Indagare Matchmaker: Palm Beach

A longtime favorite of glamorous East Coasters looking to escape the cold winters, Palm Beach has a certain caché that keeps visitors returning year after year. The small island offers something for everyone: tennis, golf, water sports, excellent dining, shopping, spa experiences and more. Just a quick flight from many US cities, the Florida classic remains a staple destination for an easy beach getaway with a touch of Park Avenue sophistication.

The Center of Attention: The Breakers

• Vibe: Grand, sprawling, storied
• Location: Set on 140 acres in central Palm Beach, The Breakers is just five minutes by car from town.
• Best for: Families or couples who want a full-service luxury resort within walking distance of town.
• Beach Setup: The Breaker's Beach Club beach has continuously eroded over the years and is now too small to accommodate beach chairs, so guests have to enjoy ocean views from the pools. Alternatively, beach-goers can head to the north end of the property where the hotel is setting up a new beach service.
• In Short: This glamorous resort offers something for everyone. Couples will love the buzzy HMF bar as well as the newly redone spa and fitness center, and families will appreciate the myriad activities for children of all ages.

The Family Affair: The Four Seasons

• Vibe: Family-friendly, contemporary, removed
• Location: The Four Seasons is set on a quiet stretch of beach about 15 minutes from town by car.
• Best for: Families who want a quick escape and don't mind being removed from town; those looking for a quiet spa weekend in the sun.
• Beach Setup: The sizable beach remains the hotel’s main draw.
• In Short: Travelers who want an easy beach weekend will find everything they need at this comfortable resort, but those looking to enjoy all that Palm Beach has to offer would be better off at a more centrally located hotel.

The Toast of the Town: The Brazilian Court

• Vibe: Charming, romantic, intimate
• Location: A quiet oasis in the heart of town, the Brazilian Court is comprised of a few small buildings separated by charming, leafy courtyards.
• Best for: Couples or families with older children who value a boutique hotel experience and don't mind forgoing full beach service for the convenience of being centrally located.
• Beach Setup: The hotel provides towels and umbrellas and offers a complimentary car service to and from the nearby public beach, but most guests prefer to relax by the hotel's small yet lovely pool.
• In Short: The charming hotel accomplishes the feat of feeling like a tranquil hideaway despite its location in the center of town.

The Convenient Classic: The Colony

• Vibe: Old-fashioned, historic, convenient
• Location: Situated in the center of town, the Colony is located on the block between the beach and Worth Avenue, Palm Beach's notable shopping street.
• Best for: Low-key families who want to experience classic Palm Beach without splurging on resort prices.
• Beach Setup: The hotel provides beach kits for guests to bring to the public beach, but the hotel's large pool is a great place to relax on a sunny day.
• In Short: Travelers who appreciate a centrally located hotel, traditional décor and a retro sensibility will love the Colony.