PALM BEACH, FL Luxurious Fun in the Sun

This spring, with travel restrictions lifting and New Yorkers eager to travel, Palm Beach, Florida is the perfect destination vacation this season for fun in the sun. From haute classic hotels, to new contemporary favorites, here are some the top places to stay and dine in sunny Palm Beach, Florida.

By Norah Bradford

STAY & DINE:

Chesterfield Palm Beach, Leopard Lounge & Restaurant

Surrounded by palm-lined boulevards, the historic Chesterfield Palm Beach is just steps from Worth Avenue and white sandy beaches. It combines exceptional hospitality combined with an old-world charm showcased through its sophisticated interiors and beautifully designed rooms and suites. All rooms are uniquely fashionably decorated and cozy. Guests can choose to relax in the hot tub or be more adventurous by renting a bike and exploring the area. Nothing represents Palm Beach like the legendary Leopard Lounge & Restaurant which epitomizes gilded age sophistication. Images of the early 20th century’s grand institutions welcome guests as the jet-black lacquered walls are highlighted with golden fittings. Executive Chef Gerard Coughlin and his team have created a delicious fusion menu of classic international dishes, served alongside much-loved signature recipes by the founder Beatrice Tollman, including Maryland Style Lump Crab Cakes, Gerard’s Turkey Burger, Shrimp Stroganoff, and Key Lime Pie. chesterfieldpb.com

The Colony, Swifty’s Palm Beach

A legendary boutique hotel, The Colony is nestled between glamorous Worth Avenue and sparkling Atlantic waters. All 90 guest rooms, suites, villas, and penthouses are beautifully appointed, having pillow-top mattresses and 350 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets with European duvets. Three spectacular Penthouses top the main hotel, and an adjacent mansion, Casa Manana, has been beautifully reconfigured into seven spacious villas.

Once New York’s pre-eminent society boîte, Swifty’s Palm Beach has made its way to Palm Beach at the iconic Colony Hotel. For almost two decades, Swifty’s was an Upper East Side stalwart and now founder Robert Caravaggi and Colony Hotel owners have brought the restaurant that inspired an international following to Palm Beach. Swifty’s POOL serves lunch, dinner, and cocktails around The Colony’s swimming pool, as well as al fresco seating under the hotel’s outdoor hanging garden. Along with a stellar menu featuring some of the beloved favorites of the original Swifty’s, Swifty’s POOL offers many other activities including rum tastings, acoustic guitarists, and other engaging, socially distanced endeavors. thecolonypalmbeach.com

The Brazilian Court, Café Boulud

The Brazilian Court Hotel’s 80-room enclave is the classic Palm Beach luxury getaway— bringing together stunning, high-style accommodations and impeccable service for an unforgettable experience. This historic landmark is infused throughout with Roaring 20s glamour and boutique intimacy. Guests are invited to enjoy unparalleled pampering at the Brazilian Court Salon or vanish into tranquility by the secluded, palm-fringed pool. You can even choose to relax in one of the property’s two tropically landscaped courtyards.

Café Boulud Palm Beach is Chef Daniel Boulud’s award-winning restaurant. Since opening in 2003, the restaurant has become one of Palm Beach’s most coveted dining destinations. Executive Chef Dieter Samijn is no stranger to working alongside Boulud, as he helmed the Upper West Side French Bistro, Bar Boulud, before making the leap to Palm Beach. Samijn’s love for traditional French cuisine will shine brightly in the warm sun while tapping into locally sourced seafood and produce to add a Floridian flair to his dishes. thebraziliancourt.com

White Elephant Palm Beach, Lola 41

Built in 1924, re-imagined today, the structure’s footprint and facade remain, but the interior has undergone a total transformation. This contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean-revival architecture reflects the pulse and excitement of Palm Beach while capturing the spirit of a stately home. White Elephant Palm Beach continues the rich tradition of outstanding hospitality established at White Elephant Nantucket while bringing its style and excellence to this new yet already legendary Palm Beach resort destination. whiteelephantpalmbeach.com

Located at the luxurious White Elephant, Lola 41 is an alluring Palm Beach hot spot with a welcoming bar and large outdoor patio for alfresco dining within a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Signature dishes include a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi as well as King Crab Rangoon, Lobster Fried Rice, Portuguese-style Grilled Octopus, Korean Beef Bulgogi, and the all-time favorite Lola Burger served with Foie Gras sauce. Private label wine and craft cocktails elevate the experience along with stunning interior design elements. lola41.com

MORE DINING EXPERIENCES:

Le Bilboquet Palm Beach Sant Ambroeus

Le Bilboquet’s opening on Worth Avenue provided an exceptional addition to the iconic scene of Palm Beach. Its team recreated the bistro’s ambiance to offer guests the dining experience Philippe Delgrange has become famous for. This season, New Yorkers leaving their homes in the Hamptons and flats in the city can continue to enjoy the bistro classics, such as the signature foie gras, poulet cajun, tuna tartare, endives roquefort, beef tartare with frites and Sag Harbor favorite moules marinières. From the Upper East Side aficionados and Hamptons elite, the lovers of Palm Beach will experience the joie de vivre and soon discover their favorite restaurant in the charming Via Encantada. lebilboquetpb.com In the fall of 2016, Sant Ambroeus Palm Beach opened its doors to a new community, bringing a touch of old-world Milan to sunny Florida. In addition to the fine dining experience in the main dining rooms, guests enjoy casual seating at the bar, with cocktail and café tables, a signature coffee bar and gelateria. The menu, by executive chef Marco Barbisotti, includes Sant Ambroeus signature dishes such as vitello tonnato, caprese, tagliatelle alla bolognese, risotti and cotoletta alla milanese. Sant Ambroeus Palm Beach design is inspired by the Gran Caffé’s of the 1950’s in Italy, a mix of clean modern lines with a warm traditional atmosphere using rich and noble materials such as mahogany and Italian stone santambroeus.com La Goulue

As a NYC Madison Ave hotspot, La Goulue, has opened their second location in Palm Beach and quickly became one of the hottest spots in town. Embodying the Parisian charm of a Left Bank French bistro with the understated elegance of Palm Beach, this tony treasure sits on South County Road and Royal Palm Way. Some of their classic bistro favorites include their award winning Souffle au Fromage made with Gruyere and Parmesan laced with truffle oil, escargots drenched in garlic and butter, pan seared diver sea scallops in a delicate champagne sauce and the piece de resistance- the dark chocolate molten cake for a sweet ending to a perfect meal. lagouluepalmbeach.com