Talk about old world charm. Driving onto the sprawling grounds of The Breakers Palm Beach, guests might think they’ve stepped into an Italian Renaissance estate, as the iconic Florida resort is modeled after the great Italian villas of the 15th century, namely the Villa Medici in Rome.
Set on 350 acres and boasting a private beach on the Atlantic Ocean, The Breakers, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is full of luxury, with four pools, ten restaurants, a spa and fitness center, ten tennis courts and two golf courses. Its ornate interiors match the splendor of its exterior, with the lobby’s design said to be influenced by the Great Hall of the Palazzo Carrega in Genoa, Italy, built in 1560.
The Breakers was built in 1896 by industrialist Henry Flager, founder of Standard Oil, and is still owned by his descendants today. Located about 70 miles north of Miami, the resort attracts affluent guests from around the world. It was like that from the start. Frequent early 20th-century guests included the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts, the Astors, Andrew Carnegie, and JP Morgan, as well as European personalities, according to the hotel’s written history.
A beach location lures with private bungalows
As with most visitors to the Sunshine State, guests come to The Breakers not just for the luxe amenities, but also for the beachfront experiences. You’ll find plenty at this historic hotel, including a large main pool, an adults-only pool (for guests 21 and over) based on an infinity pool design, a family pool, and 25 private bungalows that can be rented for an additional fee Fee. The bungalow area also has its own pool.
The limited private bungalow space is described as an island chic retreat. The buildings range in size from 300 to 400 square feet and can each accommodate up to six people. The luxury treatment reaches a pinnacle for bungalow renters, who have a designated concierge to attend to their needs.
Bungalows feature a furnished lounge area and dining table, full bathroom, fridge stocked with soft drinks, food and beverage service, flat screen TV and WiFi. Guests wishing to rent a bungalow must call the hotel for rates and reservations.
The Breakers offers several categories of rooms and suites
The Breakers has five categories of guest rooms and eleven categories of suites, giving vacationers a wide choice of accommodations.
Sample guest rooms include the 400 square foot Premium Partial Oceanview with views of the ocean and resort grounds. In mid-fall, the price per night is $1,500. The slightly larger Atlantic Oceanfront costs $1,800 for 460 square meters and a Juliet balcony.
The top-of-the-line suite, dubbed the Imperial Suite Oceanfront, is a whopping 1,700 square feet with five balconies, a dining area, multiple bathrooms, ocean views, and personal concierge service. A fall booking is $5,500 per night.
Other suites include the less expensive Junior Suite Resort View. At 525 square feet, it offers an open floor plan with sweeping resort views and personal concierge service for $1,590 per night.
And there’s even more exclusive accommodation at The Breakers, in its luxury boutique hotel section, which occupies the top two floors of the property. It’s called the Flagler Club and has 25 rooms and suites in a restricted area. Guests in this portion of the property receive chauffeur-driven Tesla car service and airport transfers, a private lounge and rooftop terrace, specialty dining options such as sunset hors d’oeuvres, and access to all amenities throughout The Breakers. A 300-square-foot Flagler Club ocean view king bed is $1,980 per night.
Elegant dining and poolside treats await guests at The Breakers
Dining options at The Breakers offer a variety of cuisines and both indoor and outdoor settings that will please any guest. Described as a fresh take on American chophouse, Flagler Steakhouse has beamed ceilings, wood furniture, and elegant chandeliers. You can also dine on the outdoor patio, which offers views of the city and golf course.
The Seafood Bar features a show kitchen and serves fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. At Echo, guests can sample Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean specialties. Henry’s Palm Beach, named after the hotel’s founder, is an American-style bistro with comfort food on the menu, such as Dover Sole, chicken pot pie, burgers, and pasta dishes.
The Italian restaurant offers antipasti, salads, pasta, brick oven pizza, seafood and other Italian fare and has indoor and outdoor seating. The Circle is a breakfast spot with hot and cold buffets and made-to-order omelettes, among other things.
The Beach Club is open for breakfast and lunch, and two poolside venues, Ocean House and Surf Break, offer light fare.
