Palm Beach Getaway

History meets luxury at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

When you’re taking in the sun during a long weekend at your favorite luxury hotel, seldom is there a shortage of amenities, umbrella drinks and ocean views. What’s a bit more uncommon among many five-star beach resorts, is a real history. 

Over the years, many have found their ideal getaway on Palm Beach’s bright and vibrant coast, particularly on a 7-acre beach property which was once home to one of the most exciting private social clubs in Florida. The club, aptly named La Coquille for its proximity to the sea, was frequented by families such as the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers. During its years of operation—from the mid-1950s until the late-1970s to be exact—La Coquille was known for hosting performances by iconic entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and Dean Martin. By the 1980s, the Simon family—Mel Simon, founder of Simon Malls—owned the Vanderbilt home and wanted to build a Ritz Carlton resort on the La Coquille Club property.

After the property’s tenure as Ritz Carlton Palm Beach for 22 years (until 2013), it was purchased in 2002 by a UK-based family who still owns and operates it today. Since then, the resort underwent renovation and brought esteemed designer, Jonathan Adler, on the team to design the interior. Adler wanted to reflect the epochal Palm Beach style that combines glamour, fantasy, and luxury by using a nautical color palette. Today, the five-star resort is known as Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.

During VUE’s recent visit, we were greeted with warm smiles, a glass of complimentary champagne, an aromatherapy towel and the most breathtaking ocean view. There were even complimentary dog treats, as our four-legged friends were also welcomed to enjoy the resort. In addition to its storied past, Eau Palm Beach offers all the amenities and activities guests want to enjoy during their stay—this includes the 3,000 square-foot oceanfront terrace with a fire pit, state-of-the-art fitness center, three Har-tru clay tennis courts, aquatic sports, and of course, their Forbes Travel Guide five-star rated Eau Spa with luxurious cabanas and exotic pampering treatments. 

When it comes to relaxation, it’s not uncommon for guests to spend an entire day at Eau Spa, which is nothing short of a 42,000-square-foot indulgent wonderland. The spa features a wishing well, self-centered garden with dipping pools, hanging chairs, massage bench, a scrub and polish bar, bath lounge, saunas, and steam and jacuzzi rooms.  

The spa itself has received several noteworthy awards in the past four years, including the Forbes Five-Star award in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The resort also received the Forbes Five-Star award in 2016 and 2017, and the AAA Five Diamond Award which highlights its customer service, comfort, cleanliness and safety. Fewer than 100 resorts in the United States have received a AAA Five Diamond Award.

Beyond its accolades and Santorini-like atmosphere, Eau Palm Beach is the perfect venue to channel your inner athlete and take to an array of watersports, bike riding, and surf lessons.  The resort also caters to guests with both family-oriented activities as well as adult-only areas.

Dining options are extensive and Eau Palm Beach serves sensuous offerings ranging from mainstream to modern. There are four dining options: Angle, Temple Orange Mediterranean Bistro, Breeze Ocean Kitchen, and Stir Bar & Terrace (with a special Kids Rockstar Package meal program for ages 5-12). The resort also hosts a sushi night where guests can indulge in the ocean’s freshest seafood. The chefs work closely with local fishermen, produce purveyors, and craft breweries to create some of the best meals in the region. 

However, the quality of Eau Palm Beach simply cannot be measured solely by its luxuries, but also, its character. Not just in its updated design or charming staff, but in the personality it has developed since the property’s inception so many years ago.