In Palm Beach, like any competitively rich retreat, there’s a hierarchy of deluxe hotels. But there is also a rank and order of rooms and suites within those hotels.
Mere “rooms” mean the least, while sprawling villas with private pools, and commanding presidential suites tell a very different story.
That’s not so different from anywhere swish. But there’s a quieter power reservation that communicates to everyone already in the know that you are a sophisticated and discerning bird of a feather: the lanai.
In the Pacific, a lanai refers to an architectural style of a roofed, open-sided veranda. In the context of haute hotels, it refers to suites with private outdoor entrances, usually with a covered porch, directly facing the ocean or pool.
They eliminate the need for a dripping-wet walk of shame through the chilly lobby on the way back to your room after a dip. They also put you in the center of everything, steps from the water and the buzzing bar and restaurant, with an added cushion of privacy.
And, in Palm Beach, they are the quietest exemplar of quiet luxury — a nod to your gaggle of whispering society swells that you’re club material indeed.
Here’s a look inside a few of our favorites.
The Colony
When you check into one of the new lanai-sporting bungalows at this trendy hotel, you’ll wish it were your permanent address.
Each one has its own personality, but all have a coastal elegance that mixes traditional and fanciful touches and come complete with Matouk linens, a washer-dryer, a full kitchen and a private pool not used by guests at the main hotel.
The long-coveted villas across the street have been updated in the last couple of years, thanks to design collaborations with such style arbiters as Gwyneth Paltrow, Celerie Kimbell and Serena & Lily. If you’re feeling social, you can stroll a block away to Worth Avenue, or take part in the buzzy scene at Swifty’s, right on the grounds.
The Eau Resort and Spa
Whether you prefer the beach or the tranquil pool, this resort, purchased by Larry Ellison in 2024, has a room with your perfect view and its own sliding doors onto it. Each has a patio, so you can curl up on a chaise lounge outside your door and read, or have a private dinner from room service or the hotel’s Nobu restaurant.
If you can tear yourself away from your room, you can head to the fanciful spa, with its hammocks over water, mini cupcakes, and wishing well.
The Brazilian Court
The intimate and picturesque pool area of this elegant longtime favorite on the island has accommodations surrounding it that range from studios to two-bedroom, lanai-style suites. They have direct access, so you can jump in for a swim and walk right back into your room.
If you prefer a view of the magnificent courtyard that houses Café Boulud, there are studios where you can enjoy your coffee while watching the restaurant crowd savor theirs. The hotel also offers complimentary two-hour yacht excursions.
The Palm House
Though it opened just last year, this rose-hued dream of a hotel fits in so perfectly with the island aesthetic, it feels like it has been there for decades.
Eight premier king rooms, each with its own terrace spill out onto the sunset pool deck, where butlers come around hourly with little surprises like sunglass cleaning and Evian spritzes. If you venture out, a house Land Rover Defender will chauffeur you anywhere on the island.
The hotel also has fun activations, like Mahjong and Martinis, and partnerships with Reforming Pilates and Mimi Yoga to offer fitness classes on property.
The Boca Resort
The entire beach club of this legendary resort went through a $130 million renovation last year and emerged with eight lanai studio suites and one lanai grand suite. They not only have expansive patios, and are just steps from the pool and beach, but they also have access to the top of the Tower, a concierge lounge where drinks and bites are served all day.
The Beach Club also has its own restaurants, including Mediterranean Marisol, with a view of the sea, and you can always cross the Intracoastal to the main resort — a boat runs back and forth all day.
PGA
The largest selection of lanai rooms is available at this golf haven, which has 21 two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottages, filled with Serena & Lily furnishings, and situated close to the greens. Each has a terrace, along with a full kitchen and a washer-dryer — a big plus if you are staying for an extended period of time.
There are also 100 guest rooms on the ground floor, all with direct access to the resort’s manicured lawns, extensive activities including three golf courses.
Gambol over to the spa now serving a new range of high-tech treatments.
