What’s new in Palm Beach County? We hear the opening of The Vineta Hotel, just off Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue, has been moved from the end of 2023 to the second half of 2024. This is the former Chesterfield hotel and marks The Oetker Collection’s first opening in the United States. Oetker got the management contract after the hotel was sold by the Tollman family to London-based Reuben Brothers for $42 million last year.
With the full renovation, the hotel will revert to its former name, the Vineta, which is what it was called for the first 50 years of its existence.
If you recall some of the cozier rooms at The Chesterfield, you’ll be pleased to learn that the room count is going from 53 to 41 to make way for more space.
Also good to know: The lovely Leopard Lounge, whose live music had long made it a real hotspot for celebrities and locals, is being fully redone with the intention of becoming a new draw for loyal Palm Beach fans. Watch for a new “American Bar” and a Mediterranean-style poolside restaurant when the Vineta finally reopens.
Another “old Palm Beach” grande dame, The Colony, has reopened following a full three-month guestroom and suite re-redesign. What we love: All the fabrics are by Schumacher, a classic touch, and furniture is by Society Social. Palm Beach chic is still the vibe here and the colors are soft pinks, greens, and ocean blues; they’re inspired by the hotel’s signature de Gournay wallpaper. The hotel has been steadily updating; when The Colony closed for seven months during the pandemic, it redesigned its villas, al fresco dining areas and lobby.
Palm Beach-based Kemble Interiors, which redesigned the lobby, will lead the redesign of the guestrooms.
Also historic, but on a much larger scale, The Breakers gets an annual investment of about $25 million from its owners (heirs of Breakers founder Henry M. Flagler) to keep the landmark, oceanfront hotel shiny and bright. The Breakers Rees Jones Course reopened on December 21, 2022, after an extensive renovation by Rees Jones himself. Located at the Breakers West Country Club, this championship course has been remodeled to offer “improved playability for golfers of all skill levels.”
Why do wine-lovers return to The Breakers year after year? It might have something to do with Wine Master Sommelier Virginia Philip’s annual trek to southern France for a very special mission. She goes again in April, when she will create proprietary custom blends exclusive to The Breakers. A tradition since 2004, this yearly program was born from Philip’s passion to elevate the caliber of the hotel’s house wines. In 2014, Philip launched the current partnership with Mas La Chevalière in France’s Languedoc region where she blends Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon for The Breakers. A total of 36,000 custom crush bottles are produced annually and all four wines are available at the property’s 10 restaurants, through in-room dining or at any of The Breakers’ banquet events. Bottles can also be purchased onsite at the News & Gourmet retail boutique. “Our plan is to further enhance four outstanding selections and raise the bar on ourselves,” said Philip. Delivery of the 2023 custom blends are expected by the end of the year.
Even if you don’t stay at The Breakers, it’s worth a visit to view its stunning architecture and enjoy its old-world Florida charm. Plus, in November 2022, The Shops completed a refresh and expanded its merchant offerings. Absolutely Suitable doubled in size and added to its swim, resortwear and accessory collections from a long list of European and American designers. Notable brands include: women’s swimwear by SHAN, Karla Colletto and Eres; resortwear by Melissa Odabash and Taj; men’s swimwear from Peter Millar, Orlebar Brown and Vilebrequin; and sunglasses by Oliver Peoples, Tom Ford, Gucci and more. The shop has also introduced a wider assortment of children’s beachwear and coverups.
On the milestone of a 25-year partnership that began in 1997, The Breakers and beauty brand Guerlain celebrated the reopening of their redesigned boutique, which now showcases the Maison’s exclusive Haute Parfumerie. Luxury Tip: Its latest offering, L’Art & La Matière — a collection of 21 Eaux de Parfum — presents a unique customization opportunity; clients select their fragrance and then personalize their bottle with a choice of cap plate, colorful cord and seal.
Polo Ralph Lauren Kids is new to the shops and is kid-friendly, of course. Anchoring the space are focal points such as a lighthouse, an interactive sailing ship and hand-painted murals — a nod to the hotel’s seaside location. The store is all done up with a blue and white nautical design, which makes it all oh, so Ralph Lauren.
In nearby Boca, The Boca Raton resort has created a collection of nearly two dozen pool cabanas designed in partnership with luxury swimwear label Vilebrequin. The theming here is quite creative: Cabana guests can sip on signature cocktails while lounging beside three oceanfront pools along a half-mile stretch of private beach. Each cabana has a ceiling fan, flat-screen TV, minifridge, beach games, and private restroom with shower.
Butlers are on hand to deliver signature cocktails, which include The Tropical 75 (Bombay Gin and passion fruit topped with Champagne) and The Riviera Tonic (Grey Goose Vodka, Chambord, pineapple, and tonic). Vilebrequin amenities are available, such as tote bags, pouches, and towels. Note: Another series of cabanas will debut this spring.
What we love: There’s a new Vilebrequin retail boutique in The Boca Raton Beach Club. The brand, which hails from St. Tropez, is known for its swimwear, ready-to-wear, and accessories for men, women, and children, as well as limited-edition men’s swim trunks, embroidered with a Hypnotic Turtles design. The store also has products from the brand’s collaborations, including the newest one with JRP|Editions featuring prints from artists such as Kenny Scharf, John M. Armleder, and Sylvie Fleury.
There’s more on the horizon for Palm Beach County, where another vintage hotel will get new life. The Gulfstream in Lake Worth Beach will reopen in 2024 now that it’s gotten the green light for a $104 million renovation. The 98-year-old hotel has been closed for nearly 20 years.
Lastly, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa has just opened Bōken, an omakase and sushi bar, which concludes the property’s multi-million-dollar renovation.
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