The Palm Beaches seamlessly blend the high-end labels of Worth Avenue and palatial estates of Billionaires Row with a wealth of laid-back beach charm. One secret to this balance has been keeping the destination’s grandiose offerings under wraps. After all, part of the fun of vacationing (or staycationing) in The Palm Beaches is peeking behind the curtain. But you can also peel that curtain back and discover some ultra-luxury experiences only available in this part of South Florida.

Adventures by Land and Sea

When you first arrive, get acquainted on land with an up-close-and-personal view of Palm Beach from Island Living Tours. Take a VIP driving tour of the island and marvel at the biggest, most glamorous homes you can imagine. The tour includes a walk through the historic vias on Worth Avenue, as well as a bag of Island Living Tour’s signature handmade Palm Beach Chocolates for all guests. Leslie from Island Tours is happy to customize your driving tour — perhaps with a dream antique automobile or even on the back of a motorcycle!

If you are staying around the Boca Raton area, you can indulge in an exclusive historic tour of The Boca Raton hotel and learn more about the incredible role of the property in Boca Raton since the 1920s. Organized by the Boca Raton Historical Society, the guided walking tour reveals the story of the hotel by sharing its past hoteliers, architecture, and connection to historic turning points. The tour is available the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, January to May.

Nothing says “made it” like chartering your own personal yacht. Plan your next family reunion, bachelorette party, anniversary, or just-because getaway aboard yacht Exhale through Lots of Yachts/Lots of Spots for the ultimate dream yacht-cation. Exhale is a 75-foot, modern, and sleek luxury yacht that will host up to 12 guests for an unforgettable experience on the water. The welcoming main salon features a highly sociable layout with a half-open galley/bar, a separate dining area, and a luxurious lounging arrangement perfect for entertaining at sea. She features four private staterooms allowing for a great overnight experience for all guests. Cruise the Intracoastal, or head to The Bahamas or the Florida Keys in this beauty — the options are endless! From Jupiter to Boca Raton, your charter can be customized to add your favorite experiences like sunset cruises, water sports, fine dining, shopping and swimming on sandbars. Alternatively, experience the distinctive yachting lifestyle packages of Luxury Day Charters. They offer several ultra-luxury experiences, including the Craft Cocktail Cruise, the Scotch & Cigar Yachting Experience, and the Champagne & Caviar Cruise.

To spend an evening on a yacht rather than a week at sea, enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Lady Atlantic by Delray Yacht Cruises. The two-hour evening cruise is offered on select weekends. Cruise from Veterans Park on East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach south to Boca Raton, where you’ll learn about the area’s history, pass by some of the most beautiful waterfront mansions and see a variety of marine life in its natural habitat.

Looking to get some exercise on the water along with an up-close view of the ultra-elite mega-mansions of Palm Beach? Take Visit Palm Beach’s Mangroves and Mansions tour. Paddle among the mangroves of the Lake Worth Lagoon on this two-hour paddling tour passing some of Palm Beach’s landmarks including the Society of the Four Arts gardens, the historic Everglades Club, The Breakers Palm Beach resort and the Flagler Museum. The mangrove islands you’ll see on this tour are nearly untouched by humans, allowing for some of the most beautiful bird-watching and marine life spotting in South Florida. Even manatees sometimes make seasonal appearances!

Watch a Polo Game

Called the Sport of Kings, polo is a prestigious equestrian sport that takes specialized skills. The Palm Beaches are no stranger to polo superstars — and if you want to spectate in style, reserve your spot at The Pavilion at the National Polo Center in Wellington on Sundays during polo season for Sunday Brunch at Florida’s finest polo venue. The Pavilion has become the destination for those looking for the ultimate polo social scene with a trendy atmosphere, fabulous food and drink, and sideline view of the match. Brunch begins at noon and the match starts at 1 p.m. every Sunday from January through April. 

Practice Great Golf

On our more than 160 sun-soaked golf courses, you’ll walk in the footsteps of legends and be treated like golf royalty yourself. Do you have what it takes to put your golf skills to the ultimate test? Considered one of the toughest tests on the PGA TOUR, home of The Bear Trap, is The Champion Golf Course at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. With 7,045 yards of peril, The Champion is a must-play on any avid golfer’s list. Looking for history and charm on the fairway? Look no further than Florida’s oldest golf course: The Ocean Course at The Breakers Palm Beach. Renovated by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones, its complex terrain tests players and challenges them to play the ball especially low and controlled. The reward? Manicured landscapes and occasional glimpse of the ocean!

Shop Like a VIP

You’re busy, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to suffer from your hectic schedule. Luxury shopping in The Palm Beaches is second to none. From Worth Avenue and Royal Poinciana Plaza on Palm Beach Island to The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens and Town Center at Boca Raton, shop esteemed brands like Hermes, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue, Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, and Ralph Lauren. Many of these stores offer concierge and VIP shopping services for clientele who need a personal shopper to help pamper someone special, stock their closet, or curate accessories and designer outfits.

Other VIP shopping experiences include personalization like hot stamping your leather Louis Vuitton handbag or embroidering a monogram on a cashmere, cable-knit Ralph Lauren throw blanket. Exclusive to the Worth Avenue Lilly Pulitzer store are options to create your own Lilly Pulitzer printed shift dress or to have one of their print designers hand paint a custom print on a signature Lilly Pulitzer clutch or handbag. When it comes to shopping for your home, reserve an appointment at Palm Beach’s iconic Serena and Lily store for coastal and classic furnishings, bedding, and decor. Serena and Lily offers free personalized design services allowing you to bring the timeless aesthetic of Palm Beach right into your own home.

Stay a While … in Luxury

Living an unforgettable stay is easy in one of The Palm Beaches’ luxury and upscale resorts and hotels. Sink into timeliness sophistication at The Breakers, a worldwide known hotel inspired by the Villa Medici in Rome with imposing, panoramic ocean views. Find yourself spellbound at The Brazilian Court Hotel, a sophisticated and exclusive GBAC STAR Accredited destination that brings luxury to your fingertips.  Allow the magic of the Atlantic Coast to captivate your imagination at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, where opulence is infused with every experience. Breathtaking seascapes abound and exclusive oceanfront cabanas beckon you with bottles of Dom Perignon, cold-pressed juices, and exclusive service catering to your every whim.

Cocktails & Exquisite Taste

One of Palm Beach’s most coveted dining destinations is Café Boulud. The award-winning upscale establishment is located within The Brazilian Court Hotel. It features a French-American menu created by Chef Daniel Boulud and Executive Chef Dieter Samijn, paralleling that of Café Boulud New York with a touch of South Florida flavor. With a spotlight on the incredible seafood and produce of the region, Café Boulud features classic French dishes modernized to suit the cosmopolitan palate of Palm Beach. For a scrumptious starter, impress your guests with either the caviar selection or charcuterie plate complete with a selection of pates and cured meats to share. Dress code tip: During the high season in the winter and early spring, jackets are preferred.

Another unique restaurant is Le Bilboquet, situated along the quaint Via Encantada off Worth Avenue. This elegant restaurant is filled with an array of exotic palms overflowing Colocasias and climbing jasmine. Le Bilboquet’s elevated menu incorporates French cuisine with local South Florida ingredients, fresh catches, and daily specials.

For posh celebrity sightings, nothing beats Buccan. Expect to rub elbows with the likes of Maria Sharapova, Michael Jordan, and Jon Bon Jovi while dining at this renowned Palm Beach restaurant. Dine on classical fare made with seasonal ingredients and made-to-order dishes that will leave you breathless.

Remember to Relax

Top off your trip by resting and relaxing “Eau” day long. Treat yourself to a day in paradise at the Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan. This Forbes Five Star spa offers 42,000 square feet of space catered to indulgence including 19 treatment rooms and the incredible Self-Centered Garden, complete with dipping pools, swinging lounge chairs and cabanas. Take the time to pause and reflect in the garden or bath lounge, soak in the sauna and steam shower, and unwind in the relaxation lounge, while guiltlessly devouring delicious cupcakes. Top it off by sipping on champagne and nibbling on cupcakes amid the lush water gardens. 

Get a deeper sense of harmony and well-being at Spa Palmera at The Boca Raton. This award-winning, 50,000-square-foot spa is inspired by the elegant grandeur of Spain’s Alhambra Palace and features 44 treatment rooms, grand arches, a lush courtyard with tranquil gardens, a private spa pool and more.