A trip to Palm Beach

January 25, 2020 – the day I married, bear with me, my person. Cheesy, cringe, what have you, perhaps…but, true. He is my favorite person. He makes me laugh, he is the calm and optimistic to my analytical and orderly, he takes the 6 AM flight out to not miss kid bedtime and the redeye home to make us breakfast, he plans a date night and also checks the Nanit the second we get in the Uber. He is charismatic and quick, smart and kind, and visits his grandparents weekly. He encourages me to go after my dreams, is a fantastic choice for a wedding officiant, and doesn’t flinch under any ounce of pressure. He is there for people, responds to emails immediately with ease, and reminds me that “everything will always be ok.” Happy 5 years my love, best decision ever.

To celebrate, we went back to Palm Beach where we had our wedding five years ago. It is a magical place. Vacation, to me more than ever, feels like a form of escapism – a way to momentarily step away from our routines, from the managing of school drop off in between two important work calls, from the accomplishing all the to-do’s of each day, to say: “yes, I will have a glass of wine at lunch.” Even with all of the build up, anticipation, scheduling childcare and praying nobody gets sick before (and while) you’re gone, it feels very important to do. It felt needed. But, what I found most gratifying and comforting is how happy I felt to come back home. To 30 degree Boston, to stuff my 3 year old into his puffer jacket and somehow fit all 5 fingers into a glove, to catch up on work and to end a Sunday with no plans other than watching the next Oscar nom. Vacation is the best, but what I cherish even more is the perspective it brings. It may be more refreshing than the wine at lunch.

Now, sharing my favorite places to stay and dine in Palm Beach, and what to pack if you are also experiencing some healthy escapism.

TO STAY:

The Colony Hotel: One of my favorite hotels ever. It is old school Palm Beach, yet fresh, festive and stunning. It went through a renovation a few years ago, and it has an entirely new energy. The pool scene is Palm Beach festive, equipped with Evians next to every beach chair and pastel pink pool floats. The hotel store in the lobby is so adorable and chic, and you feel like you can’t walk by without purchasing a keepsake. I bought the Petite Plum x Colony Hotel white twill pajama set to remind me of sunshine until April. If you don’t stay here, I recommend going for lunch at Swifty’s. Our wedding guests stayed here and it also hosted our Rehearsal Dinner, so it holds a very special place.
Brazilian Court: This was also one of our wedding hotels. We stayed here last year, and loved it. The pool is quiet and serene, with palm trees draping over you. The courtyards are luxurious and tropical, and Cafe Boulud is excellent.
The White Elephant: I haven’t stayed here yet, but I have heard great things!

TO DINE:

TO WEAR: It was 60 degrees and rainy (sad), but here is what I WOULD wear in the sunshine.

For the day:

I wore this dress during the day with flats. It was cold, so I had a sweater over my shoulders. But it is an easy and comfortable dress for shopping and walking around, with the final destination as the pool.

This set is perfect for walking around during the day, or even taking a bike ride. You will also wear this repeatedly in the summer. Jenni Kayne has another linen set I love and is great to travel in (top and bottom).

For the night:

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