With wanderlust as an essential and reoccurring theme at the heart of Citizen Femme, my latest escape was to Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa – a must-see-and-be-seen dream destination.
Repeatedly lauded as one of the “10 Most Luxurious and Best Designed Spas of the world,” it seemed only fitting to explore this sun, sand and sea sanctuary.
Palm Beach may very well be known for its glitzy estates and Gilded-Age mansions, but when it comes to the surrounding haven, nothing is more glamorous and jaw-dropping than this seaside overindulgence. The Eau-so-prestigious property is located in Manalapan, beside ‘Billionaires Row’ and conveniently landmarked a few miles south of Worth Avenue; a high-end shopping and dining district featuring boutique-feel fashion houses like Hermès and Chanel.
Formerly known as La Coquille Club, this elegant coastal property was once a private playground for the rich and famous. Exclusive guests included members of some of the most posh and prominent families in the world, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Fords, the Vanderbilts, and the Whitneys. The La Coquille Clubroom may be different today than it was back in the 50s, but the heritage, history and sophistication that once made it so beloved still remains an integral part of the ritzy resort. Today, the seven-oceanfront acres of exclusive property are nothing short of world-class tradition.
The first impression of the palatial lobby is captivating. From Baroque-inspired decadent armchairs to an impressively large oyster shell sitting atop a Venetian marble-mantel fireplace, my senses immediately awaken by the smell of extravagant floral bouquets illuminated by romantic, grand crystal chandeliers. Reflecting through the antique mirrored glass, rose-gold vintage-style furnishings emulate the bright, golden pinks, creams and oranges of a Floridian sunset. The unique décor and eclectic interior design at Eau provide just the right combo of chic boldness with lavish modernity to feel indulged, yet right at home (as a royal). Enjoy afternoon high-tea, or pause here as I did to enjoy the bubbly flute of champagne received at check-in.
With an added burst of yellow and bright-blue accent pieces throughout, the cheerful and energising Palm-Beach sunshine is reinforced with carefully coordinated décor in every room to match the clear blue skies and turquoise oceanic views. Worldwide namesake and designer Jonathan Adler re-invigorated the property and combined the perfect amount of luxe with liveable, by incorporating his colourful talent and contemporary touch throughout the hotel corridors and 309 guest rooms.
Lanai terraces and guest balconies feature an inviting egg-shaped swing where I self-rejuvenated each morning, awakening to the warmth and serenity of the brilliant sunrise with a fresh cup of coffee in hand (from the fully-stocked in-room minibar and kitchenette, of course), admiring my A+ Atlantic view.
With 42,000 square feet of playful relaxation, there is something for everyone. Wellness-seekers can be found perfecting their Vinyasa poses poolside daily at dawn with experienced on-site yoga instructors. Foodies will savor Eau’s culinary offerings and award-winning wine list that is expertly curated by resort sommelier, Levin Glane. For a magnificent breakfast spread, feast your eyes (and belly) upon Temple Orange Mediterranean Bistro’s artistic buffet, combining top-notch Mediterranean and American cuisines. Temple Orange is open for breakfast 7am-12noon daily.
Eau Spa
Intimate, lavish and imaginative, the award-winning Eau Spa is an irresistible sublime retreat set amongst an imaginative wonderland you won’t want to miss! Switch off and surrender yourself to a heavenly spa experience featuring a secret co-ed garden with cabanas, garden villas and a candle lit wishing-well before entering into your own, opulent private boudoir.
As I enter my garden villa oasis, I immerse myself into a sensual journey and customise my spa experience by choosing from a selection of sounds, scents and colours that enhance my treatment: the “Garden of Eden Massage”. With an array of sensational and satisfying beauty treatments (paired with unlimited exotic teas, champagne, caviar, and guilt-free signature cupcakes), I find that in this Garden of Eden, I can have my cake and eat it too!
Linger on after your treatment and bathe beneath skies of blue, relax in the saunas and steam room, or drift away beside the cascading fountain above water in hanging pod chairs. Stop by the Mixologist’s Bar and custom-create your own scrub couture for the perfect potion to soothe your specific needs: for me, jetlag!
Features and Amenities
Eau Palm Beach offers high-end amenities and thoughtful touches designed to encourage the modern, female luxury traveller to embark on an effortless vacation experience. Among many other gratis goodies, guests will put their fun canvas totes to good use when exploring the many features the resort offers, including adults only cabanas, excellent fitness centre with yoga & pilates classes, clay tennis courts, aquatic and fishing programs, and child care for travelling families.
This tropical treat can’t be beat, after all you Eau it to yourself!
Want to explore more beautiful hotels? Our in-house expert Yasmin Fahr shares the details.
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