If you haven’t been to the Four Seasons Resort, Palm Beach recently, it’s time for another visit. Not just for its lush, oceanfront views or ultra-posh luxury service. You can go for that, but what will dazzle you is the resort’s redesign, the first major overhaul since it opened in 1989.
The new look is all about a chic beach house aesthetic, reminiscent, we say, of Cape Cod or some other fabulous New England beach destination. The palette is crisp, clean and relaxing, sporting—what management calls—“sea-glass” hues. The look is meant to be similar to what the resort’s affluent guests would opt for in their own homes and was crafted by Canadian designer Brian Gluckstein; he designed the resort’s new spa, which debuted in 2008. This amenity is another reason to go back; a marble stairway descends to the tranquil 11-room facility, where Spa Director Michael Perez oversees an extremely attentive staff. Hint: We hear that Patrick McElhenney is the most requested massage therapist. Traveling with children and starved for entertaining activities on a rainy day? They’re welcome at the spa. Those 12 and under can go for a Little Princess manicure or pedicure and teens can opt for a facial designed for their age group.
What else do we love about the resort? It’s easy to run up the stairs from the spa and, in seconds, be out at the luxe pool—another venue that is known for a pampering service. We suggest, however, that the top outdoor spot to reserve are the cabanas and chaise lounges that overlook the Atlantic.
For those A-listers who want the top suite in the house, your options are the two Oceanfront Two-bedroom Suites and the Magnolia Suite, which can only be booked by calling the hotel, not via the GDS.
We especially loved the one-bedroom Magnolia Suite, on the second floor. It has a roomy living/dining area, with floor-to-ceiling views of the pool and the Atlantic and a balcony ideal for watching the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee in hand. The bedroom is large and residential in style with its own balcony as well. The bathroom is lavish in size and has an excellent soaking tub. There’s also a guest bathroom off the living area.
Note: All Premier rooms (there are 13 in all) have direct ocean views. Be sure to reserve guest rooms with this moniker as they’re also 100 square feet larger than standard rooms.
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| The Pool Area has cabanas and chaise lounges that overlook the Atlantic. |
If you’re sending your top client, feel free to enlist the services of Tarrah Marks-Zedower; she can arrange for transfers from the airport, which is just 15 minutes away and can provide information for those landing via private jet. Other VIP contacts include Jan Jarrett; she’s the concierge who has been at the resort the longest. Reach her at [email protected], especially if your client is interested in dining about town at one of Palm Beach’s chic dining establishments. Recommended in the area is Cafe L’Europe, a continental restaurant whose main room is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner for two. Have a larger group? The wine room can accommodate a party of 40. Jarrett and her team can also set your client up in a private jet or a yacht trip with a chef on board. She can also snag a personal shopper to take your client along Worth Avenue. Good to know: The new general manager at The Four Seasons, Palm Beach is Colin Clark and travel advisors can contact him as well.
Traveling with the pets in tow? The resort does accept pets, but prefers they be fully house-trained and weigh no more than 15 pounds.
If you’re sending a client to Palm Beach, be aware that Polo season is January through April and tends to draw the affluent circuit; the Palm Beach, Jewelry, Art & Antique Show is in February and also pulls in high-end travelers. Book spring break and the festive season two months out.