It seems like lately every second person I speak to has just arrived home from, or is heading to Palm Beach! The destination on everyones lips hosted the Palm Beach Boat Show last week, and as we increasingly find ourselves arriving on our transatlantic counterparts shores, I thought I’d share a quick guide to my favourite yachts at the Show as well as a few hidden treasures in the area.
The streets are lined with lush gardens, stately homes, and boutique shops creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle. This has influenced much of the design in the area with vibrant colours, spacious rooms that flow into outdoor spaces and coastal materials. The natural beauty of the coastline and the area’s well-preserved historical architecture give it a timeless charm and make it a destination for both luxury and serenity seekers.
VISIT
This historic hotel truly captures the essence of Palm Beach glamour, drawing guests from around the world with its iconic pink facade and inspired design. I just adore what Sarah Wetenhall has done with the iconic abode both inside and out. It is located just steps from the beach and Worth Avenue and is known for its impeccable service, sophisticated atmosphere, and intimate yet vibrant vibe. This is the place to be if you are looking for an exclusive and unforgettable experience and truly captures the essence of Palm Beach glamour.
Known for its iconic palm-lined streets, this renowned Avenue is home to high-end boutiques, fine dining, and galleries showcasing exquisite art. Beyond its designer shops, the avenue boasts a beautiful blend of Mediterranean revival architecture, Beaux-Arts, and Art-Deco design. I love the little courtyards leading off the main street and for a photo opportunity the iconic Clock Tower sits at Worth Avenue’s far east end.
A stunning testament to Palm Beach’s Gilded Age, the Flagler Museum offers a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most influential industrialists Henry Flagler. Completed in 1902, the museum is housed in his opulent former estate Whitehall. It was built in the style of a French Château by architect John Carrère who, along with his partner, Thomas Hastings designed New York’s Public Library. It showcases the grandeur of the early 20th-century through its exquisite architecture, period furnishings, and a vast collection of artefacts.
PALM BEACH YACHT SHOW – YACHTS ON DISPLAY
Bravissima was crafted by one of the oldest yacht builders in the world – Benetti. She has sleek modern lines, cutting-edge technology and my favourite, an unparalleled level of craftsmanship. The yacht’s 61 metre exterior was designed by Cassetta Yacht Designers and Van Oossanen Naval Architects and was a highly-anticipated and secretive delivery, making her big reveal at the show last week. The shipyard also announced a new superyacht in the works during the show, ‘Project Life’ which is an 82 metre concept crafted in collaboration with Espen Ønio.
Heesen’s new aluminium superyacht, Santosha was the winner of the 2025 BOAT Design and Innovation award for ‘Outstanding Exterior Design.’ The name means ‘contentment’ in Sanskrit and with features like an onboard masseuse I can begin to understand why. The vessel is designed to be lightweight, fast and fuel efficient and is the first in a series of aluminium yachts in this length for the Dutch shipyard.
Pendennis is one of the UK’s most prestigious shipyards and so Fox benefits from bespoke tailoring that allows every aspect of the yacht to be crafted to its owner’s desires – something I can truly appreciate. The shipyard is based in Falmouth in the United Kingdom and has a great history of refit and construction, as well as a serious approach to sustainability with eco-friendly materials and energy-saving practices. Fox one of their first pocket explorers, primed for carrying toys, tenders and even a submersible.
ARTS
Art and nature blend seamlessly in the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. This lush sanctuary spans over two acres and is home to an impressive collection of sculptures by Ann Norton as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. Norton was a sculptor and children’s book author, while alive she wished to create a foundation or ‘garden museum,’ and the space is an oasis in Palm Beach and a space loved by the community for events.
Four Arts encompasses a gallery, performance hall, library, and garden founded in 1936. Its rotating exhibitions showcase a variety of art forms while the performance spaces host concerts, lectures, and film screenings. I love the commitment the organisation has to education and creativity, with a range of art classes and programmes for visitors of all ages. My absolute favourite building is ‘The King Library’ – it includes a collection of art and architecture books that I could spend days browsing through.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
The Blind Monk is a welcoming wine bar and restaurant known for its inviting atmosphere and thoughtfully curated menu. With an extensive selection of wines and a focus on small plates that pair beautifully with the drinks, it feels both relaxed and refined. The ambiance is warm and unpretentious, making it a perfect spot for enjoying great food and wine with friends or a quiet evening out.
The vibrant setting at Le Bibloquet has a clear attention to detail that makes it an exceptional choice. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are inspired by classic French recipes making each meal a delightful experience. The warm, inviting ambiance can also be found across their New York and Dallas locations, and offers the perfect balance of luxury and comfort – ideal for a more intimate celebration. The name ‘bilboquet’ is a type of cup-and-ball game synonymous with traditional French culture giving it a nostalgic edge.
A dynamic and stylish space, Hive is a versatile setting with a focus on community. It has crafted itself as a hub for connection, creativity and good vibes and is perfect for a quick coffee or brunch, though it welcomes guests of all paces. Their Bakery and Cafè is one of the many spaces across Palm Beach, with separate lifestyle and fashion being found close by.
MEG BRAFF X MCKINNON AND HARRIS
Meg Braff, in collaboration with McKinnon and Harris, is a destination where bold design meets classic sophistication. The space features stunning furniture and decor pieces, each thoughtfully crafted with a focus on materials. In honour of the Kips Bay Designer Show House Palm Beach opening, McKinnon and Harris also hosted a celebratory dinner at the location last month.
Well Made Home is all about creating spaces that feel as good as they look. Each piece has a unique story to tell, whether it’s a hand-crafted wooden table or a luxurious textile that brings warmth and texture to a room. I love their incredibly fun collection of wallpapers and fabrics in bold prints and colourways. If you are looking for inspiration with the iconic Palm Beach edge, this is the place to find it.
It is easy to see why this vibrant destination has become a favourite for so many. The Boat Show itself is always an incredible showcase of cutting-edge yacht designs, luxury brands, and the latest in marine technology. I hope those who attended were impressed by the sleek, modern vessels that lined the docks and also enjoyed the chic, laid-back atmosphere that makes it the ideal backdrop for such an event.
If you haven’t yet experienced Palm Beach or the Boat Show, I highly recommend it—there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re a yacht enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of this iconic location.
Katharine x
