Palm Beach, Florida

When my boyfriend asked if I wanted to join him on a business trip to Palm Beach, Florida, I jumped at the chance. I have heard about this beautiful area of South Florida and with him busy at a convention, it was the perfect opportunity for me to tour a few hotels and do some sightseeing. I am so glad that I went and would gladly go back anytime. The town of Palm Beach is an incorporated town in Palm Beach, County, Florida. The Intracoastal Waterway separates it from the neighboring cities of West Palm Beach and Lake Worth. Palm Beach was established as a resort town by Henry Flagler, a founder of Standard Oil, who made the Atlantic coast barrier island accessible via his Florida East Coast Railway. His presence is still felt there as he has streets and restaurants named after him. Palm Beach, like other areas of extreme southern Florida has a tropical climate, defined as having no month with temperatures below 64.4 degrees. Palm Beach is the easternmost town in Florida, located on a 16 mile long barrier island. The town is a top-notch resort town with upscale shopping and restaurants and 5-star resorts and hotels. There are many people who live there year round or reside there during the cold months. The street facing the ocean is lined with high rise condominiums. As you approach Worth Avenue, the mansions are spectacular. I rode my bike from The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach and stopped many times to take pictures of these magnificent estates. Some are situated on the Atlantic Ocean side and others are on the Intracoastal side. There are a select few who have access to both sides, via a tunnel under the main street. This allows residents to get to the beach from their homes without having to cross the street. When I say luxury, I really mean it. My favorite resort of all the ones I visited was The Four Seasons, Palm Beach. Actually, more times than not, Four Seasons gets my top vote. Located about 8 miles south of the glamorous Worth Avenue on six tropically landscaped beachfront acres, Four Seasons Resort has a grandeur that is tasteful and subtle. One step through the tall glass doors into the hotel lobby, with its cool and creamy marble floors, massive columns and towering floral arrangements - and you will know you have arrived at your home away from home. One of the only resorts in Florida to hold both the Forbes Five Star and the AAA Five Diamond awards, the resort's service is well deserving of its reputation. Guest suites and rooms feature private balconies and recently renovated marble bathrooms and boast Atlantic or garden vistas. On the top floor, each of their 1,370 square foot Orchid and Hibiscus Suites present panoramic seascape views from Juliet balconies, and renovated marble master baths. Their new spa with elegant, Zen-inspired interiors is a sanctuary where guests find an extensive collection of treatments designed to deliver both immediate and lasting results. Unique therapies include the Worth Avenue Massage, perfect after a long day of shopping, and rejuvenating facial therapies created by celebrity favorite, Kate Somerville. A couple's treatment room, dedicated relaxation rooms and a wet area with steam and whirlpool complete the luxurious experience. Gentlemen will find privacy and custom treatments in a men's-only area, complete with a secluded salon. Further distinguishing the Four Seasons experience is its AAA signature dining venue, The Restaurant. Elegant yet approachable, The Restaurant serves Atlantic seafood dishes and seasonal dishes. At the bar and at the terrace, a menu of organic cocktails and small bites await you. The convention we attended was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach which is a beautiful resort with its shining star being their world-famous spa. Discover Eau Spa and experience touches of wet, wit and wonder. A glamorous retreat that allows you to engage in magical spa experiences with a variety of sensational beauty treatments and surprising touches throughout The Self-Centered Garden invites you to lose yourself within the open-air sanctuary. The most fun is relaxing on swing chairs while trailing your feet in a pool of shallow water. All suites at the resort face directly towards the ocean from every square foot, including the oversized soaking tubs - with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. This resort features private balconies for all guest rooms. During our stay, we had access to the Club Lounge. I highly recommend this upgrade to your room as it not only gives you access to all day complimentary meals, snacks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and desserts, it is a fun place to interact socially. We always looked forward to gathering there every evening before dinner to start our night out with a cocktail and appetizer. The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach has a fitness center filled with cardio equipment and resistance training equipment. It is clean, well maintained and kept cool. I did get my work in out a few times there, but I preferred getting outdoors for my exercise. One day I took a long walk along the Intracoastal. My favorite activity was renting a bicycle from the resort and riding along the shore, past the beautiful mansions on my way to Worth Avenue. After about a 10-mile ride, I arrived at my destination. My visit to Worth Avenue consisted of a casual lunch at a little café tucked away in a corridor of a little shopping area. I enjoyed a fresh, homemade sandwich on the cobblestone patio. Then it was off for a little shopping. Thank goodness the bicycle had a basket on it! I visited the designer stores as well as some quaint boutiques. I enjoyed every moment of it. Then it was back on the bike for my 10-mile journey back to the resort. After my return to the resort, I showered and changed my clothes. On our way down to their fancy signature restaurant on property, we decided to go for a more low key dinner. We crossed the street to a strip mall and found a little pizza place. We sat outside, had a glass of wine and some authentic New York style pizza. It might have been the best meal of the entire trip! If you are looking for a get-a-way in the states, you must consider Palm Beach. It's convenient and is accessed by two international airports. Neither one is that close nor are the restaurants and shopping, so it is really best to rent a car. The Four Seasons does offer complimentary shuttle service for their guests. Writing this article gets me in the mood to visit Palm Beach again. I hope I get the opportunity to visit again soon. If you are interested in visiting this resort town, I would be happy to put your vacation together.

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