TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | CABANA MAGAZINE

Want to know where taste-making owner and CEO of The Colony Hotel, Sarah Wetenhall, sources antiques and vintage, shops for her tabletops, soaks up culture and enjoys cozy dinners when she's in Palm Beach? Sarah shares an insider’s guide, revealing her favorite restaurants, shops, parks, beaches, museums, and more. 

BY SARAH WETENHALL | CABANA TRAVEL | 24 JANUARY 2025

My Favorite Hotels

The Colony: Of course, I prefer The Colony; we offer unique, curated experiences for guests of all ages with best-in-class ultra boutique service. The Colony is a state of mind – a place to connect meaningfully and authentically with one of the world’s most storied destinations, both steps from the world famous Worth Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Breakers: The Breakers also does an excellent job. Their style of hospitality is truly unique. With over 500 rooms and a multitude of shops and restaurants, they offer an outstanding experience that is distinctive from anything else on Palm Beach Island.

My Favorite Museums & Galleries

The Norton Museum of Art: The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach is an absolute gem. Their collection is world-class and expansive, with constantly rotating exhibitions that are relevant and expertly-curated.

The Historical Society of Palm Beach County always has great exhibitions, and The Society of the Four Arts is THE hub of all culture on the island. Their speakers and lectures are unparalleled - anyone visiting should check out their roster and attend an event at the Four Arts for a true taste of Palm Beach life.

My Favorite Restaurants

Le Bilboquet:  For dinner, one of my favorites is Le Bilboquet, which is hidden off of Worth Avenue in a quiet courtyard. The decor and ambiance are super glamorous, and on weekend evenings it turns into quite the scene.

Renato's & Buccan: Two more unmissable Palm Beach staples are Renato’s and Buccan. Both are locally-owned family businesses; Renato’s offers delicious upscale Italian cuisine, while Buccan serves inventive American small-plates.

La Sirena: A wonderful off-island dining option. Chef owned and operated, it is delicious Italian - the best in the county.

Green’s Luncheonette: A fabulous retro diner with an old-school lunch counter that is situated within a pharmacy. It really feels like stepping back in time when you eat at Green's Luncheonette. Very ‘old Florida!’

My Favorite Antique & Vintage Stores 

When vintage furniture shopping, you can’t miss Palm Beach Regency, Devonshire of Palm Beach and Circa Who. All three are in West Palm Beach and a treasure trove of traditional vintage South Florida furniture and garden finds. Other excellent home and design stores are Mecox - they offer a curation of gorgeous home accessories and objects - the Danielle Rollins store, Meg Braff’s store and Well Made Home.

For antiques, I also love Casa Gusto and Authentic Provence. I enjoy walking both Antique Row in West Palm Beach and Georgia Avenue - both are a trove of exceptional decor finds. I also love browsing the Church Mouse, which is the thrift store run by the local Episcopal church. They have everything from apparel and accessories to home decor and will always surprise and delight!"

My Favorite Shops: 

AERIN: My favorite shopping spot in Palm Beach is AERIN, the jewel box boutique by Aerin Lauder. It has a carefully curated mix of items from dresses to jewelry to cocktail shakers, all perfectly representative of the Palm Beach life.

Tabletop & Gifting: On Palm Beach Island, Mary Mahoney and Leta Austin Foster for your tabletop and gifting needs - both have an exceptional assortment.

The Royal Poinciana Plaza: An historic outdoor plaza with an great range of shopping and dining, among which are favorites for ladies’ apparel.

Carolina Herrera and Maus & Hoffman, both on Worth Avenue. I recommend shopping along Worth Avenue - perhaps the world’s beautiful shopping street. Where else can you shop some of other most renowned designers (Chanel, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Bottega Veneta) while walking along the ocean? 

Then, my new favorite stores are Coniglio Palm Beach and Living with Ivey.

My Favorite Green Space: Pan’s Garden

Maintained by the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, Pan’s Garden is Florida’s first all-native botanical garden - another place you can’t possibly miss.

My Favorite Things to Do

Palm Beach Lake Trail: I love to cycle along Palm Beach's Lake Trail, the picturesque path that follows along the intracoastal waterway. It is a great way to peep at some of the gorgeous, historic homes on the island that aren’t visible from the street. (If you're in Palm Beach, I'd recommend renting a bike, or borrowing one from your hotel.)

Surf Lessons, Midtown Beach: Book a surf lesson with Mary Glazier and catch a wave at Palm Beach’s Midtown Beach. Mary is an expert with kids and adults alike-somehow, she magically gets her clients up and surfing waves like they were born to the sport!

Mandel Recreation Center: The playground at the Mandel Recreation Center is a social hub for all things kid-related, and for the adults, you can also play tennis on the Center's beautiful clay courts.