Beach Club Renewal

By Mary Thurman Yuhas

Arrayed in yellow hues nearly as bright as the overhead semitropical sun and with the azure blue Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, the Mar-a-Lago Beach Club is a favorite gathering spot for many club members. Infused with the sounds of children’s laughter, gentle ocean waves lapping onto the shore, and friends greeting one another, it is a happy place — as all of Mar-a-Lago has been since 1927, when it was constructed as the estate of cereal company heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post.

“I would compare it to private European beach clubs, but it is also very relaxed and comfortable,” says Gabor Veres, banquet and Beach Club director.

Never satisfied with anything short of an exceptional experience, staff members start the day early, laying out the cushions, opening the umbrellas, and refreshing the tables and chairs to be certain everything is exactly as it should be. That same top-drawer service continues until the pleasant staff wishes the last guest a good evening.

One comfort guests continually seek is shade. To ensure that wish is met, the pool deck is awash in a sea of relaxing canary yellow chaise lounges and traditional white Adirondack chairs, all topped with large sun umbrellas sheathed in Trump properties’ signature yellow and white stripes. For additional comfort, 2,000 square feet of additional pool decking was added to the north end of the sandstone pool deck this year. New speakers will further enhance the area’s relaxed vibe.

Attired in a fresh and youthful look of dark blue shorts and light blue polo shirts, the friendly and helpful local staff attends to all of their guests’ needs. On holidays and weekends, 200 to 300 people take advantage of the heated pool and beach as well as the large selection of meals and snacks and the assortment of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks served upon request.

“It’s a very casual and cheerful environment. On weekends and holidays, we walk 8 to 10 miles taking care of our club members,” Veres notes. Should club members wonder, the Beach staff is treated very well and enjoys perks themselves, such as the complimentary lunch and dinner they receive every day.

PHOTOS BY JERRY RABINOWITZ

Another new addition to the Beach Club is the private outdoor dining area behind the Bistro. It’s perfect for birthday parties and celebrations or for anyone wishing for some privacy, and members utilizing the area enjoy all Beach Club amenities with the added bonus of private, personal space.

After experiencing some water damage, the Bistro was given a huge facelift. Exuding a charming European ambiance, the fashionable, welcoming space belies the workhorse area it is. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the Beach Club is at its busiest, the unflappable staff makes it look easy as they provide each club member with warm, white-glove, personalized service. Outside, the recently completed fun, beachside Bistro seating area holds up to 40 people.

“We will have a great season,” Veres says. “All of the members have traveled to wherever they return to, and when they come back, they compare Mar-a-Lago and the Beach Club to where they traveled. They always say they missed it so much and how happy they are to be back.”

Some prefer to relax on the lush greens with a quieter atmosphere.