From the TDN Weekend: A Long Weekend in Palm Beach

Eau Palm Beach Resort

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In search of sunnier climes, legions of travelers make the annual pilgrimage south, among them horse owners and racing industry professionals who head to southern Florida to partake in the racing action at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale. Like many racing participants, I spent several past winters stationed near Gulfstream, however, I have since been introduced to the vibrant scene available to visitors north of Broward and Dade counties. Located about 50 miles north of Hallandale, Palm Beach is very conveniently situated whether you are in town to compete in a weekend stakes at Gulfstream, or to take in morning works at Palm Meadows in Boynton Beach. And for those of you accustomed to staying near Gulfstream yet have grown weary of battling traffic on the way up to see your horses train daily at the Palm Meadows, why not opt to stay in nearby Palm Beach instead? Michelin-rated eateries and 5-Star hotels accompanied by an eclectic atmosphere have long been associated to Miami's South Beach, however, Palm Beach offers the opulence and luxury demanded by the jet set, and is equally capable of accommodating and entertaining 'Le haute monde'. Maybe you are also hoping to squeeze in some spa time? Or an extra day of shopping Chanel and Gucci is more your thing? You can do it all in Palm Beach and here are a few tips to get the most out of your long weekend.

Where to Stay …

When looking for accommodation of the highest order in Palm Beach, The Breakers has long been the flagship for 5-star hotels in the area. However, for those looking for a 5-star caliber option to The Breakers traditional splendor, the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa provides its own unique take on luxury. The Eau Palm beach, which covers seven acres of prime real-estate in Manalapan on Palm Beach island, boasts several very well-appointed neighbors, including the famous or, depending on who you ask, the infamous Donald Trump-owned Mar-a-Lago–which serves as the winter residence to the current President of the United States. The Eau Palm Beach–formerly the Ritz-Carlton–was given a sizable renovation two years ago, going from the Ritz's old-world decadence to a lighter, brighter and infinitely more modern sense of luxury and glamour befitting a beach side resort. To that end, the Eau Palm Beach has not only seen its fair share of the rich and famous walk through its lavish front doors, but also played host to the visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping last winter, a nod to its ability to cater to the most exacting of customers.

In addition to the beauty and splendor of the establishment, the resort offers a 42,000-square-foot world-class spa, lavish beach amenities and fine-dining catering to whatever craving needs satiating. The Eau Spa offers a plethora of packages addressing a multitude of needs; including massages, facials, a full-service salon, a fitness club, which I was surprised to learn boasted several classes per day. Group classes include boot camp, spin, Pilates and, if a more sedate approach is your thing, yoga on the beach is also available. And for those beach bunnies who are looking for a new challenge, private stand-up paddle board yoga is also offered. Whether you plan to stay one, two or several nights, the spa has assembled a handful of spa packages to satisfy every whim, so if you have the dime, they have the time.

Horses of a Different Color…

One of the premiere Thoroughbred training facilities in the country, Palm Meadows–located less than a half hour from the Eau Palm Beach–provides horse owners and industry professionals the opportunity to get a first-hand look at their equine investments in addition to getting some face time with their trainers. Owned by The Stronach Group–the same operation that runs Gulfstream–Palm Meadows covers 304 acres, features a 1 1/8-mile training track and serves as the winter home to approximately 2000 horses housed in 40 permanent barns. With training over by 10:30 a.m. Friday through Tuesday (no turf works Wednesday and Thursday), most will no doubt be seriously contemplating breakfast by the time they hit the front gate, and a stop at the tremendously popular New York-style Jewish deli Flakowitz of Boynton will help round out the perfect morning.

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