A Weekend in

PALM BEACH

Travel tips by Sarah Wetenhall
Images from The Colony, Palm Beach and Ashley Hicks
Image from oltrepò pavese

The Colony, Palm Beach.

Cabana Weekends: Bookmark our insider's guide for a memorable weekend in 'tropically opulent' Palm Beach
 
Sarah Wetenhall, owner of The Colony Palm Beach - the iconic pink hotel, with interiors designed by Kemble Interiors and inspired by Dorothy Draper & Co - shares her insider's guide to the fashionable South Florida destination. Read on to discover Sarah's tips, including where to source vintage finds, enjoy world-class art, wander botanical gardens and drink classic cocktails.

 

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Left: The Colony Palm Beach. Right: Palm Beach residence; Ashley Hicks, Cabana N18. 

Where to Stay

 

The Colony Palm Beach
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 Palm Beach's 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 on their property, they offer an outstanding experience that is distinctive from anything else on Palm Beach Island.
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The Colony Palm Beach

What to See & Do

 

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. It is certainly worth a visit.
 
Palm Beach Lake Trail
I would also recommend borrowing a bike from your hotel, or renting one, 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.
 
Pan's Garden
Pan’s Garden, which is maintained by the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, is Florida’s first all-native botanical garden and is another place you can’t possibly miss while in town.
 
Mandel Recreation Center
If you have young children, 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.
 
Surf Lessons, Midtown Beach
Finally, book a surf lesson with Mary Glazier, The 'Gurferlady', 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!
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The Old Church, Palm Beach; Ashley Hicks, Cabana N18. 

Where to Eat & Drink

 

Surfside Diner
Apart from Swifty’s and the Pink Paradise Cafe at The Colony Hotel (see 'Where to Stay'), there is no shortage of delicious fare on Palm Beach island! I love Surfside Diner for a casual family lunch; it is a traditional American diner, but elevated.
 
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.
 
Carriage House
The new members-only club, Carriage House, is the most beautiful secret spot for drinks; the decor is tropical opulent, and the cocktails are divine.
 
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.
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Palm Beach home featuring wicker chairs and chintz; Ashley Hicks, Cabana N18. 

Where to Shop

 

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.

 

Vintage & Antiques
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. Another great option is Mecox, also in West Palm Beach; they offer a curation of gorgeous home accessories and objects.
 
Tabletop & Gifting
On Palm Beach Island, there is Mary Mahoney and Leta Austin Foster for your tabletop and gifting needs - both have an exceptional assortment.
 
Saks Fifth Avenue
I also love Saks Fifth Avenue; it's the only place to find many of the designers I love in one spot, and their shoe selection is to die for.
 
The Royal Poinciana Plaza
Other favorites for ladies’ apparel are Kirna Zabete and Oscar de la Renta, both of which are at The Royal Poinciana Plaza.
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Palm Beach home featuring wicker chairs and chintz; Ashley Hicks, Cabana N18. 

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