A Design Lover's Guide to Palm Beach, Inspired by ‘Palm Royale’
Anyone else binged Palm Royale on Apple TV recently, starring the hilarious Kristen Wiig? Me too! Palm Beach is an architectural paradise within paradise that must be experienced rather than seen, so I’ve been searching up a storm to find the best spaces and places to visit when I travel there (zero plans currently but dreams are free!). I’ve gathered up a selection of places that I’d visit on my ultimate Palm Beach weekend, as I’ll undoubtedly be a golf widow the second my husband realises he’s surrounded by some of the top courses in the world. Girls trip, anyone?
IMAGE: Unsplash
What Makes Palm Beach Famous for Design
Palm Beach hosts a distinctive design legacy defined by Addison Mizner, Maurice Fatio, John Volk, and other prominent architects. The first creators of the city's visual identity introduced Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial styles, which are still represented in stucco walls, red tile roofs, and ornate ironwork.
IMAGES: House Beautiful
The same flair still dominates the luxurious mansions and public buildings, maintaining old-world charm in a kingdom of tropical elegance. But the city's contemporary design map also denotes Art Deco influences, flamboyant colour schemes, exotic materials, and - expectedly - tropical patterns. Such a background reflects pretty accurately the affluent, cosmopolitan lifestyle of its residents, plating a visual feast for all design aficionados. But if you are here because of the Apple TV series, you probably have one important question to ask.
Are Palm Royale Locations Real?
IMAGES: Unsplash
Apart from a few, mostly aerial Palm Beach shots, vibrant 1960s "Palm Royale" scenes come alive within the confines of studio sets in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, as a fan of the series, you can still find the right vibe in the modern-day, real-life version of the city. Here are the must-visit spots where you can walk in the footsteps of the locals.
Friday Night: Arrival in Style
Head straight to The Breakers, a legendary hotel famous for its Italian Renaissance architecture as much as for its upscale hospitality. A walk through its palatial lobby, adorned with frescoes and gilded detailing, will feel as though you've stumbled right onto a set from Palm Royale. We’re talking intricate hand-painted ceilings, mosaic floors, and detailed Corinthian columns, like you’re entering a portal into an extravagant bygone era.
Images: courtesy of The Breakers Hotel
If this is not your vibe—just a stone's throw away is The Colony Hotel, where whimsical modern design complements British Colonial architecture with an eclectic mix of tropical prints and bamboo furniture. This pink gem will dazzle you with playful bright colours, wild patterns, and the vibrant, party-loving spirit of the Florida lifestyle. There is one problem, though. Too many gorgeously designed hotels to explore, too little time. But even though you can't stay in all places at once, nothing can stop you from visiting them, even if it's only for a short coffee break.
The Colony Hotel lobby, source: Trip Advisor
Saturday Morning Xtravaganza
Continuing your luxurious journey through Palm Beach's illustrious design destinations, your next stop could be the Brazilian Court Hotel. This historic building exudes an intimate, boutique feel that marries the city’s ubiquitous Spanish Colonial architecture with the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. As you wander through its lushly landscaped courtyards looking for a perfect brunch spot (namely, Cafe Boulud), you'll find that it's a backdrop fit for the subtle intrigues of Palm Royale. And the inside is not far either. The rooms and suites continue the same narrative with mahogany furnishings and hand-wrought iron details.
Just a short drive away, you'll find the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa, another lovely spot for a branch. The resort, designed by Jonathan Adler, represents a modern twist on the classic Palm Beach style. Artfully combined traditional decor elements with a properly measured dash of (the 50s) nostalgia involve whimsy patterns, rich textures, and bright colors. The result is a sensory-rich experience reminiscent of the extravagant lifestyle depicted in the Apple TV series.
IMAGES: CONDE NASTE TRAVELLER
The Afternoon Stroll
IMAGES: The Worth Avenue
No visit to Palm Beach would be complete without a stroll down Worth Avenue. Known as one of America's most beautiful shopping streets, it brims with Mediterranean-inspired architecture hosting luxury boutiques. Hidden vias and courtyards reveal charming architectural details enveloped in lush gardens. The Avenue's fusion of upscale retail and heritage design elements—like pecky cypress ceilings and hand-stenciled tiles—renders it a genuine visual delight.
When you feel like changing the scene, look for the Gilded Age at The Flagler Museum: the palatial residence of railroad tycoon Henry Morrison Flagler, also known (very appropriately) as The Whitehall. The villa’s music room and lavish ballroom are a memorable showcase of exquisite craftsmanship, with Louis XV-style furniture and ornate, gold leaf detailing on the ceilings. No wonder there: Flagler's merits shine in the architectural landmarks along the Florida East Coast Railway from Daytona to Key West.
Four Seasons
Saturday Night Dining Spots with Design Flair
3800 Ocean, source: Trip Advisor
Renatos, image courtesy of Open Table
Wrap up your day with a visit to one of Palm Beach's design-centric dining spots. The 3800 Ocean’s new interior is a refreshing break from history with its contemporary yet timeless setup, while Renato's features an intimate setting with classic Italian charm. Each venue will offer you a charming, memorable dining experience with exceptional visual aesthetics. Also worth a visit are Bice, Buccan, Surfside Diner and Pizza Alfresco.
Palm Royale-Style Sunday to Remember
Your final day in Palm Beach calls for Antique Row, a charming district known for its eclectic collection of antique shops. Each store is a vignette of a different era, where you can find vintage delights and rare collectibles. It's a place to get lost in time, rummaging through pieces that tell stories of their own, much like the complicated characters of the Palm Royale series.
Source: White Elephant (top) and its Lola 41 Restaurant
If your visit coincides with the Kips Bay Decorator Show House (which is typically in February), don't miss the prospect. It's Palm Beach's annual highlight for the design community, extending over a whole month. During this event, local and national designers showcase their skills, transforming one luxury home into an exhibition of ideas.
Finally, your design tour would not be complete without a visit to White Elephant Palm Beach. This recently opened boutique hotel features light, airy interiors decorated with a refined nautical theme. Custom art pieces curated from local galleries adorn the walls, while the hotel's garden provides a serene backdrop for a lazy farewell (see-ya-soon) lunch. On second thoughts I’m changing the title of this article to a month in Palm Beach!