Experience Next-Level Luxury, Glamour and World-Class Service at The Breakers (3/4)

In the late 1890s, industry tycoons and elegant socialites began flocking to the pristine shores of a new destination in Florida – a barrier island called Palm Beach. Henry M. Flagler, one of America’s great industrialists, was one of the first to build grand, gorgeous properties on the island. His first was The Royal Poinciana, a six-story Georgian beauty. A couple of years later, Flagler debuted his premier oceanfront hotel, which delighted guests with its proximity to the water and unique location, right at “the breakers,” where the waves crashed and sprayed.

The picture of luxury from its glamorous start, The Breakers has only grown more opulent over time.
Damaged by fires in 1903 and 1925, the hotel emerged better and more lavish. And year by year, the resort’s reputation grew, beckoning the glitterati to vacation in Palm Beach year-round. At any given time, the guest register read like a “who’s who” of early 20th-century America: Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan, vacationing alongside US presidents and European nobility.

Over 100 years later, the story of the Breakers continues. Still a celebrity favorite, this Forbes Five-Star resort boasts a rich history rivaled only by its passion for reinvention. The result is a modern and dynamic beachfront destination that welcomes you with its iconic palm-lined drive and a twin-spired Renaissance Revival style architectural masterpiece. Once inside, you will be swept away by a dramatic 200-foot, loggia flanked, vaulted main lobby. Fashioned after a castle in Genoa, this 538-room, grand Italianate hotel and its 140 beachfront acres feel surprisingly warm and welcoming – part of The Breakers magic. Holding fast to the ideals that put it on the map so many years ago, a stay at The Breakers has become synonymous with unapologetic luxury, seaside glamor and world-class service.

Accommodations 

Offering a variety of room options, including guest rooms and suites, each boasts modern decor with sophisticated bronze detailing and bold accent colors that are as bright and inviting as the resort’s sunny location. Capturing the allure of Palm Beach, these gorgeous spaces are trimmed from top to bottom in custom décor and thoughtful extras, including sumptuous linens, beautiful wall coverings, luxurious rugs, marble-trimmed showers and especially spacious closets. And outside your window, striking views of the Atlantic’s waves gently cascading onto the private beaches below or glimpses of the resort’s sprawling, manicured grounds tempt you to go explore, but with accommodations like this, nobody would blame you if you didn’t.

For more intimate and customized accommodations, The Flagler Club takes your stay to another level of luxe. Re-opening later this year after undergoing a complete transformation by Tihany Design, this exquisite boutique hotel of 21 rooms and suites is nestled within The Breaker’s on two restricted floors and delivers the property’s most luxurious offering. From a private lounge and rooftop terrace to chauffeured Tesla house car service and airport transportation to a full-service dedicated team to attend to every and any need, at The Flagler Club nothing is off limits and it all belongs to you.

Where to Eat 

From alfresco ease to after-dark glamor, each of The Breaker’s acclaimed restaurants and bars beckon with an ambiance all their own. With eight restaurants on the property, there is something for everyone. From casual beachfront to stylishly sophisticated, be sure to try these delicious options during your stay. You will not be disappointed and your stomach will thank you.

• HMF – Delivering a one-of-a-kind dining experience, this chic social club gives a modern nod to the classic Palm Beach cocktail culture of the 50s and 60s. Named after founder Henry Morrison Flagler, HMF is steeped in modern glamor. It features an eclectic, globally influenced menu, an acclaimed wine list of more than 2,000 unique selections and an array of inventive cocktails. Grab a seat and people-watch as you listen to the transformative sounds of Kirill Basov, the renowned music and entertainment director known for his dreamy, distinctive mash-ups of old and new.

• Flagler Steakhouse – Located on the second floor of The Breakers Golf and Tennis Clubhouse, this fresh take on the classic American chophouse serves a diverse menu of outstanding steaks, fish, classic broiler items and more. Inside, dramatic beamed ceilings, wood furnishings and a prep-luxe palette of red, white and blue evoke steakhouse tradition, while sleek, oversized chandeliers and graphic art give it a contemporary feel. Grab a table on the restaurant’s climate-controlled outdoor terrace and dine al fresco with panoramic views of the city and Ocean Course, Florida’s oldest golf course.

• Seafood Bar – Creating the sense of dining aboard a luxury, private yacht, this oceanfront restaurant is a favorite among guests and Palm Beach residents. With bespoke nautical details, beautiful aquariums and a front-row seat to the ocean views no matter where you sit, this cozy-yet-sophisticated spot puts you impossibly close to the water. Featuring a glamorous exhibition kitchen and a menu that boasts the freshest seafood, inspiring cocktails and Master Sommelier-selected wines, it is nothing short of spectacular.

• The Circle – An architectural gem with arched windows that offer glimpses of the Atlantic and a soaring 30-foot, hand-painted ceiling, The Circle welcomes guests daily for breakfast and a lavish Sunday Brunch. Each morning, an elaborate, artfully-crafted buffet and à la carte menu are served. From fresh-squeezed juice and tropical fruits to eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles, this Palm Beach tradition is not to be missed.

• The Italian Restaurant – This casual yet contemporary restaurant is adjacent to the Family Entertainment Center, making it a favorite for guests of all ages. Classic comfort dishes and lighter menu selections highlight the flavors of Italy, including authentic antipasti, salads, pasta, brick-oven pizzas, seafood and other classics. ­Outdoor patio seating is available.

• Beach Club Restaurant – Light, bright and brimming with coastal sophistication, The Beach Club is the perfect choice for a relaxed breakfast, leisurely lunch or a quick bite between pool time and the tennis courts. Gather in the airy, beach-chic dining room, or opt for a table on the patio to take in views of the pools and oceanfront. It is also a wonderful spot to order a glass of rosé at the bar and watch the afternoon sky turn to dusk.

• Ocean House – Located at the south end of The Beach Club with a gorgeous pool and ocean views, this restaurant welcomes guests with laid-back luxury, mixing the charm of a Floridian cottage with the inherent cool of a modern beach house. Venture onto the welcoming, wrap-around porch and explore the inspired daytime menu – colorful salads, baguette sandwiches, sliders topped with fresh crab and lobster and the house specialty, key lime pie. While you’re at it, try a beachy cocktail served in a freshly cracked coconut.

• Surf Break – Moments from the shore, this open-air oasis envelops guests with tranquil breezes and ocean views. Guests can relax with a refreshing cocktail or grab a light bite without missing a beat.

What to Do

Whether you want to take a swim, play a game of golf or enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa, The Breakers has an activity fit just for you. Check out some of these favorites.

• The Beach Club – Available for hotel guests and club members, the resort’s private Beach Club treats visitors to magnificent vistas of the ocean, as well as four pools and six whirlpool spas – including an adult-only pool and zero-entry pool. And if you want to take things up a notch, The Breakers has 25 poolside bungalows available for daytime rental. These premium poolside cabanas are the perfect oasis for couples, families and friends. Each vibrant, island-chic retreat has a private, full bathroom with a shower, an individual climate control system, a dedicated concierge and much more. If watersports are more your speed, splash the day away with a variety of activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, boogie boarding and more.

• Family Entertainment Center – Enjoy activities, entertainment and games for guests of all ages at The Breakers’ 6,100-square-foot, multi-faceted entertainment complex. The arcade has more than 20 classic and contemporary games, from Skee-Ball, Super Shot Basketball and air hockey to a video game lounge with Xbox® and PlayStation® 4. There are also family programs designed for guests of all ages and varying interests, from poolside spin art and campfire films to bike rentals, trivia and more. There is even a 4,500± square foot playground, a nine-hole mini golf course and an outdoor basketball court for individual or group play.

• Golf – Two 18-hole golf courses deliver variety and playability for all levels. Discover acre upon acre of lush greens at one of Florida’s oldest golf courses, Ocean Course. Most recently redesigned by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, Ocean Course offers contemporary playability, inspiring players of all levels. Another option is located 10 miles from the resort. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Breakers West residential community, The Breakers Rees Jones® Course allows for flexible play with varying degrees of risk, reflecting the signature style for which this eminent architect is known. If you need some help with your game, give the John Webster Golf Academy a try. These nationally recognized golf professionals provide instruction in private lessons and golf school formats, ideal for players of all skill levels. Children’s clinics and custom club fittings are also available.

• Fitness – Ocean Fitness is a spectacular 6,000± square foot indoor-outdoor fitness center located above the resort’s Beach Club complex. It offers an array of resources to help individuals reach their personal fitness goals in an inspiring ocean-view setting. A network of customized fitness solutions includes state-of-the-art equipment, expert personal training and complimentary fitness classes. If getting in some exercise outside, a half mile away, guests may bike, jog or take a leisurely stroll along the Intracoastal Waterway on Palm Beach’s Lake Trail.

• Spa – The indoor-outdoor spa welcomes guests with a contemporary, Italian-inspired design and a fresh, soothing atmosphere that engages all the senses. Amenities include 17 treatment rooms, a private courtyard, lounges for men, women and co-ed use, and a salon area for hair and nail services. A carefully curated menu of treatments, delivered by expertly trained professionals, features the finest, handcrafted skin and body care products.

• Tennis – The Breakers serves up ten beautifully-groomed, Har-Tru courts and has a comprehensive Pro Shop with the latest fashions and equipment, as well as clinics and private lessons with USPTA/USPTR-certified professional instructors.

• Shopping – There is nothing like a little retail therapy while on vacation, and The Breakers has you covered. From designer swimwear, shoes and apparel to skincare, cosmetics and fragrances, The Shops at The Breakers is sure to have just what you are looking for and a few things you didn’t know you needed. 

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