by Beth Landman
Now that the Hamptons summer and spectacular fall are solidly in our rearview mirror and the beach out East is a bit bleak, it’s time to think about extending hours of sunshine and heading south. We are, after all, being told that activities are safest outdoors, so why not head to a spot where we can still romp around in shorts, bike through greenery and dine alfresco? Palm Beach County is having a moment—new hotels and restaurants are opening, and favorite spots offering exciting new options.
DREAM SLEEPS
Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa — It’s quite a metamorphosis for this location, which is one of the most convenient in the county, across from the ocean, at the corner of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. The location, which housed a Marriott for decades, has now been reborn as home of the stylish and upscale Opal Grand. A new American restaurant called Drift has both indoor and rooftop seating, and the Monkey Bar will enliven the lobby. Apart from the regular rooms and suites with access to an awe-inspiring pool, one- to three-bedroom private villas will have a pool of their own. The Opal Spa will feature an infrared sauna and salt room, along with a full range of therapies and treatments. opalgrand.com
White Elephant — A large sculpture of a pachyderm is just the first piece of art guests encounter at this new sister of the Nantucket hotel that opened on the island in November. Built on the bones of the Bradley Park Hotel, which was constructed in the 1920s, its wood floors, woven rugs and total of only 32 rooms and suites give it the feeling of a private estate. The hotel’s global bistro and sushi bar Lola 41, from restaurateur Marco Coelho, is hopping. whiteelephantpalmbeach.com
CHIC EATS
La Goulue — Jean Denoyer has recreated New York’s beloved buzzy bistro down to its front signage, leather banquettes and wood paneling. You can still enjoy its famous cheese soufflé; chances are you might even see some of its regular NYC patrons. lagouluerestaurantpb.com
Henry’s Palm Beach — A second off-property restaurant from the iconic The Breakers Palm Beach opened this summer, just down the street from the Royal Poinciana eclectic shopping mecca. Americana dishes like butter crumb Dover sole with creamy rice grits and corned beef baguette with Thousand Island dressing are the lure, but for those who prefer a lighter option, fish entrees can be grilled or bronzed. thebreakers.com
Lionfish — Selected by the James Beard Foundation as a “Smart Catch Leader,” Lionfish, which originated in San Diego, opened in Delray Beach featuring a menu focusing on sustainable seafood along with ingredients from regional purveyors and grass-fed beef for carnivores. Not only has the meticulously designed room, an elegant study in coastal-tranquil chic, elevated dining in town, it’s made a mark on the environmental front by minimizing the amount of lionfish, which are known to destroy Florida’s coral reef. Take-home cutlery is made from avocado pits, rather than paper or plastic. lionfishdelray.com
Farmer’s Table North Palm Beach — Apart from a new outdoor cocktail lounge at the packed flagship in Boca Raton, this health-focused dining sanctuary has unveiled an outpost at the North Palm Beach Country Club, which is open to the public. Dine poolside on such dishes as cucumber avocado tartare with ginger lime dressing; roasted eggplant zucchini lasagna with cashew ricotta; maple pepper-glazed baby back ribs; and mushroom and artichoke paella. dinefarmerstable.com
Core Life — This chain, on a mission to turn fast food wholesome, has opened its first two locations in Florida—one in Royal Palm Beach, the other in Boca. Hearty bowls include Sriracha ginger tofu and ancient grains, and even the bone broth is sourced from organic farms. Power plates are also available for kids. corelifeeatery.com
Elisabetta’s Ristorante — The majority of seats will be outdoors at this offshoot of the Delray Beach gathering place that has now opened in West Palm Beach overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The alfresco area will have an outside bar and live DJ on weekends. In addition to favorites like a 14-ounce center-cut veal chop and whole grilled fish, the chef has introduced vegetarian specials such as mushroom Bolognese featuring trumpets from local farms, and whole roasted cauliflower from the wood-burning oven. elisabettas.com
BEAUTY BUZZ
Paul Labrecque — “A scalp is like soil; when fertilized well, it will produce something that is lush and thick,” says Labrecque, who has brought trichologist Bridgette Hill into his salon at the Royal Poinciana Plaza on Palm Beach Island. Apart from hair services, the chic spot offers a range of treatments from ice facials to magnesium massages. paullabrecque.com