JOEL I CASTANEDA
The Breakers
Edito
r’s
ERIC LAIGNEL
Palm Beach’s iconic landmark hotel is steeped in history and tradition, but thanks to constant reinvestment by the owners—descendants of The Breakers’ founder, Henry Morrison Flagler—it always feels fresh and relevant. In the past few seasons, the hotel has rolled out reinventions of its spa and fitness center, Flagler Steakhouse, the ultraexclusive Flagler Club, and, most recently, Seafood Bar. And the changes keep coming. That’s probably why a staycation at The Breakers feels more like an extravagance than a mere hotel visit. Its grand spaces, with their Renaissance architecture and frescoed ceilings, evoke a sense of place: This is the real Palm Beach, a sanctuary for unapologetic luxury and service the way it should be. Yet there’s always something to discover and an energy that’s addictive—whether traveling solo, with a special someone, or with children. Here are three experiences no staycationer should miss:
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ROBERT J. NELSON
This is your oasis away from the sun—and the crowds. Like a cabana on steroids, a bungalow at The Breakers measures upward of 400 square feet and is appointed with beach house–style furniture, private loungers, a semi-outdoor shower, a stocked fridge, and—the best perk of all—concierge service to cater to your whims. Don’t pass up the skinny pineapple margarita, served in a hollowed-out pineapple.
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with children? The Breakers will keep them busy with all the activities they love, and then some. From the moment they walk in and are handed a “passport” to record their discoveries, they’ll find oodles of fun things to do: riding the waves in a Jet Ski–towed Banana Boat, blowing off steam in the interactive playground, taking a junior golf lesson, going on a nature scavenger hunt, and playing games in a huge arcade. (561655-6611, thebreakers.com) —D.N.
Seafood Bar: The Breakers’
classic restaurant has been reimagined in a big way. Inspired by a ship’s interior, the new space is more open and boasts an exhibition kitchen. Its beloved features, like the aquarium bar and sprawling ocean view, have been preserved, as have some of the most popular menu items, such as the crab cakes and seriously addictive Key lime pie. From the new batch of offerings, the tuna tartare tostada is a thing of beauty.
Cool kids’ stuff: Traveling
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Bungalows by the pool:
PALMBEACHILLUSTRATED.COM | NOVEMBER 2017
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