In a travel double bill for the long weekend, Umesh Patel immerses himself in the captivating allure of Florida’s Palm Beaches, where pristine natural beauty, refined style, timeless glamour and world-class sports combine to create the state’s Gold Coast…
It’s Valentine’s Day and the air is thick with the scent of commodified affection—from the chocolate-dipped strawberries waiting in my hotel room to the saccharine well-wishes of strangers all playing their part in love’s grand pantomime. Even at the crack of dawn on Delray Beach’s breathtaking shores, there’s no escaping.
Under a sky bathed in soft shades of pink, a young man—poor chap—drops to one knee. His beloved stands before him, eyes wide. They’re encircled by a heart-shaped ring of flickering battery-operated candles and fresh red roses that sway gently in the sea breeze, their stems pressed firmly into the damp sand. He takes a breath and delivers his proposal while a bottle of champagne sits expectantly in an ice bucket, ready to be popped in celebration—assuming, of course, she says yes…
And yet, for just a moment, as she weeps with joy and the waves muffle her response, even the most cynical among us must admit that love in all its glorious absurdity endures.
But me? I lost my heart to something else entirely. Not a person, but a place…
The Palm Beaches: a destination that doesn’t just seduce — it sweeps you off your feet. It’s easy to be captivated by its obvious beauty: clear, aquamarine waters lapping against miles of pristine shoreline. But what truly sets it apart is a deep-rooted sense of glamour and style. Sport, too, plays a defining role — whether it’s golf at The Seagate Golf Club, polo on the sweeping fields of Wellington or world-class tennis at the Delray Beach Open.
Style is woven into the fabric of Palm Beach, and nowhere is it more visibly on display than Worth Avenue — Palm Beach’s answer to Bond Street. Lined with Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial architecture, this palm-fringed boulevard feels more like a meticulously designed film set than a shopping street. It is the enduring legacy of Addison Mizner, the architect who transformed the area in the early 20th century. His distinctive aesthetic — ornate courtyards, arched colonnades and secluded passages — continues to define one of the most prestigious retail destinations in the world.
Tucked between designer boutiques and chic alfresco cafés, Pizza Al Fresco evokes the glamour of Capri. There’s a distinctly European vibe — blue parasols, the clink of cutlery against the hand-painted plates — that makes you half expect to see a Vespa parked at the next table.
Naturally, I ordered the Tartufo Nero — a pizza so decadently rich it ought to be served with a silk robe and matching slippers. Laden with mozzarella and an almost indecent amount of shaved black truffle, it was pure indulgence. But the real intrigue at this restaurant lies beyond the menu.
At the heart of the courtyard, a small tombstone marks the final resting place of one of Palm Beach’s more eccentric residents: a spider monkey named Johnnie Brown. He was the ever-present companion of Mizner, often perched on his shoulder, sporting a tiny sombrero as he oversaw the creation of his architectural empire. The furry sidekick quickly became a local legend. When he passed away in 1927, Mizner commissioned a headstone, and Palm Beach acquired what might be the only grave in town that tourists photograph more than their lunch.
In a delightfully offbeat turn of events, a pig — aptly named Mona Lisa — has taken up residence in Mizner’s former home, living out her days with her owners and keeping the eccentric tradition alive in a most unexpected manner.
While Mizner’s flamboyant architectural legacy still turns heads in Palm Beach, The Seagate Beach Club in Delray Beach opts for something quieter, more considered. No grand flourishes or ostentatious ornamentation here — just a refined take on coastal luxury, where classic Florida Revival architecture meets modern restraint. It’s elegance without being too ‘shouty’ — the kind that lets the beachfront do all the talking. And to be honest, with a view like this, it doesn’t need to say a word.
Inside, the design continues to echo the coastal setting. A palette of neutral tones and natural wood finishes creates a relaxed, beachside feel, while the windows and French doors offer uninterrupted views of the Atlantic.
Membership grants access to the club’s private beach and outdoor pool, though guests of The Seagate Hotel — where I stayed — also enjoy exclusive entry, just a short shuttle ride away.
Dining revolves around Mr. Seas, the club’s signature restaurant, where the menu draws on South Florida’s culinary heritage with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include the lobster tagliatelle and pan-seared swordfish. The bar, meanwhile, offers a well-curated cocktail list—the perfectly chilled dry martini with a twist makes for a crisp, confident start to the evening.
Umesh flew directly from London Heathrow to Miami with Virgin Atlantic, with return fares starting from £500 per person. For more details on flight schedules and prices, visit the Virgin Atlantic website.
Classic King Rooms at The Seagate Hotel start from $678/£535 per night. For more information, visit the hotel’s website. For more on The Seagate Beach Club, visit beachclub. For details about The Seagate Golf Club, visit Championship Golf Club.
Images courtesy of Discover The Palm Beaches
Umesh’s immersion in Florida’s Gold Coast continues this weekend, where he embraces its sporting culture, both in and out of the water…
