The Ultimate Guide To Palm Beach

Welcome to Palm Beach – an oasis of leisure and luxury on the white sands of Florida’s sparkling East Coast.

The American East Coast’s rich and famous have long flocked to the serene, sun-kissed shores of Palm Beach. The peaceful atmosphere, year-round sunny weather, distinctive design style (think scalloped edges, lush foliage and a vibrant colour palette) and excellent hotels and dining are just a few reasons to follow in their footsteps.

Where to stay in Palm Beach

As the storied resort destination that it is, the hotels are the beating heart of Palm Beach. “Snowbirds" (aka Northern East Coast dwellers from places like New York City and Boston who fly south for warmer weather in the winter) are known to spend months at some of these iconic hotels.

The Breakers

Henry Morrison Flagler founded The Breakers in 1896 – the first oceanfront resort in the area at the time – with hopes of turning Palm Beach into America’s edition of the French Riviera.

There’s no doubt that Palm Beach indeed became a locale synonymous with leisure and luxury, just as Flagler had envisioned, and that The Breakers was an important first step towards this destiny.

Henry's Palm Beach at The Breakers — Dine at Henry’s Palm Beach at The Breakers.

As you first approach the grand, Italian-Renaissance-style hotel along the long driveway and step into the palatial foyer, the sense of history is palpable. The tall, vaulted ceilings draw the eye up to intricate, hand-painted details on the ceiling. The hotel’s extensive 56 hectares includes 10 (ten!) restaurants, first-class shopping, four pools and a golf course.

the Palm Courtyard at The Breakers, Palm Beach — Wind down in the Palm Courtyard.

The Colony

The Colony Hotel embraces playful maximalist design in a way that is quintessential Palm Beach.

The playful, sunny effect begins from the exterior, the building awash in soft millennial pink. The hand-painted, custom de Gourney wallpaper in the lobby is loaded with nods to the Palm Beach way of life.

the living room interior of The Colony, Palm Beach — Marvel at the hand-painted, custom de Gourney wallpaper. (Image: Carmel Brantley)

An excellently crafted partnership is around every corner at The Colony Hotel, from the guest room’s Society Social furniture (all of which is available for purchase) to the Dyson hair care tools in the bathroom. The charm carries you all the way out the door to Swifty’s, the hotel’s poolside restaurant and another certified Palm Beach it-spot that you can’t miss.

the Swifty's at The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach — Dine at the poolside Swifty’s. (Image: Carmel Brantey)

The Brazilian Court Hotel

Palm Beach’s boutique hotel spotlight is often focused on trendier spots like The Colony or the White Elephant Hotel, but The Brazilian Court Hotel deserves more recognition.

Elegant and timeless, stepping into the palm-fringed courtyards of this hotel truly feels like stepping out of time. There is a distinct unbothered European atmosphere to the hotel and a solid contingent of returning guests come back annually for it.

a hand holding a glass of cocktail at the lobby of The Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach — Sip classic cocktails in the luxurious lobby.

Plus, an excursion in an Italian Solaris Power Yacht with up to eight fellow guests (but often less) is a complimentary amenity, which truly puts other hotels’ boasts of fast wi-fi and thin slippers to shame.

empty chairs at Lily's Pool Bar, The Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach — Pull up a chair at Lily’s Pool Bar.

Where to eat in Palm Beach

Cafe Boulud

The dining and hospitality scenes are closely intertwined in Palm Beach, so it’s no surprise that the best food I tasted in town was at Cafe Boulud tucked away in The Brazilian Court Hotel.

Sitting in the sunny courtyard, every dish that hit the table dazzled the senses. The salmon crudo was tossed with a bright lemony sauce and studded with poppy seeds. The shrimp and mango salad was tossed with chilis and bursting with flavour. The dessert was delicate and thoughtful, pairing flavours masterfully, and served up with a complimentary side of fresh, mini madeleines.

Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at Cafe Boulud.

But if I only had to pick one dish to try, I would have to go with the Britany Dover sole, which was presented unadorned on the plate, then bathed tableside with a stunning herby, buttery sauce. All paired with a crisp cool glass of Sancerre, this dining experience is pure heaven.

a table-top view of a Dover Sole dish at Cafe Boulud, Palm Beach — Don’t pass up the chance to try the Dover sole at Cafe Boulud. (Image: Bronwyn Knight)

El Segundo Tacos and Tequila

The perfect lowkey taco joint for post-beach dinner and a cold drink. Despite being sandy and sunburned, the friendly staff makes you feel welcome immediately upon setting foot in their cheerful patio, decked with string lights and colourful floating umbrellas.

The house margarita is very good, and it’s only five dollars ($7.60). The menu serves up creative flavours that go beyond the typical wheelhouse of a casual taco joint. Don’t miss the pimiento cheese elote dip and the brisket burnt ends taco.

Buccan

Buccan is definitely a buzzy, scene spot, but not at the expense of a warm and welcoming staff. With James Beard Award nominee Chef Clay Conley at the lead, seasonal fare rotates in and off the menu, while some classic dishes stay consistent. A reservation is highly recommended in advance.

What to do in Palm Beach

Hit the beach

Let’s start with the obvious. You came here to enjoy that turquoise water and fine white sand. I recommend the beach access at Clarke Avenue to enjoy a well-kept public beach just south of The Breakers.

Worth Avenue Clock Tower on Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida — It’d be a crime not to enjoy the beach in Palm Beach. (Image: Crystal Bolin Photography via Getty Images)

Norton Museum of Art

The sun-dappled, sculpture-studded courtyards of the Norton Museum of Art are a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The museum’s works are showcased indoors and outdoors – an impressive collection spanning from oil paintings by Claude Monet to sculpture by Pablo Picasso.

The Restaurant at the Norton is a lovely place to enjoy a sweet honey lavender tea and salmon crudo and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

the interior of Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach — Step into the newly transformed Norton Museum of Art. (Image: CJ Walker)

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Shopping

Palm Beach is known for its excellent shopping. Worth Avenue is something of the beating heart of Palm Springs, and the perfect place to begin shopping expeditions.

the Palm Beach, Florida, USA at Worth Ave. — Worth Avenue is the beating heart of Palm Springs. (Image: Sean Pavone via Getty Images)

Don’t miss Lycette Designs, a cheery shop for all things needlepoints. For characterful antique shopping, start at Circa Who and explore the nearby antique shops.

the shop interior of Lycette Designs, Palm Beach — Head to Lycette Designs for all things needlepoints. (Image: Capehart Photography)

As you walk around, keep an eye out for dazzling orchids nestled among the branches of live oaks and coconut – a typical Palm Beach hallmark.

Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida — Wander Worth Avenue. (Image: Sean Pavone via Getty Images)

Kayak at John D MacArthur Beach State Park

This beautiful state park will take you several steps away from the bougie resort vibe in Palm Beach and immerse you in Florida’s natural beauty – a glimpse into a time before coastal development. Renting a kayak is the perfect way to explore.

kayaking at John D MacArthur Beach State Park, Palm Beach — Go kayaking at John D MacArthur Beach State Park.

How to get to Palm Beach

Option 1: Fly into Palm Beach International Airport, which connects to many of the major cities on the East Coast such as Chicago or New York City.

an aerial view of Palm Beach, Florida — Fly into Palm Beach. (Image: Crystal Bolin Photography via Getty Images)

Option 2: Fly into Miami and train the rest of the way. I recommend the Brightline train, which has an airport shuttle that can transport you to the station. The stations are impressively clean and convenient, and the ride from Miami to Palm Beach breezes by in a quick hour and 15 minutes.

towering palm trees at Palm Beach, Florida — Drive along the towering palm trees. (Image: Tessa Edmiston)

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.