The Breakers Palm Beach: Glitz and Glamour for Girlfriends
The Breakers Palm Beach is an idyllic setting for girlfriends to celebrate the bonds of friendship.
When your car or taxi driver arrives at the porte-cochere, you will know you have arrived. The exterior structure of the building with soaring towers and gracious arches was built to impress more than a century ago—and still does.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the most iconic (and beautiful) grand dame hotels in the country. Industrialist and railroad tycoon Henry Morrison Flagler originally created the property in 1896, patterning it after Italian Renaissance-style villas from the 1400s.
Spread over 140 sprawling acres with unparalleled access to the Atlantic Ocean, The Breakers Palm Beach is truly the idyllic setting for women who want to get together—a place where they’ll be able to feel totally relaxed and pampered.
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Step inside
Once inside The Breakers Palm Beach, any misplaced fears anyone might harbor about classic hotels being stodgy or musty will quickly dissipate. The opulent interior has been as lovingly maintained as the sprawling green lawns outside.
The resort’s latest refresh is the standout carpet that graces the lobby. Conceived by celebrated hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany (in collaboration with Peacock + Lewis Architects), it is covered with colorful bouquets of vibrant lilies, amaranths, irises, and other florals native to South Florida that almost appear as if they are in bloom.
A statement piece in the resort’s already impressive lobby, its design was inspired by the vivid paintings of French Symbolist Odilon Redon.
Creating the hand-tufted, one-piece carpet was a feat in itself: Produced by Sacco Carpet of New York City, the carpet measures 161-feet in length, 25-feet in width, and weighs 1,500 pounds. It took 35 skilled weavers, incorporating 70 hues of the finest New Zealand yarns, to create this virtual garden.
Also new: are the collection of seafoam green, blue, and tan upholstered sofas, lounge chairs, and tables that have taken residence in the same space. While contemporary in design, the dark burl woods, and brass detailing of the furniture pay homage to The Breakers’ storied past.
Every week, the resort’s in-house Design Studio creates a magnificent floral display in the entrance lobby that welcomes guests. Those stunning flower arrangements have served as the backdrop for countless photos taken by visitors from around the world who choose the destination resort for vacations, meetings, reunions, and special celebrations.
The Perfect Girlfriend Getaway at The Breakers Palm Beach
Aside from its elegance and beauty, here are five reasons that make this property a unique destination to celebrate the bonds of friendship among sisters and girlfriends, or between mothers and daughters.
1) Sun, Sand, and Aquamarine Waters
The Breakers’ private beach on the Atlantic Ocean stretches more than a half-mile.
For women who don’t like the feel of sand between their toes, the Beach Club offers five swimming pools, a variety of water sports, and a good likelihood of sunny weather and ocean breezes, with average temperatures ranging between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
What girlfriend doesn’t enjoy feeling spoiled rotten? Rent one of the 25 beach bungalows (available for daytime use only) so your group can sunbathe on a private patio while being served by a dedicated butler.
If you tire of the sun, the equally inviting interior of the bungalow includes a furnished lounge area with a bathroom, shower (some of them outdoors), and other amenities such as a stocked refrigerator, flat-panel TV, and Wi-Fi.
2) Elegant Rooms with a View
The 540 guest rooms offer a wide variety of choices in terms of size, location, and rates.
Depending on the number of persons in your group and how you want to split up, you can choose Deluxe rooms (limited to two persons), larger Premium rooms, or opt to stay in one of the resort’s 68 magnificent suites, all with ocean, golf course or garden views.
The rooms are tastefully furnished with elegant furniture, sumptuous bedding, and beautiful drapery fabrics in pastel hues that complement the seaside resort’s location.
The exclusive Flagler Club on the top sixth and seventh floors of the resort offers a boutique “hotel within a hotel” experience. Available throughout the day, the changing Lounge menu offers continental breakfast, afternoon tea service, before-dinner hors-d’oeuvres, and decadent desserts and beverages.
Trained concierges not only respond to but anticipate your needs.
3) Gourmet Dining Fit for Foodies
With a choice of nine restaurants (in addition to 24-hour room service) and five bars, you and your friends will never get bored, whether you opt for light meals or elegant dinners—-or choose to eat off the property in nearby restaurants. On the grounds of the resort, you can dine indoors or al fresco, and choose from contemporary American, steakhouse, seafood, Italian, and Asian-fusion fare.
A favorite with girlfriends, both guests and locals, HMF (named after Henry Morrison Flagler) is a sophisticated but lively venue on the main floor at which you can dine, drink, people-watch, and be watched. (Even if you aren’t staying at the property, we highly recommend this dining venue).
With the ceilings and chandeliers restored to their original splendor, the room (which was three years in the making) is decorated with custom mahogany furniture bathed in shades of plums and greens. A throwback to the cocktail culture of the 40s and 50s, the attentive wait staff is attired in little black dresses with ponytails.
The eclectic plates, from sushi to salumi, are meant for sharing and the Italian silver forks are long enough to help you easily reach over to your friend’s dish. You can order a Margherita pizza baked in a wood oven, garganelli in a cream sauce topped with chunks of succulent lobster and breadcrumbs, or scores of other equally tempting plates.
The drinks are as inventive as the food and range from vintage to contemporary: The Redhead is a mix of vodka, blood orange liqueur, and cranberry juice topped with lime foam.
The Chanel #6 is a mix of vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice.
Brunch at The Circle is another decadent dining option. An array of tasty dishes (including caviar, lobster, king crab, shrimp, and sushi) are paired with excellent service in elegant surroundings.
4) Plenty to Do
When girlfriends meet, they don’t always want to do the same things; they often opt for time together and time apart.
The Breakers offers something for everyone: two 18-hole championship golf courses, ten tennis courts, yoga instruction, two fully-equipped fitness centers, a jogging trail, bicycle rentals, and scuba diving lessons.
The 20,000 square-foot spa with 17 treatment rooms has indoor and outdoor space—-and offers an extensive menu of treatments including Guerlain facials. Girlfriends will also enjoy getting manicures or new coifs at the lovely salons.
In case you forget your toothpaste or need to pick up a last-minute thank you gift for someone who picked up the slack at home while you are gone, there are ten on-site boutiques.
5) Location, location, location
Palm Beach is a terrific location, no matter what a girlfriend’s interests. The Breakers is located within walking distance of the legendary Worth Avenue with its designer shops and local boutiques interspersed between tropical courtyards and gardens designed by Addison Mizner.
Also nearby in West Palm Beach is the Italian- inspired CityPlace, with restaurants, shops, and live music and entertainment. The destination offers an exhaustive list of things to do, from sports to eco-adventures to performing arts and more. The resort is only seven miles from Palm Beach International Airport and is also accessible from airports in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Yes, girlfriends can find far less pricey places to renew the bonds of friendship, but a stay at The Breakers is likely to create unforgettable memories and forge new traditions.
History of The Breakers Palm Beach
If you haven’t heard the term “quasquicentennial” before, it’s because not too many institutions have the staying power to hang on for 125 years. Among the American icons that have celebrated that milestone: The New York Public Library, the University of Chicago, and Coca-Cola.
The Breakers Palm Beach joined the shortlist in 2021 when it marked its 125th anniversary. The oceanfront property also holds the distinction of being one of the longest continuously operating businesses in the state of Florida.
An oddity in this world of cookie-cutter, luxury hotel chains, The Breakers remains privately owned by the third generation of the same family since 1896. Rather than keeping things the same, the owners have retained the hotel’s sense of history and character while continually improving and updating the property to accommodate changing trends and tastes to the tune of some $25 million each year.
The Kenan family (direct heirs of founder, industrialist, and railway tycoon Henry Morrison Flagler) have been steadfast in their support of the enterprise. Each year, they’ve continued to make significant capital investments to enhance and revitalize the property.
Architects Schultze and Weaver (who also built the Pierre, the Sherry-Netherland, and Park Avenue’s Waldorf Astoria, all in New York City) rebuilt the property in 1926 after a fire, creating the impressive 200-foot-long lobby with vaulted ceilings and hand-painted elements. The lobby design is reminiscent of that of the Great Hall at the Palazzo Carrega (now the Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi) in Genoa, Italy.
This iconic, five-diamond, luxury resort has weathered more than its share of challenges and misfortunes over its lifespan including the COVID pandemic of 2020. The Breakers was forced to rebuild, twice, after scorching fires; persevered through catastrophic hurricanes; and endured significant economic downturns, including the Great Depression.
During World War II, the property was converted from a hotel to a U.S. Army Hospital, complete with a maternity ward where more than a dozen “Breaker Babies” were born between 1942 and 1944.
No matter the length of your stay, girlfriends will find it hard to leave this contemporary property that is so rich in history. It can make one of the best 40th birthday trips (or 50th, 60th or 70th!)
We suggest that you create your own history at The Breakers Palm Beach and promise to return same time, next year!
IF YOU GO
- Additional information and room rates for The Breakers Palm Beach
- Discover The Palm Beaches Florida
Where is the closest airport to The Breakers Palm Beach?
The Breakers is conveniently located at One South County Road, about 15 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport.
What are the rates at The Breakers Palm Beach?
The Breakers offers fully refundable room rates on Hotels.com.
Does The Breakers have a dress code?
Casual elegance! Away from the beach and pools, coverups are required for swimwear. Tank tops, torn jeans, or cutoffs are not permitted.
What health and safety precautions are in place at The Breakers Palm Beach?
To protect the guests and staff of the property as well as the larger community, The Breakers has developed a stringent Health & Safety Protocol. Check the website for full details.
What can girlfriends do in Palm Beach off-premises?
- Viator offers a private, Design-Your-Own Tour of Palm Beach with a guide, great for small groups.
- Girlfriends can catch the breeze on a Palm Beach Island Tour with a guide pointing out local history as well as the homes of the rich and famous.
- Palm Beach, Florida has an exciting culinary scene that can be especially busy in-season. You can search some of the restaurant options and make reservations online at TripAdvisor.
Ready to go? Here are 5 Easy Steps for Planning a Girlfriend Getaway
N.B. This previously published post has been substantially expanded and updated.
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Thanks Irene. Will put The Breakers at the top of my destination list.
I remember having lunch in that dining room, what a lunch. THen walking afterwards around this place was such a treat! Thanks for linking up today.
Beautiful place 🙂
I am ready to go and enjoy this wonderful old place.
Elegant and impressive. Even the name – The Breakers – suggests pedigree. Like you better know which fork to use with your fish.
Yes an elegant property but the ambiance is relaxed and casual—not intimidating at all.
It may be a girlfriend getaway post but I enjoyed reading it! That hotel looks and sounds amazing. Great ocean photo btw, Irene 🙂
Perfect for just abut any getaway: romantic weekends, mancations, babymoons, weddings, and family reunions:-)