Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa — Photo courtesy of Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Up until early 2014, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa operated as The Ritz-Carlton. Things besides just the name have changed since then, with renowned designer Jonathan Adler having been commissioned to give the property a new look. But at least one thing hasn't changed: the property's cherished Five Diamond AAA rating.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is a quick drive south from the area technically considered Palm Beach, nestled on a beautiful piece of real estate in the beach town known as Manalapan.
Let's start our look at Eau by noting the tweaks and overhauls Adler made to the once dark, almost clammy and lifeless property he inherited. Alder himself has a house on Palm Beach, so he knew he needed to invoke a "beach-ier" atmosphere in the rooms.
He mixes white walls with popping yellows and blues that make you feel as if you're in a cabana by the pool. Vintage photography helps add life to the rooms. Be prepared for a yellow parakeet to join you in the restroom.
The newly designed rooms at the Eau Palm Beach pop with beach colors — Photo courtesy of Eau Palm Beach
You'll transcend quickly into a Palm Beach state of mind upon entering the lobby of the Eau. The resort pumps its custom scent – Palm Beach Breeze – throughout the interior. The scent reminds of the air from windswept waves.
Eau assumes you'll be enamored enough to purchase a candle with the same aroma from its gift store, allowing you to relive the beach when back home in Alaska. They likely will have assumed correctly.
Besides the lobby, Eau has tons of open beachfront space for the family to enjoy. There are two heated pools, with segregation for children and adults.
The 42,000-square-foot spa is unique and desirable, with massages a necessity during your stay. The hot tubs, steam showers and saunas will slip you towards a mentally and physically relaxed state.
As you would expect, the dining options at this fine resort are top notch. Temple Orange is where to start your day with a mimosa and omelette. Angle is the place for dinner, with line-caught sea cuisine being the highlight. Fill the spaces between with drink trips to Stir Bar.
Also available to Eau guests besides all the amenities is the amazingly courteous staff. They will truly make you feel important, doing everything within their power to ensure your stay is perfect. The arts of pampering and full-service attention have been lost on many in the hotel industry, but apparently not on the management staff at Eau.
