The Breakers Palm Beach

The Breakers Palm Beach is a once in a lifetime vacation - possibly once a year for the uber-wealthy. This Renaissance-age resort is more like a palace than a hotel. Check out the ceilings as you walk around. Hand painted masterpieces, each one with their own unique story. One could spend weeks just wandering around the resort and learning its history, but, I'm only here for two nights, so that ain't happening!

The Breakers sits on 140 acres of prime Atlantic coast realty and is the only "complete" resort on the island; you never have to go off property. Its history dates back to Henry Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil. Flagler gave up his day-to-day corporate duties in 1883 to focus exclusively on his interests in Florida. In 1896 he built The Palm Beach Inn, which was later renamed The Breakers. Today the resort has 540 rooms, each of which is equipped with all of the modern amenities - minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod clock/stereos.

The Breakers is not without its share of accolades. In 2015, they received a AAA/CAA Five Diamond Lodgings award. In 2014, they were part of Condé Nast Readers' Choice list and also received Forbes Travel Guide's Four Star award.

On property you will find half a mile of private beach, which has suffered due to recent storms. Large rocks have been brought in from other states to create a sort of breakwall, in an attempt to hinder the ocean's progress. If sand in the toes isn't your thing, there are four oceanfront pools including the adult-only Serenity Pool and five whirlpool spas. Twenty five luxury poolside bungalows for daytime use, including concierge services are available for rental.

There's also the new Ocean Fitness facility, a 24-hour hotel fitness center that is available to all hotel guests. And, if shopping is more you're thing, the on-site "mini-mall" features 11 boutiques, including Guerlain, Ralph Lauren and Lilly Pulitzer® at The Breakers.

The Spa at The Breakers has been recognized as one of the top 5 hotel/resort spas in North America. Guests can be pampered in a luxurious setting with indoor and outdoor treatment areas. Choose from their complete menu of wraps, massages and therapy treatments.

The Breakers also puts 36 holes of championship golf at your disposal. On-site is the 6,167 yard, par 70 Ocean Course. A short shuttle ride away at Breakers West is the Rees Jones Course, a par 72 course that plays 7,104 for the back tees. Both of these courses will challenge golfers of all ability levels. World-class golf instruction featuring the acclaimed John Webster Golf Academy is available at the Ocean Course as well. If you're into tennis, The Breakers has 10 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts as well as instruction available from USPTA/USPTR-certified professionals.

If you're looking to ditch the kids so you can have a relaxing dinner with your significant other, Kid's Camp is the ideal location. Kid's Camp is just across the courtyard from the boutique shops and just installed a brand new outdoor playground complete with learning areas, slides and jungle gyms. Inside there all sorts of things for kids to do, from video games and air hockey to skee-ball and toddler toys for the littler ones, Kid's Camp will keep your children occupied while you two are off doing...whatever!

The Breakers is not without its fair share of restaurants and fine dining. There are nine restaurants and cocktail lounges at The Breakers as well as in-room dining. The Beach Club restaurant is the perfect place to grab breakfast. Outdoor seating offers unparalleled views of the ocean as you look over the menu. Can't make up your mind? Then try the breakfast buffet, which features an assortment of fresh fruit, yogurts and cereals as well as several freshly prepared egg dishes and meats. An omelet chef is also there to create whatever your heart desires - as long as it involves eggs. And let's not forget the sweet stuff: freshly made pastries, waffles, pancakes and French toast, all instantly at your disposal.

If you're just visiting Florida, then you'll want to try some seafood and the Seafood Bar at The Breakers is just the place. There's even saltwater aquariums built into the bars. Inspired by some breathtaking views of the Atlantic, you'll be tempted by their fresh, outside-the-box fish and seafood dishes. The crab nachos are truly unique and their signature crab cakes are incredible; don't leave without trying their gorgonzola French fries. Cobia, snapper, tuna and salmon are just a few of the 10 to 15 types of fresh fish and seafood arriving daily, so the menu is always changing. The ambiance is "casual elegance", just what you'd expect in Florida; with the exception of the myriad of flat-screen TV's on the wall. Just ask them; they'll put on your favorite game. There's a full liquor bar as well as wines by the glass.

If you're a carnivore in search of a satisfying meal then the Flagler Steakhouse is where you should set you sites. Located on the top floor of the golf clubhouse, The Flagler Steakhouse is open to the public and can host your next corporate event or business luncheon. This traditional American Steakhouse serves only the finest selection of USDA prime (which makes up only 2% of all beef), as well as such mouthwatering alternatives as fish, seafood and several Italian favorites. The bone-in filet is different, but not as different as the Dry Aged Tomahawk Rib Chop. It's a large piece of steak with an 18" rib still attached. You should see the size of the plate this dish is served on. Portions are good sized so odds are you won't leave hungry. A Master Sommelier is at your disposal to help with your wine selections. The Flagler Steakhouse is open for lunch and dinner and offers children's, gluten free and vegetarian menus. The staff is friendly and professional; most have been there for a long time and quite frankly as our server Dawn Stevens said, "It isn't work if you're happy!"

Something else of note about the Breakers - Mr. Flagler had the foresight to plan for the future. Since the descendants of the founder have such an unrivaled investment in The Breakers, each year, tens of millions of dollars have been earmarked for meaningful enhancements and improvements to the resort. This constant revitalization of the property ensures that Henry's legacy will live on for generations to come.

This kind of luxury comes with a high price. Not everyone is going to be able to afford a Breakers vacation. But, if you're prepared to spend this kind of money on a vacation or just a short getaway, then the trusting hands of the more than 2,000 warm and caring associates who are devoted to your complete and utter satisfaction awaits you at this oceanfront oasis. The Breakers is an experience you won't soon forget. For more information or to book your next Breakers vacation, visit them online at www.thebreakers.com.