The Best Hotel in Palm Beach: The Breakers

Today’s subject is The Breakers: Not only the best hotel in Palm Beach, but considered one of the best hotels in the world. I had the opportunity to stay in it for the second time recently, and I could only prove even more of its excellence. At 120 years old, it is certainly an icon of the luxury hotel industry of the USA and a landmark in the Palm Beach region. An example of comfort, sophistication and beautiful landscapes, the first resort destination in the United States draws attention with its imposing structure of Renaissance Italian style. A hotel that was able to renew itself over time, and has 10 restaurants, 4 swimming pools and a super spa. In addition, since 1996 he is a member AAA Five Diamonds and collects a number of awards, such as four stars by Forbes Travel Guide and best Florida resort through Travel + Leisure.

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The history of the best hotel in Palm Beach

The story of The Breakers blends with the South Florida’s own growth story. At the end of the 19th century, industrial magnate and visionary Henry M. Flagler has built the The Royal Poinciana hotel in Palm Beach in order to transform the region into a tourist destination. Soon after, he built his second hotel, The Palm Beach Inn, opposite the beach of the first, to accommodate people traveling by train through the region using his other company, the Florida East Coast Railway. It didn’t take long for guests to ask for rooms “where the waves break.” Flagler then doubled the Palm Beach Inn in size and in 1904 reopened it with the name “The Breakers”, literal translation for the guests’ request.

After two fires in different times, the hotel has again been renovated and today is a luxurious space for leisure and wellness in Palm Beach. Currently, $30 million is invested annually in infrastructure so that it remains an impeccable destination.

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Location Location

On a sumptuous property with over 560,000m2, the best hotel in Palm Beach is on One South County Road, facing the South Florida Sea. The nearest airport is West Palm Beach, which is 9 km away. If your gateway is Miami, the resort is 1:30 a.m. north of Miami Beach, and 2 hours from Orlando. Neaper of mansions and luxury buildings, The Breakers is a 7-minute drive from Whitehall, a museum dedicated to Henry Morrison Flagler, and 15 minutes from the Palm Beach Outlets. That is, a great request for those who are in order to get some shopping. But set aside at least one full day to stay in the hotel. The property is so big and absolutely stunning that you definitely won’t want to go out. I say from your own experience, Rs.

Structure of The Breakers

With 538 rooms, golf courses, 10 restaurants, four swimming pools and a full spa, it also has a private beach of 800m long. The architecture was inspired by the Villa Medici in Rome. The frescoes on the ceiling of the entrance hall and first-floor halls were hand-painted by 75 artists from Italy. Many personalities have stayed in the magnificent quarters, such as John Rockefeller, European nobles and presidents.

A hotel that welcomes you the moment you enter, and in fact impresses with small details. As I went at Christmas time, the lobby was even more charming. Even film setting, due to the beauty, details in the decor and absolutely perfect maintenance, which make a historic hotel stay current. No, no, the best hotel in Palm Beach.

Gardens were my favorite place. What a delight to sit there on one of the benches, relax, read a book under the sun, looking at the green.

Accommodations

Of the 534 rooms, 72 are suites, including four Royal Poincians and two Imperials, practical and elegant in the right measure for a property that is by the sea. Rooms have views of the resort or the beach. The apartments are spacious with comfortable beds and sophisticated furniture. As it must be in a five star hotel, there are slippers, hairdryer, safe, minibar and mini filling bar.

The balcony was a high point of the room, with a beautiful view of the ocean and from where I captured sunrises and unforgettable evenings! The bathroom was spacious, all in marble, with bathtub and amenities of great quality. In fact, I loved the makeup removers in mini format!

Meanwhile, the Flagler Club has 21 rooms that further raise the level of sophistication. They are located in an exclusive area of the hotel, located on the sixth and seventh floors, accessed by a special elevator. In this area guests have a VIP service with private concierge and free path to a private terrace with panoramic views of Palm Beach Island.

Activities in The Breakers

At the Beach Club, four pools are at guests’ disposal – including one infinity edge for adults only – and five Jacuzzis. If the guest wants more comfort and privacy, you can rent one of the 25 exclusive bungalows. The spaces serve from six to eight people. The structure of the bungalows has TV, refrigerator, shower, bathroom, internet and an employee is available to guests. There is still the option to ask for meals to be served there. Depending on the type of bungalow and service contracted, daily prices range from $250 to $1,500.

In addition, tennis classes on one of the 10 courts, kayaking tours, diving classes and beach games are some of the services available. With more than 1,800m2, the Family Entertainment Center brings together activities for guests of all ages. Classic and contemporary games, video game rooms and outdoor playground with over 1,300m2 are some of the options.

The Fitness Center is in a spacious area and offers the most complete gym for guests, with state-of-the-art equipment, specialized personal training and free gymnastics classes. That is, a complete luxury Palm Beach hotel with a thousand options of what to do, whether as a couple, family or friends.

The beaches

The hotel has a private beach, small (800m long) but very nice! In 2018, I was lucky to catch, in addition to sunny days, a sea that looked like a velvet! Result: I didn’t want to get out of the water at all! You know that perfect beach day? That’s what I have in my memory when I remember my stay at the best hotel in Palm Beach. It is also possible to relax in one of the loungers or do any of the activities offered: kayaking, diving, etc. If you prefer, you can also take a dip, walk or run on the extensive beach, next to the hotel.

Golf

The fields are another must-see attraction of Florida’s best resort. Sports lovers can take advantage of the 36 holes of Florida’s oldest golf course or take classes with the renowned John Webster Golf Academy. And for those who do not like, it remains to appreciate the look. Or do you know any hotel with golf course in an ugly location?

Spa of the best hotel in Palm Beach

The Breakers spa is one of the best in the United States and is on the list of the 25 best in the world. It has four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide and offers the most modern treatments and relaxation options. In the 80-minute OSEA treatments, the guest can choose between body massages, exfoliations, facials, and more. In all there are six lines of treatments that leave guests relaxed and renovated. Massages can be done outdoors, facing the sea, or at the spa itself. With pioneering services, he was the first to use beauty treatments of the Guerlain brand outside of France. He was also the first to offer the skin treatments of the renowned Tammy Fender, who was the first beautician to develop organic products for rejuvenation. Be sure to do a massage there: a real show!

Restaurants of The Breakers

The best hotel in Palm Beach has ten restaurants and bars, with varied options, ranging from the most elegant to the most casual.

The Circle

In a sumptuous atmosphere that refers to the halls of the palaces, there is breakfast and brunch on Sundays. The circular hall, as the name already suggests, has a roof to beaked nine meters high and walls with Renaissance murals. All this with a beautiful view of the sea. In the restaurant there is the à la carte option or the seasons with fruits, bread, eggs and everything that a majestic coffee offers. Brunch is very crowded, as the restaurant is open to non-expects too. In other words, the ideal is to make a reservation first.

Flagler Steakhouse

With a beautiful view of the golf courses, the classic American restaurant is across the street on Two South County Road on the second floor of the Clubhouse. The hotel offers free transportation if necessary. In the environment, wooden furniture and large and elegant chandeliers. On the menu, there are a selection of noble cuts of the USDA, as well as side dishes and lighter options, such as fresh fish and salads.

Seafood Bar

A great option for those who want to taste fresh seafood and great drinks. All this with stunning sea views and decoration with nautical details. I loved the restaurant vibe, which, incidentally, makes no reservations.

Echo

This is The Breakers’ oriental restaurant, which is just a few blocks from the hotel (free transportation is also offered) and draws attention with exotic and surprising flavors. The tables are arranged in the main hall, in the garden and on the beautiful terrace. On the menu are dishes from Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean cuisines. The experience is complete with the wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Reservations are recommended.

The Italian Restaurant

Ideal restaurant for families, it caters well to guests with children. It is next to the Family Entertainment Center. The restaurant is cozy and serves typical Italian cuisine dishes such as pizzas, pasta and salads.

The Beach Club

The poolside restaurant is a more informal option for breakfast or lunch by the sea. Open only for guests, breakfast is served in the buffet style. And nothing nicer than eating outdoors looking at the pool and the sea, right?

HMF

This is another tribute to the creator of The Breakers complex, Henry Morrison Flagler. The place is ideal for a drink in a modern and glamorous environment. Here you find a wine list with more than 1,600 options and personalized cocktails on the eclectic menu. The dishes are varied and sophisticated. HMF is one of the most sought-after places in Palm Beach for a  happy hour. The concept of the restaurant is signed by renowned designer Adam D. Tihany. It does not accept reservations.

Ocean House Ocean House

It is the place for lighter and cooler lunches, in the best beach house style, open only for guests. Sandwiches and options such as salads and Fish & Chips are served. For dessert, choose the specialty of the house, the lemon pie. The restaurant is next to the pool.

The Surf Break

It is an open-air bar that is between two of the four pools. Ideal for a snack or cocktail while enjoying a sunny day.

Henry’s Palm Beach

The new American bistro of The Breakers is another tribute to its founder, Henry Morrison Flagle. Located on Via Flagler by The Breakers, it offers from brunch to dinner, with classic dishes, cocktails and craft beers, as well as a good wine list.

Dress code

The best hotel in Florida has no special dress code. But here is worth a remark: in the most formal restaurants I saw very elegant and well-dressed people, as the hotel environment suggests. Despite being in a climate by the sea, The Breakers breathes sophistication and welcomes refined guests, not only from Florida, but from all over the US. It is always worth checking on the site which costume recommended for each restaurant.

Concern about the environment

Concerned about the environment, Palm Beach’s best hotel is oriented to sustainability with practices that think about the quality of life of future generations such as waste reduction, water conservation and energy efficiency. These practices gave The Breakers the title of partner Green Power, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Shopping at The Breakers

The best hotel in Palm Beach has 13 exclusive boutiques such as Guerlain and Polo Ralph Lauren, as well as Via Flagler by The Breakers, an outdoor shopping plaza. Besides the hotel’s own shop, which is more than a convenience store. It brings useful products that the guest may have forgotten, but also books and decorative objects.

Conclusion

All this opulence made this, which is the best hotel in Palm Beach, figured as one of the places of historical importance in the United States, being part of the list of the National Register of Historic Places. The great leisure and gastronomy options are aligned to a service of excellence in hospitality. It makes The Breakers one of the best hotels in the world and spending a few days there is a memorable experience. I guarantee you will love like me!

Thank you for your support: Multifato, Canton, A Brand and Nannacay.

Journalist Renata Araújo traveled assured by GTA Seguros and with the chip of O Meu Chip.

Text and photos by Renata Araújo