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Glitz and glamour is the name of the game in this part of the Sunshine State. Our writer discovers eclectic art collections, extravagant hotels, plus experiences for lovers of sports, food and the finer things in life
Spanning contemporary, American, Chinese and European art, the works in the Norton Museum of Art are by a jaw-droppingly wide range of renowned artists. Picasso, Pollock, Rothko, Cezanne, Monet, Degas, O’Keefe, Modigliani, Moore – they’re all here. Plus, curators organise a temporary photography exhibition up to four times a year. In 2019, the museum completed an extensive renovation project and currently houses more than 7,000 works of art.
Book it: The museum is open seven days a week, with entry costing $18 for adults (or $15 for over-60s) and free for children aged 12 and under. norton.org
Clients can ogle the opulent life of the businessman considered Florida tourism’s founding father, Henry Flagler, at the eponymous museum and his historic home, Whitehall. The mansion was once hailed “more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world” and it’s where Flagler made many of his plans to line Florida’s east coast with railways and luxury hotels. Highlights include walking through Flagler’s original private railcar and enjoying afternoon tea in the splendid setting of Cafe des Beaux-Arts.
Book it: Admission is $26 for over-13s, $13 for those aged 6-12 and children under six go free. The museum is closed on Mondays and some public holidays. flaglermuseum.us
Founded by Henry Flagler in 1896 and inspired by Italian villas of the Renaissance, this 538-room beachfront hotel with history, elegance and excellent service is nothing short of iconic. Suitable for clients with larger budgets visiting the Palm Beaches, its USPs include a sea-view seafood bar that doubles up as an aquarium, “press for service” buttons in public areas, and an exclusive area for Club Members and hotel guests only.
Book it: Rooms from $690 per night. thebreakers.com
Industrial interiors and urban artwork breed an edgy atmosphere in this Canopy property that contrasts beautifully with the ritzy culture of West Palm Beach. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, the Banter Restaurant serves up locally sourced fare and the 13th floor is where guests can find hand-crafted cocktails in the Treehouse Lounge & Bar, plus a gorgeous rooftop pool.
Book it: Rooms from $343 per night. hilton.com/en/canopy
While this hotel is connected to the Palm Beach County Convention Center and ideal for business travellers, it’s also a trendy hangout for locals. Its appeal is made up of a palm tree-lined, T-shaped pool and three adjacent restaurants – Manor, La Playa and Galley – plus lawn games, fitness classes and live music. Although a destination in its own right, Hilton West Palm Beach is also just across the boulevard from shopping and dining complex The Square.
Book it: Rooms from $240 per night. hilton.com
Having recently undergone a $100 million makeover, this gigantic golf resort is fresh-faced and primed to entertain. It has six PGA golf courses, 19 tennis courts, two pickleball courts, a croquet lawn and an incredibly chic spa. pgaresort.com
Send clients keen to give their credit cards a bashing to this pretty, social space filled with big-brand shops. They’ll find the likes of Cartier, Hermes and Jimmy Choo lining the cloisters, and cafes to source light refreshments. theroyalpoincianaplaza.com
The Warehouse District is a community of retailers and restaurants providing the perfect place to grab a bite. Clients can order a craft beer at the Steam Horse Brewing Co taproom, tuck into European and Asia-inspired dishes at Aussie-owned eatery Isla & Co or choose from the likes of ramen, Cajun boils, burritos and more at Grandview Public Market. thedistrictwpb.com
The new Brightline train connecting West Palm Beach with Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami makes a day trip to any of these destinations possible. A new line connecting West Palm Beach and Orlando is due to welcome passengers for the first time later this year, with future plans including an extension from Orlando to Tampa Bay.
Book it: A ticket from West Palm Beach to Miami costs from $20. gobrightline.com
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