Sampling the Splendor of The Palm Beaches

Nestled along Florida’s sun-kissed shores and long acclaimed for its understated elegance, The Palm Beaches stand as a beacon of refinement and distinction in the realm of luxury yachting. With its pristine shoreline, exceptional dining venues, and a vibrant cultural scene, this coastal gem has beckoned discerning travelers from around the globe for more than a century. However, what sets this destination apart from other yachting hubs in the United States is its seamless integration of maritime splendor with onshore sophistication.

At the heart of the Palm Beaches’ allure lies their unique offering: direct access from the recently renovated Palm Beach Marina to the waterfront park. This seamless transition from sea to land grants yachters unparalleled convenience and access to the area’s myriad treasures. For those fortunate enough to access an in-demand berth, it’s easy to just step off your yacht and strolling leisurely through lush greenery, the salty breeze mingling with the fragrance of tropical blooms.

We visited, as we do each year, to enjoy the celebration of maritime excellence that is the Palm Beach International Boat Show, drawing tens of thousands of sailing enthusiasts from around the globe. Against the backdrop of swaying palms, this nautical extravaganza showcases the latest innovations in boating, from sporting vessels of all sizes to sleek superyachts with cutting-edge technology, along with a bevy of toys, accessories, apparel, and services to outfit and maintain one’s maritime lifestyle. Although the 2024 Show was uncharacteristically overshadowed by cloudy skies, there were over 700 vessels and suppliers on display, making this one of the best boat shows of the season, second to Monaco in terms of sales.

Just within a stone’s throw from the marina, the destination unfolds like a tapestry of indulgence, with an exceptional fine dining scene, the architectural and retail allure of Worth Avenue, and world-class golf courses beckoning to be sampled. The most luxurious shops along historic Worth Avenue are only three blocks away. Those seeking retail therapy will easily find what they need, from haute couture fashion to rare jewels and bespoke accessories, along with plenty of cafes for when exuberant shopping requires refreshment, this scene caters to the most discerning tastes, ensuring every desire is effortlessly fulfilled.

The allure of The Palm Beaches’ many world-class golf courses cannot be overstated. Right at the end of the marina is a golf course, making its location supremely convenient for superyacht owners. This is the Golfing Capital of Florida, after all, and both seasoned pros and casual enthusiasts can tee off on courses designed by some of the greatest architects in the game. There are 72 private courses found in Palm Beach County and over 360 holes of championship golf available for play at non-private courses.

The PGA National Resort, which became our base for a few days, is home to 99 holes of championship golf on its six courses, including the famed Champion course which hosts the PGA TOUR’s Cognizant Classic.

The Resort is also home to one of the state’s top golf schools, the Leadbetter Golf Academy. In addition, a state-of-the-art Sports & Racquet Club featuring 19 tennis courts and a 40,000-square-foot spa. The resort recently completed a $100 million refurbishment, with opulent appointments to guestrooms and suites as well as public space interiors and exteriors, bringing another welcome luxury resort product for visitors to consider.

But distinguished dining is another attraction for the destination. Café Boulud, just steps from Worth Avenue in the historic Brazilian Court Hotel, opened in 2003 and has since become one of the area’s most coveted tables, earning four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide and a “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator. This serene epicurean sanctuary is where gastronomy and artistry meld. To fully experience Chef Boulud’s expertise, we requested a tasting menu that included several fine courses plus dessert and welcomed each course with expertly paired wines. The dining area flows out onto the terrace courtyard around its centerpiece garden fountain. Surrounded by lush greenery and canopied by palm trees, Chef Boulud’s culinary ingenuity enhanced by creative touches is highlighted by minimalistic table settings.

We were in for a treat, of course. The French-inspired menu included products from both terre and mer. For starters we enjoyed Oysters and Caviar which went nicely with a flute of champagne; a Foie Gras Terrine delicately enhanced by huckleberry, cara cara oranges, and candied onions; and a Yellowfin Tuna Tartare accented by fresh mango and cilantro which was exceptional. The latter was paired with a 2022 Domaine des Buissonnes “Cuvee Pierre A Feu” Sancerre with a light, bright acidity that blended so well with this flavorful course. For entrées, we struggled to decide but went with Pan Seared Scallops accompanied by saffron sweet potato purée and zucchini sauce vierge and the utterly delicious Roasted Duck Breast, which was highlighted by duck sausage, turnip, rhubarb, spiced duck jus. Accompanied by a complex 2014 Chateau Kirwan Margaux, this made the entrées a showstopper, although dessert was still on its way. An amazing end to the evening was Café Boulud’s signature Tatin à la Poire with was rich and warm, elevated by vanilla ice cream. Espresso followed along with some sweets and an 2013 Disznókő Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos which enhanced the creaminess of the tart for an exceptional finale to the meal.

As an added testament the destination’s status as a culinary port of call, we were honored to be selected as one of the judges for the superyacht chef competition organized by the International Yacht Company (IYC) during the Boat Show. Amidst a backdrop of luxury yachts and sparkling waters, we had the delight of evaluating multiple culinary offerings presented by several charter yacht chefs, each vying to tantalize the taste buds of esteemed guests.

The Palm Beaches are where maritime splendor converges seamlessly with onshore opulence, offering a quintessential yachting experience that is unrivaled in the United States. So, set a course sail for this coastal paradise and embark on a voyage of unparalleled indulgence.