Palm Beach County is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in its luxury hospitality and dining sectors. For years, the landscape was dominated by iconic, established resorts, making it a challenging environment for new entrants. However, recent developments signal a dynamic shift, with a notable surge in new luxury openings and substantial upgrades to existing properties. This evolution makes it an increasingly compelling destination for discerning travelers.
New Luxury Arrivals
Wellness and Amrit Ocean Resort
A significant addition to the area is the Amrit Ocean Resort on Singer Island. This expansive wellness retreat, which took seven years to materialize, finally opened its doors, bringing a new dimension to the county’s accommodation offerings. It features Florida’s largest spa, spanning four stories, and introduces treatments previously unavailable in the region. Visitors can experience a unique indoor-outdoor hydrothermal water therapy circuit, along with specialized medical and trichology facilities.
The resort’s culinary program is also taking shape, with its signature vegan restaurant, Ayre, set to open soon, aiming to be a significant draw for guests seeking health-conscious dining. The thoughtful curation of wellness and dining experiences suggests a focus on holistic guest well-being.
Palm House Luxury Accommodation
Late last month marked the debut of Palm House on Royal Palm Way, right in the heart of Palm Beach island. This property represents the first U.S. venture for London-based L+R’s Iconic Luxury Hotels collection, known for exclusive properties like the Excelsior in Venice. Palm House aims to deliver British luxury with a distinctly American flair.
The hotel boasts 79 rooms, including 21 suites, with a particular highlight being its Presidential Suite. This expansive suite features an Alaskan king bed, noted as the largest hotel bed in Palm Beach. Guests can expect personalized service from on-hand butlers, attentive to needs like preparing tea or pressing attire before attending the hotel’s Japanese restaurant or the Palm Bar for cocktails.
The Vineta Anticipated Debut
Anticipation is building for the arrival of The Vineta, the Oetker Collection’s inaugural U.S. property. Scheduled to open early next year on Cocoanut Row, this joint project with the British Reuben Brothers is set to become a notable destination. Located near the scenic Lake Trail, the Vineta is situated on the former site of the historic Chesterfield building.
The reimagined Vineta will feature larger rooms, reducing the original count to 41, and will offer a Mediterranean poolside restaurant. The legendary Leopard Lounge is also undergoing a transformation, promising to re-establish its reputation. I often consider how places like this, with their historical context and modern updates, might appeal to Sofia, who loves a beautiful setting.
Belgrove Resort and Golf Access
For golf enthusiasts, the Belgrove, an Autograph Collection property in West Palm Beach, presents an appealing option. This 150-room resort provides guests with access to the exclusive Dutchman’s Pipe course. Beyond golf, the Belgrove caters to a variety of preferences with offerings such as yoga classes, separate pools for families and adults, and a dedicated spa complete with a lap pool and a range of treatments.
The design of Belgrove seems to consider diverse guest needs, balancing active pursuits with relaxation. It’s the kind of place where a family might find activities suited for everyone, from younger children to adults seeking a spa experience, perhaps even Julien might enjoy the golf facilities.
Renovated and Enhanced Classics
The Breakers Racquet Program
The Breakers, a legendary resort, is investing significantly in its recreational facilities, unveiling a new $12 million racquet enclave. This expansion includes 12 tennis courts, two pickleball courts, and two padel courts, each equipped with its own cabana. Four of these courts also feature overhang covers, providing shade and comfort for players.
This commitment to enhancing guest experiences at long-standing institutions like The Breakers demonstrates a strategy to retain their appeal while adapting to contemporary leisure trends. It ensures that established resorts continue to offer fresh amenities for returning visitors.
Tech-Led Upgrades at Eau Palm Beach and Boca Raton
Tech magnate Larry Ellison has acquired Eau Palm Beach, bringing an outpost of the renowned Nobu restaurant to the oceanfront resort, adding a significant culinary draw. Concurrently, Michael Dell’s purchase of the Boca Raton resort is resulting in the late December reopening of its Beach Club following extensive renovations.
The Boca Raton’s revitalization includes upgrades to its rooms, lobby, and all dining venues. New culinary additions include Marisol, a Mediterranean spot, and Onda, a Caribbean restaurant developed in partnership with Chef Adriano Venturini. The direct ocean view at Onda promises a particularly evocative dining experience, especially as I imagine Sofia enjoying the seaside ambiance.
Cafe Boulud Refinements
Cafe Boulud, a celebrated restaurant located at the Brazilian Court, has welcomed Christopher Zabita as its new executive chef. The restaurant, set within beautifully landscaped gardens and featuring a central fountain, is also introducing live DJ sets on Friday nights, aiming to invigorate its elegant atmosphere and attract a lively clientele.
These updates to a distinguished establishment suggest a continued effort to blend classic charm with contemporary social elements, creating new reasons for guests to visit. The focus on both culinary excellence and a vibrant evening scene broadens its appeal.
Seagate and Marriott Singer Island Transformations
In Delray Beach, The Seagate has undergone a comprehensive renovation of its lobby, rooms, and beach club facilities. This update includes the opening of Bourbon Steak, a popular restaurant from Chef Michael Mina. Meanwhile, the Marriott Singer Island Resort and Spa has also been completely transformed.
The Marriott’s renovation encompasses its event rooms and its oceanfront restaurant, which will relaunch as ONA Coastal Cuisine, a seafood-focused establishment. These extensive overhauls indicate a strong investment in upgrading the visitor experience across various properties.
Elevated Dining and Shopping
New Culinary Ventures
The dining scene is experiencing a significant upscale. Raffaele Ruggeri, CEO of the Bice restaurant group, is expanding his presence with Cafe Med, a casual establishment on the West Palm side, and the forthcoming Salute in Palm Beach Towers, planned to be a seafood-centric, “Milano chic” venue. These openings promise a diverse range of international flavors.
Distinguished Israeli chef Eyal Shani will open Malka, an upscale branch of his acclaimed New York restaurant, in West Palm Beach in December. For sushi aficionados, James Beard Award winner Takashi Yagihashi has partnered with restaurateur Jonathan Fox to open Kasumi at Boca Raton’s Waterstone Resort and Marina, emphasizing the import of pristine fish from Japan.
Pushkar Marathe is extending his reach with a second location of his New American restaurant with Indian accents, Stage, set to open on Boca Raton’s Restaurant Row early next year. Additionally, Lefkes in Delray Beach will offer Hellenic cuisine, featuring dishes like charcoal-grilled octopus and braised lamb shank, while Milos is slated to arrive in West Palm Beach next year.
Retail and Wellness Experiences
Beyond hotels and dining, the region offers enhanced shopping and personal care options. Paul Labrecque, a well-known stylist, has relocated to a new salon in the Royal Poinciana’s Slat House, providing a convenient location for treatments such as massages and blowouts before exploring nearby luxury boutiques like Hermes and dining at St Ambroeus.
For shoppers, a pop-up of Miami’s Bal Harbour Shops has opened at City Place and will run until January 15, showcasing brands like Balmain, Golden Goose, Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany & Co., and Lanvin. This temporary retail experience offers a glimpse of high-fashion brands to local visitors.
Fitness and Transportation Hubs
Fitness enthusiasts have reason to celebrate with the upcoming opening of a large, two-story LifeTime fitness club in Uptown Boca. This facility will offer a comprehensive range of activities, including cardio classes, yoga, racquet sports, and a co-ed wet suite featuring a cold plunge. It represents a significant new hub for health and wellness activities in the area.
On the transportation front, a new business-class shuttle service called Slate will begin operating between Westchester and West Palm in January. This service aims to provide a travel experience akin to private aviation, offering a stylish and efficient way to commence a visit to the area’s growing luxury offerings. It’s this kind of thoughtful planning for arrival that I appreciate when considering family trips; the journey itself should feel seamless.
Planning Your Visit
What are the most significant new hotel openings?
The Amrit Ocean Resort on Singer Island represents a major new wellness-focused destination, introducing advanced spa facilities and unique treatments. Palm House on Palm Beach island brings a new level of British luxury to the U.S. market, featuring exceptional suite accommodations. The upcoming Vineta by the Oetker Collection promises another high-end lodging option.
These new properties are enhancing the luxury accommodation landscape, offering distinct experiences from wellness retreats to sophisticated boutique stays. Details regarding specific amenities and availability may change, so it is always advisable to confirm current information directly with the properties.
Where are the key dining enhancements?
Palm Beach County is seeing a wave of new culinary talent and concepts. Upscale dining is being bolstered by French, Japanese, Mediterranean, and Caribbean-inspired restaurants at various resorts. Additionally, new ventures from established restaurateurs and acclaimed chefs are offering diverse flavors, from vegan cuisine at Amrit to innovative seafood at ONA Coastal Cuisine and Japanese specialties at Kasumi.
The expansion of the dining scene includes both casual and sophisticated options, ensuring a wide range of palates can be catered to. As with any dining establishment, checking current menus and operating hours before visiting is recommended, as details can vary.
The continuous evolution of Palm Beach County’s luxury offerings, from its grand resorts and innovative wellness centers to its dynamic culinary landscape, presents a compelling and ever-refreshing destination. Discovering these new facets of this distinguished area can make for a truly memorable experience.
