People say we don't have seasons here in Florida, but as a native Floridian I must disagree. In fact, we have two: "season" and "off-season." And there's only one word that adequately describes South Florida during “season” and that’s…PARADISE! These precious months spoil us with gloriously sun-kissed days, balmy nights and just enough chilly weather to break out our boots and sweaters a few times.
One of my favorite places to experience during our season that really captures the natural beauty and relaxed glamour of South Florida is the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa. Located in tony Manalapan, just a skosh south of Palm Beach proper, this former Ritz-Carlton is known for its posh ambiance and luxurious service standards. The property's enduring Forbes Five-Star status serves as reliable testament to this.
While I've raved about the hotel's truly amazing Spa before (a MUST for you spa-lovers!), I recently had the opportunity to experience one of the resort's newly renovated Jonathan Adler suites. This special property provides the perfect canvas for the part-time Palm Beach resident's signature style which incorporates vibrant, sun-drenched colors, bold, patterns and whimsical details in a chic, yet playful way.
Set against the vibrant azure of the stunning ocean view visible from each room, Adler's concept truly pops. The ambiance transforms the luxe design elements into an approachable, comfortable seaside refuge. I was equally comfortable whether I was ensconced in one of the cozy, royal blue sofas, relaxing out on the balcony or soaking in the generously sized, free standing bath tub. Hey, I take my research VERY seriously!
Personally, I also appreciate Adler's nod to South Florida's enduring history and local character. Thoughtful decor details include a vintage Slim Aarons photo of socialite Lady Daphne Cameron astride a tiger skin rug taken in a historic Palm Beach home; beachy, cabana-inspired canopies and window-treatments; as well as a radiant, sunburst chandelier. A sassy, colorful, crewel-work pillow emblazoned with "Palm Beach" provided the cherry on top of the design experience.
And after a delicious al fresco dinner at the hotel's casually chic, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Temple Orange, I couldn't think of a better place to retire to than our luxurious, yet cozy room. The sumptuous beds lulled us into a sound sleep only to be awoken by the rising sun and the sound of the waves softly lapping at the shore.
Bravo to designer Jonathan Adler for imbuing the Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa with a true "sense of place" and capturing Florida's unique "merroir" in his brilliant design. For more information on the resort, please see below and to check out even more destinations featured in Glamorous Getaways, please click here.
Eau Palm Beach Resort + Spa | 100 South Ocean Boulevard | Manalapan, Florida 33462 | 561.533.6000 | www.eaupalmbeach.com
Stephanie Miskew
Author