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The Palm Beaches & Boca Raton

Like two high society sisters cut from the same cloth, the Palm Beaches and Boca Raton retain a sense of ageless glamour. They both have great traditions for visitors to enjoy, but, like the ‘coming out’ of a more contemporary daughter, there are also new things to explore.

The hotel, dining, and shopping scene in Palm Beach County is better than ever, thanks to renovations of old favorites and the openings of several new places that should stand the test of time. Given that, you don’t always get what you pay for around here. This up-to-date advice will help you steer clear of the pretenders and into the arms of those who take pampering, good food, and shopping seriously.

HOTELS--With several world-renowned independent resorts and many of the most luxurious chains, Palm Beach County can claim to have one of the best collection of accommodations options in the nation. In fact, the county has two of Florida’s three Mobil Five-Star properties and more AAA Five-Diamond beachfront resorts than any other destination in the continental U.S. Given that, the key for a successful stay is knowing what type of vacation experience is of interest and then booking accordingly.

*Any summary of accommodations in the area should begin with The Breakers (and the Boca Raton Resort & Club, following). This oceanfront resort features a private beach (including a new spa and beach club), four pools, seven varied restaurants, 36 holes of golf (the on-site vintage Ocean Course is preferred), and legendary croquet on the front lawn. Thanks to a huge renovation, Italian Renaissance-style hotel has been completely revitalized and expanded with an aura of casual sophistication. Doubles from $280, suites from $515. One South County Road, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-655-6611, 888-273-2537. Fax: 561-659-8403. Website: www.thebreakers.com.

*The Boca Raton Resort & Club is, in our opinion, still Boca’s best bet by far, thanks in part to a series of enhancements coinciding with the resort’s 75th anniversary. The resort’s amenities include championship golf, 30 tennis courts, several pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a half-mile stretch of private beach, a 25-slip full-service marina, a variety of watersports, a selection of dining options, and a full range of other activities, including a comprehensive children’s program. In addition, the legendary Boca resort also recently added privileges at a course nearby in Fort Lauderdale. Originally called Rolling Hills, the newly-named Grande Oaks Golf Club was made famous as the course in ‘Caddyshack.’ Enhancements either already done or now taking place (the resort ensures us there are no disruptions to guests) include: complete renovation of guestrooms and suites; a new waterfront Tuscan Restaurant (ask for the Chef’s Table); a new comprehensive spa; a new golf clubhouse; and the new Marina Wing Hotel (not until late-2001). Frequent visitors take advantage of private Intracoastal dinners aboard Mizner’s Dream II yacht or a room service menu that includes picnic baskets for the beach or box lunches for the plane trip home. Doubles from $265, suites from $450. Tel: 561-447-3000, 800-327-0101. Fax: 561-447-3183. Website: www.bocaresort.com.

*Yet another luxurious beachfront resort, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach features private balconies for every room and South Florida’s only Five-Diamond restaurant, The Restaurant (see below). The 210-room resort is situated on six tropically landscaped acres in Palm Beach, with complimentary Town Car service to and from Worth Avenue one of the many unusual amenities (e.g., Evian water for returning joggers and iced face cloths by the pool and beach). For families, the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program is renowned. Doubles from $375, suites from $1500. 2800 South Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-582-2800, 800-432-2335. Fax: 561-547-1557. Website: www.fourseasons.com.

*The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach is located on seven acres on the southern end of Palm Beach, with Mediterranean-inspired architecture and elegant appointments combining with quintessential personal service to make it one of the area’s most consistent ‘islands’ of self-contained resort experiences. The 270-room property’s Ritz-Carlton Club is the best bet, with a private lounge, connecting terrace, and a concierge staff whose goals to pamper are found in a casually relaxing and intimate environment, where guests can enjoy such amenities as five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily, a selection of books, newspapers, magazines, and more. Doubles from $405, suites from $995. 100 South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan. Tel: 561-533-6000, 800-241-3333. Fax: 561-588-4555. Website: www.ritzcarlton.com.

*For hard-core golfers and non-golfers alike, PGA National Resort & Spa may provide the perfect combination. As one of very few golf destinations in the U.S. to offer 90 holes of owned and operated championship golf, PGA National Resort & Spa just completed a multi-million dollar renovation of virtually all parts of the resort. Over the past year, the resort completed a major renovation project that included newly refurbished guestrooms, a complete redo of the lobby, the refurbishment of the vast conference center and public areas, and the addition of the golf-oriented Bear Trap Bar & Grille. The full-service spa didn’t need any work, as it’s already one of the top spas in the region. Doubles from $319, suites from $439. 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens. Tel: 561-627-2000, 800-633-9150. Fax: 561-622-X-261. Website: www.pga-resorts.com.

*All within minutes of Worth Avenue and the beach, there are several boutique hotels in Palm Beach proper that are worth investigating. The Brazilian Court Hotel is an upscale boutique property with a South American flair, featuring elegant courtyards worth the visit and stay. Doubles from $335, suites from $445. 301 Australian Avenue, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-655-7740, 800-552-0335. Fax: 561-655-0801. Website: www.braziliancourt.com. Operating as a hotel (under various names) since 1926, The Chesterfield Hotel is now an historic landmark and member of Small Luxury Hotels. Each room was individually designed and decorated, along with a private courtyard, library, cigar room, and the hip Leopard Lounge and Restaurant (see below). Doubles from $350, suites from $675. Tel: 561-659-5800. 363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-659-5800, 800-243-7871. Fax: 561-659-6707. Website: www.redcarnationhotels.com. Finally, a block from ocean and Worth Avenue, The Colony Hotel is a European-style property that’s just been renovated. Doubles from $285, suites from $415. 155 Hammon Avenue, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-655-5430, 800-521-5525. Fax: 561-659-8104. Website: www.thecolonypalmbeach.com.

RESTAURANTS--Palm Beach County has more than 2,000 restaurants, but only a handful that are truly unique (many of the best are situated in the best hotels mentioned above or along bustling Worth Avenue and Clematis Street). A current trend is an evolving hybrid of Asian, Latin, and Caribbean culinary influences spurred on by the area’s leading chefs constantly seeking new ways to maximize the unique flavors of South Florida’s tropical produce and seafood. Whether it’s called ‘Floribbean’ or ‘Florasian,’ this approach gives certain restaurants a distinctively regional flair.

*Leading the way at the top hotels are some of the nation’s top chefs, including: James Reaux (Boca Raton Resort & Club); Matthais Radits (The Breakers); Hubert Des Marais (Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach), Joseph Mattiolo (The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach); and Michael Vlasich (PGA National Resort & Spa). Even if you’re not staying at their property, these chefs are creating cuisine worth seeking

These artists of the kitchen generally oversee all or most of their resort’s restaurants, so their innovative ideas can be explored in a variety of settings. Some of our personal favorites (see phone numbers above) include: 27 Ocean Blue (seafood) and Lucca (Tuscan), both new choices, at Boca Raton Resort & Club; The Florentine (European food and ambiance) at The Breakers; The Restaurant (southeastern) at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach; 100 South Ocean (New European) at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach; and Shula’s Steakhouse (award-winning beef) or Arezzo (Italian) at PGA National Resort & Spa. Expect to pay about $100 or so for dinner for two, without wine, at a resort chef’s ‘signature’ restaurants and less at the more casual options.

Some of our other favorites follow:

*Having served everyone from Frank Sinatra to Oprah Winfrey, Ta-boo has been one of Worth Avenue’s institutions since 1941. Dinner for two, without wine, $60. 221 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-835-3500.

*Located down in Delray Beach, 32 East is an American-style grill, with Mediterranean overtones. The Texas quail appetizer and the scallops and risotto are highly recommended. Dinner for two, without wine, $70. 32 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. Tel: 561-276-7868.

*Amici Ristorante & Bar is a cozy Italian eatery with lots of standouts, including seared beef carpaccio with arugula and parmesan or crusted calamari as appetizers and succulent oven-roasted duckling as an entree. Dinner for two, without wine, $60. 288 South County Road, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-832-0201.

*For a Pan-Asian trend-setter, Echo has sampler platters and an incredible tableside duck. Dinner for two, without wine, $70. 230 Sunrise Avenue, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-802-4222.

*The Chesterfield Hotel’s Leopard Lounge and Restaurant provides an intimate and elegant atmosphere for gourmet dining, with classic English, American, and international cuisine. Dinner for two, without wine, $120. 363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-659-5800.

*Though martini bars have become trendy, My Martini Bar on trendy Clematis Street also delivers eclectic cuisine. To go with a choice of 70 Colossal Martinis, try the snapper in Thai chili sauce or blackened salmon with coconut rice). If your timing is right, make plans for their ‘taste of the nations’ happy hour or the pre-theatre menu. Dinner for two, without wine (or martinis), $50. 225 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Tel: 561-832-8333.

*Only locals tend to know about the great dining experience available at the Cornell Cafe at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. Most visitors to the area only enjoy the 200-acre park, the picturesque bonsai and Japanese gardens, and the Museum’s changing and permanent Asian art. Those in the know make the time for lunch, with a creative selection dumplings, noodles, and to-die-for manju ice cream. Lunch for two, without wine, $25. 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. Tel: 561-495-0233.

*Finally, if ‘South Florida’ cuisine simply isn’t for you, at Chuck & Harold’s you’ll find upscale casual American cuisine, with fresh seafood (try the crab cakes), ribs, and live entertainment every night. Dinner for two, without wine, $75. 207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach. Tel: 561-659-1440.

SHOPPING--Where you choose to shop in Palm Beach County is just as important as where you choose to eat and sleep. Several shopping districts have there own characteristics and its worth a walk through each, where you’re sure to find just what you knew you wanted all along.

*Worth Avenue (561-659-6909) is the Rodeo Drive of Florida, with all the best boutique, including Armani, Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, an enormous Chanel boutique, and the other usual suspects situated curbside. While there, be sure to check out The Esplanade (561-833-3777), a Mediterranean-style shopping court amidst fountains and lush gardens that features small boutiques and is located at 150 Worth Avenue.

*Over in West Palm Beach, the Clematis Street District (561-659-8007) is sharing some some of Worth Avenue’s limelight, with Rhythm selling the latest in clothing from Cynthia Rowley, Betsey Johnson, and other hip and hot designers.

*Additional multi-shop options in this shopping savvy region include: Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue (561-278-0424), with brick sidewalks lined with gaslight street lamps; Royal Palm (561-833-3777); and, opening in October in downtown West Palm Beach, CityPlace (561-366-1000), a 55-acre shopping, entertainment, and cultural arts center that will house more than 75 national and regional stores, 10 restaurants, live theater and other cultural attractions, and a 20-screen Muvico cinema with gourmet concessions and reserved seating.

*Depending on your interests, unique individual shopping experiences worth the drive might be: Deja vu (561-833-6624), which is Palm Beach’s first consignment shop, featuring socialite hand-me-downs; the Lily Pulitzer collection (her shifts are the rage) at C. Orrico (561-659-1284); and Hoffman’s Chocolate Shoppe & Gardens (561-967-2213).

*If you crave caviar in an area that seems like the perfect upscale setting, Caviarteria (800-4-CAVIAR) is opening a caviar bar and retail emporium in both Boca Raton’s Mizner Park and Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue later this year. With locations in New York, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, and Miami Beach’s South Beach, Caviarteria is America’s largest distributor of premium caviar and luxury gourmet specialties (at surprisingly and relatively affordable prices). Try the samplers of fresh Beluga, Oscetra, and Sevruga caviars, or one of the seemingly sinful crepes. This upscale melding of shopping and dining is a fitting close to our coverage of one of the world’s most upscale destinations.