After a whirlwind stretch of travel—from Charleston’s historic charm to preparing for the Amalfi Coast—I carved out a pocket of time for something closer to home: a mini staycation. With my apartment still mid-renovation (I can’t wait to finally share the finished design this summer!), the timing couldn’t have been better. Sometimes, you don’t need to travel far to find the refresh you’ve been craving.
And for me, there was only one destination that fit the bill: the newly reimagined Four Seasons Palm Beach. Having already fallen in love with the Four Seasons brand, I was eager to experience how this property—just a short drive away—would embody the spirit of my own city. If there’s one thing the brand does beautifully, it’s weaving together the unique culture and character of each location, and Palm Beach was no exception.
First Impressions: A Warm Welcome
The magic began the moment I arrived. The property is perched right on the shoreline, a Forbes Five-Star beachfront resort that captures both the effortless glamour Palm Beach is known for and the relaxed pace of coastal living. Lush tropical landscaping framed the entrance, while soft pops of pastel pinks and muted greens set a playful, yet refined tone.
And then came the sweetest welcome of all—quite literally. At the front desk, I was greeted with delicate chocolate truffles, a thoughtful touch that made check-in feel like the start of a celebration. It’s small moments like these that immediately set the Four Seasons apart.
Suite Dreams with a View
Stepping into my suite felt a bit like walking into my design inspiration board come to life. The interiors echoed the very palette I had chosen for my apartment renovation—subtle pinks, understated greens, and airy neutrals that strike the perfect balance between elegance and ease.
The suite itself was wonderfully spacious, with generous sleeping and living areas and more closet space than I could have imagined (a rare and much-appreciated luxury!). But the real showstopper was just beyond the balcony doors: an unobstructed view of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. There’s something about that endless blue horizon that feels like instant therapy. No matter how many times I see it, I never grow tired of the ocean’s quiet rhythm.
To make the stay even sweeter, I found a carefully arranged assortment of candied nuts, champagne, and a handwritten note waiting for me on the dining table—a small but meaningful detail that spoke volumes about the level of care the team puts into every guest experience.
Poolside Serenity and Ocean Breezes
Most of my stay was happily spent alternating between two equally inviting settings: the pool and the ocean. The resort’s cabanas are beautifully designed, offering the perfect shady nook to curl up with a book—in my case, Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art. When the sun grew warmer, a quick dip in the pool or a plunge into the ocean was just steps away.
What struck me most was how effortless everything felt. The staff seemed to anticipate needs before they arose, offering refreshers, recommendations, or a simple smile at just the right moment. That balance of attentiveness without intrusion is a rare art, and the Palm Beach property has mastered it.
Culinary Highlights to Come
Though my time was short, I already have my eye on one experience for my return visit: dining at Florie’s, helmed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Mauro Colagreco. Between the local ingredients and the chef’s visionary approach, it promises to be a meal as memorable as the setting itself. Next time, I’ll be sure to bring my boyfriend along for that culinary adventure.
Why a Staycation Can Be Just as Special
Sometimes, the temptation is to think that you need to board a plane for true escape, but my stay at the Four Seasons Palm Beach reminded me that luxury and renewal can be found right in your own backyard. With so much of my free time consumed by projects and travel planning, these few days of quiet rejuvenation felt like a gift to myself.
The property doesn’t just offer a place to sleep—it creates an atmosphere where every detail, from the color scheme to the ocean view to the truffle at check-in, comes together to tell a story. It’s that layering of thoughtful design, intuitive service, and natural beauty that makes it so much more than a hotel stay—it becomes a memory.
Final Thoughts
The Four Seasons Palm Beach far exceeded my expectations. It’s glamorous yet approachable, elevated yet deeply comforting. It’s a resort that feels both like an indulgence and a homecoming—a place I can return to whenever I need a reminder of how beautiful it is to pause, rest, and savor the moment.
So whether you’re planning a visit to Palm Beach or are a local like me in need of a little escape, I can’t recommend this gem enough. Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones closest to home.