heron Bridge), best done at high tide.

Most of the offshore diving is drift diving or wreck diving and takes place in 60 plus feet of water.”

- Gary Geisler

The Pa lm B e a ch es Fa m i ly // Water s por ts 5

/ / G A RY R E C O M M E N D S . . .

Scu b a Diving Tou r Dolphins, rays and manatees are just a few of the species you can get up-close with on a diving tour in The Palm Beaches. For beach diving, head to Blue Heron Bridge.

S e a Fish i n g Charter a boat to enjoy the deep blue seas where you can reel-in snapper, mackerel and even swordfish. These trips are not only great for sport, but for spotting wildlife too.

Pad d le Boar d ing Explore the waterways by board on a relaxing and enjoyable tour. Professional guides will take you to the most beautiful beaches – sunset tours are particularly romantic.

S no rke l l i n g The reefs at Coral Cove Park are expansive and home to a vibrant array of marine life. This is some of the best snorkelling around, so don’t forget your waterproof camera.

K ayak Eco Tou r s A paddle through the mangrove islands is a key activity for any budding ecologist. As well as an array of flora and fauna, you can take time to learn about the conservation of the area too.

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M E E T K AT H R Y N R U M B L E Y K a t wo r k s a t t h e Lo g g er h ead Mar inelife C enter and is p a ssio na t e a bo u t t h e a bu nd ance of s ea life ar ou nd The Palm B e a che s . S h e ’s a F l o r i d a native s o is cer tainly in the know.

“We have over 20 sea turtle patients at our hospital. You can come and tour our interactive exhibit hall (with aquariums), and then visit our sea turtle patients in our outdoor hospital. Since we are adjacent to Juno Beach, I would suggest visiting our center, grabbing some Publix sandwiches and heading over to the beach afterwards. Sounds like a perfect day to me!”

- Kathryn Rumbley

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/ / K AT H R Y N R E C O M M E N D S . . .

M unyon I s land Munyon Island is home to a plethora of wading birds. Guided tours and kayak rentals are the best way to explore, and be sure to stop off at one of the picnic pavilions in this natural playground.

L oxa ha t ch e e E ver g l a d es The everglades are a world heritage site brimming with wildlife. Look out for American alligators as you take a guided tour of this spectacular river-grassland.

L ogger head Mar inelife C entr e The Loggerhead Marinelife Center promotes conservation of the ocean ecosystems with a special focus on endangered sea turtles. Join one of their guided tours to see how you can help.

G ra ssy Wa t er s P r e s e r ve Also known as the West Palm Beach Water Catchment, this is an ecologist’s dream. For an alternative everglades experience, follow one of the many trails for excellent wildlife viewing.

Jo h n D. MacA r thu r Beach State Par k At the end of a 1,600 ft boardwalk lies almost two miles of crystal clear waters. A beautiful place to wander and relax, this is a truly natural experience and a must-see in The Palm Beaches.

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M E E T JA N E B RO D E R I C K Ja ne is a P G A a n d L P G A Mas ter Pr ofes s ional, Dir ector of Gol f a t P G A N a t i o n a l R es o r t & Spa and has even played agains t fo rm e r Pr es i d en t B i l l C l i nton on his vis it in 19 9 5. Only in Th e Pa lm B e a ch e s . . .

“My personal favourite course in The Palm Beaches is the Fazio course at PGA National. Yes, I love the Champion, but the Fazio was the first course designed at PGA and is a true test of golf. After 18 holes, I’d probably head to our Spa for a massage or our Sports Club for a stretch!

The Honda Classic is by far the best golf event to attend in The Palm Beaches.

It’s far more than just a golf tournament, it’s a true social event, where the focal point is golf, and the end beneficiary is charity.”

- Jane Broderick

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/ / JA N E R E C O M M E N D S . . .

Faz io at PG A Formerly the Haig Course and now thoroughly modernised by Tom Fazio II, this par-72 course is classic and, simply put, one of the best in The Palm Beaches.

Cha m p ion Perhaps the most famous in the region, this course hosts the Honda Classic on the PGA Tour each spring. Nevertheless it is playable for golfers of all levels looking for a challenge.

Th e Br eaker s O cean C ou r s e This course is Florida’s first and maintains a truly legendary feel. Flanked by views of the iconic hotel and the stunning ocean beyond, you’ll feel like Henry Flagler himself as you play.

O sp rey Po i n t The natural setting of this rolling course makes it a thoroughly relaxing spot for a round of golf.

With programmes for junior golfers too, this is a great family course.

Wes t Palm Beach G olf C ou r s e This somewhat sandy course on the oceanfront is very picturesque. Formerly a PGA course and now public, there is a driving range and plenty of space to practice your putt, too.

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/ / C h e ck o u t o u r u l timate Palm Beaches itinerar y

M E E T N I C O L E H E N RY N ic o le r u n s h er e p o ny m ou s galler y in Wes t Palm Beach. She al so fo unde d CA NVA S A r t C h ar ities and hos ts the CA N VA S ar t show, a f a b ulou s o u t d o o r ex h i b ition. “The art scene here is so well supported by the community. We have so many art lovers and philanthropists that live in The Palm Beaches. They are very generous and give to the arts which support all the first class programmes Palm Beach County has to offer.

Bringing public art to the forefront through the CANVAS Outdoor Museum Show has literally transformed downtown West Palm Beach into a living CANVAS. People now walk around the city with their maps or CANVAS Art App open, looking for the murals...�

- Nicole Henry

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// NICOLE RECOMMENDS...

CAN VA S, 8th-2 2 nd N ovemb er CANVAS is one of our favourite art events of the year. See downtown West Palm Beach transformed by fantastic street murals, each one within walking distance of the next.

Pa lm B e a ch Jewel l er y & A ntiq u e S how, Feb r u a r y Whether you’ve got an eye for diamonds or something Art Deco, it’s hard not to enjoy the utter extravagance of this annual event held at The Palm Beach County Convention Center.

A r t A fter Dar k at The N or ton Mu s eu m of A r t, Thu r s d ays 5-9 pm An eclectic programme of events and an opportunity to enjoy the art collections without the crowds is available every Thursday evening to excite the culture fanatics amongst you.

B o c a B a c ch a n a l , 8 t h - 9t h Apr il Sample local cuisine from some of Florida’s best chefs paired with fine wines from across the globe.

This festival is hosted at the Boca Raton Resort & Club and is sure to thrill any discerning foodie.

D elray A ffair, 8th-10th A pr il This is one of South Florida’s oldest festivals and is truly reflective of the atmosphere of the Sunshine State. Enjoy arts and crafts, conch fritters and live music for that authentic Floridian feeling.

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M E E T C L AY C O N L E Y Clay’s restaurants are exceptional, his food is local, and his motto is ‘happy people make good food’ – we knew he’d be the perfect advocate for food in the Sunshine State.

“We opened Buccan in January 2011 as a modern American grill offering great food in small-plate portions with a relaxed, sophisticated ambiance. In 2012 we extended next door to open Imoto (“little sister”), an intimate, Asian-focused concept offering inspired small plates and fine sushi. In 2014 we again expanded around the corner with the Sandwich Shop at Buccan, a to-go lunch counter using all house-made breads and cured meats. Grato, a casual Italian concept, opened in January 2016 and is our first restaurant in West Palm Beach.

You’ll find a ton of local produce if you come from November to May. Florida actually provides a lot of the produce for the rest of the country in the winter.

We also have many boutique farms that supply the local restaurants as well...”

- Clay Conley

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/ / C L AY R E C O M M E N D S . . .

Bu ccan Buccan is lively, creative and has rapidly become the must-visit restaurant in Palm Beach. Expect locally sourced food in a laid-back environment for a true taste of the state.

Ca f é B ou l u d Just steps from Worth Avenue, this restaurant is truly chic. Expect delicate dishes of beautifully presented meat and fish all washed down with the finest wines.

A t lantic Gr ille The 450-gallon jellyfish aquarium and 2,500-gallon shark tank are focal points in The Seagate hotel’s restaurant. The seafood is sublime, as is the immaculate décor. Dining here is a real treat.

The B lin d M o n k The venue is small, as are the plates, but the impact is huge. This is the perfect date night spot and cheese and wine are the restaurant’s forte.

G rato Clay Conley’s latest offering to the restaurant scene is a ‘casual Italian concept’, but there’s nothing causal about the attention to detail on this showstopper menu.

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MEET CRAIG STEEL Cra ig S t e e l r u n s Th e A l chemis t in Wes t Palm Beach and is our a ut ho r it y o n n i g h t l i f e i n The Palm Beaches .

“The Alchemist is a refined establishment and our crowd understands that. If you walk through our dining room during dinner, you will find an eclectic mix of young professionals, seasoned locals and savvy tourists all dressed well and looking to enjoy top-notch cocktails and food.

When it comes to making drinks, my favourite must be The Last Word. It’s a simple concoction of gin, lime juice, Green Chartreuse and Luxardo, all mixed in equal parts, then served up and garnished with a brandied cherry. Perfection!”

- Craig Steel

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// CRAIG RECOMMENDS...

H MF at The Br eaker s HMF at The Breakers is quintessential Palm Beach and is perfect for a cocktail in the evening.

Be sure to try one of their “Old Fashion” Old Fashion cocktails – as iconic as the bar itself.

Ta - B o o Ta-boo is an institution in Palm Beach. The bar is laid-back, yet thoroughly refined. You know you’ve made a good choice if you wind-up here.

Th e A lchemis t The Alchemist is a true local’s bar of choice.

Laid-back yet glamorous, this bar sums up the atmosphere out on the town. Try their Cosmosis cocktail for something delicious yet potent.

B a rre l of M o n k s As craft beer takes the world by storm, why not enjoy this Belgian-style brewery in the heart of Boca Raton. Learn about the brewing process and taste the final product on one of their tours.

N ick & Johnnie’s This is a real beach bar and the perfect place to soak-up Palm Beach life in a less formal environment. Craft beer and good wines can be paired with the freshest oysters as you enjoy sundowners by the sea.

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“The plethora of things to do seems endless, and the we a t h e r l e t s yo u d o t h e m a l l ye a r l o n g . . .�

MEET BERNARD NICOLE Bernard Nicole is originally from Antibes on the French Riviera.

He has travelled all over the world as a personal concierge and has worked at The Breakers for 34 years. He is now Assistant Hotel Manager at The Breakers’ boutique hotel, the Flagler Club.

“I love the combination of The Breakers’ old-world European charm, especially in the Italian Renaissance-inspired lobby and loggias, and its new world sophistication.

The Flagler Club re-opened in October as a new ultra-luxury boutique hotel following a $5 million transformation. We have 25 rooms, including four suites, and a private Lounge and Terrace.

The Palm Beaches Family // Hotels 21

Guests can socialize over a cocktail mixed by our bartender in the Lounge, or enjoy breakfast overlooking Palm Beach on the private Terrace. Throughout the day we have four distinctive food and beverage offerings that are anything but typical – including elevated breakfast, light bites, pre-dinner appetizers and delicious sweets. The brioche are magnifique!

What makes the difference at Flagler Club is the level of service my fellow Assistant Hotel Managers and I are able to offer our guests. The Club is not your traditional concierge level, it truly is a peerless, bespoke boutique hotel experience�

- Bernard Nicole

// Aerial view of The Breakers

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// Intro The glistening beaches of Singer Island are the ideal location for this classic hotel and luxury spa, and the grand interiors and variety of activities on offer lend themselves to the perfect family break. // Location Singer Island sits just south of Jupiter Beach and the sparkling sea and expanse of white sand are home to a range of bars, restaurants and shops. The hotel will arrange private beach cabanas for you and your party and offer jet ski and scuba diving excursions for those who can’t sit still. / / Yo u r r o o m Quintessentially Floridian, all suites have stunning views across the island. The hotel facilities ensure that there is no need to leave the comforts of your room if you fancy a quiet night in. / / Why we l i ke it The fabulous location positions this hotel like a jewel on the Gold Coast. We love the unique atmosphere of quiet island life amidst the buzz of The Palm Beaches.

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Pa l m B e a c h Mariott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

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/ / Intr o The Chesterfield is the epitome of Floridian elegance. Whether dining al fresco in The Courtyard or sipping cocktails in The Leopard Lounge Bar, you’ll feel like one of Sinatra’s gang in no time. / / L ocation Near to the prestigious Worth Avenue, The Chesterfield is set amongst the charming old-world streets that Palm Beach is famous for.

With a great golf course nearby and some of the finest beaches within walking distance, you won’t find a better location. / / You r r oom Each of the 12 suites come opulently decorated, and with fantastic hotel services. We recommend having afternoon tea delivered to your room after a spot of shopping. / / Why we like it This utterly charming historical landmark is a time capsule that will help you to feel fully immersed in the area’s culture. We love its lavish touches that make it a luxurious home from home.

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/ / I nt ro An iconic Palm Beach hotel standing within 140 acres of stunning landscaped gardens. With direct access to its very own half-mile stretch of private white sand beach, it’s unsurprising that The Breakers Hotel has been the top choice for discerning travellers since 1896. Built by oil magnate Henry Flagler, the Italian Renaissance style of this awe-inspiring building sits spectacularly well against a vivid backdrop of verdant green gardens and the blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a true American Beauty. // Location Situated in the very heart of Palm Beach and only five miles from the airport, the location of The Breakers is second to none. Many shops and restraunts are within walking distance and downtown Palm Beach is a mere 15 minutes away. / / Yo ur r o o m Having recently undergone a five year, multi-million pound renovation, The Breakers hotel offers a variety of incredibly beautiful luxury suites and guest rooms. Benefitting from a fresh and revamped décor, each room is finished in a classic East Coast style. You can expect the usual amenities from this world-class resort, including complimentary Wi-Fi (and even your own concierge service if you want to spoil yourself) and if you’re travelling with your family, interconnecting doors ensure you can keep an eye on the little ones. Our tip: opt to stay in the exclusive Flagler Club for a taste of the ultimate in Palm Beach luxury. / / Why we l i ke i t It’s the history of this resort and the class it entails that we loved most. There’s a real feeling that you’re experiencing high society when you stay here, and with the added luxuries of a first-class concierge service, a wonderful spa, an incredible selection of restaurants and two 18 hole golf courses; you’ll quickly realise just how special The Breakers is.

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The B r e a ke r s

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B e f o r e Yo u G o Handy hints and tips never go amiss when we travel, so here’s a few to ensure a stress-free trip to South Florida‌

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Whe n t o g o The Palm Beaches form a part of Florida called the Gold Coast, a title it truly deserves, boasting some of the sunniest skies and most spectacular golden beaches all year round. January to April is a particularly glorious time to visit as warm days are followed by balmy nights and there is little rain.

Despite the increased humidity and rainfall of the summer months there are still a number of museums, wildlife centres, restaurants and galleries to explore. In its shoulder season, from October to December, you will find temperatures warm and welcoming and an infectious sense of anticipation in the air for the spring ahead.

G e t t ing a r o u n d / / Ca rs & b i kes Private cars and taxis are the most widely-used method of transport around The Palm Beaches. Bicycles are available too, and offer a refreshing and picturesque commute. / / Tra in The Palm Beaches are well connected to some other very popular destinations in Florida, such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, via the Tri-Rail. Quick and easy; it’s perfect for that spontaneous day trip. / / B us Palm Tran is the bus service that operates throughout The Palm Beaches area. It is very user friendly and passengers can purchase unlimited day passes so you can get on and enjoy the wealth of beaches, bars and restaurants available.

G e t t ing t h e r e Direct flights to West Palm Beach, three miles from Palm Beach, are available with a variety of carriers. The majority of international flights include one change, which will vary depending on where you’re flying from.

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