The Breakers

When it comes to grande dame hotels, few fit the description as well as this Palm Beach classic created by Henry Morrison Flagler and inspired by the villas of the Italian Renaissance. Sitting on 140 acres of private Atlantic beachfront, The Breakers, which Flagler rebuilt in 1926 after a fire destroyed the previous structure, sets a high bar, thanks to its impressive twin-belvedere towers, hand-painted vaulted ceilings, arched grand loggias—and its 534 guest rooms, including 74 suites. Indagare regulars love the ocean-facing suites with one or more balconies; most are designed with décor reflective of Palm Beach’s luxury lifestyle. The bold hand-loomed floral carpets, custom fabrics and furniture are part of Adam Tihany’s recent refresh at HMF (Palm Beach’s hottest gathering place, whose name is a nod to its founder) and select rooms and suites—including the Flagler Club (the boutique hotel within the hotel).

While most rooms have traditional fabrics, finishes and sea-toned color schemes, some public spaces, such as the lobby, HMF restaurant (a nod to the founder) and select rooms and suites, including the Flagler Club (a kind of boutique hotel within the hotel), have been given a refresh by Adam Tihany, with vibrant hand- loomed floral carpets and custom fabrics and furniture. Indagare favorites are the ocean-facing suites with one or more balconies. Guests find plenty to do here, including golf and tennis, but the Beach Club is the most desirable place to be. Accessible only to hotel guests and members, the oceanfront complex has four pools, 25 daytime bungalows, three restaurants, a rooftop terrace and an ultra-luxe spa. We’d expect nothing less.

Guests who appreciate the hotel’s facilities, family-friendly activities, spa, golf, tennis and extensive dining options; families with children will love the private beach club and four pools.