Around the World: The Eau Palm Beach

Note: This post was originally published on my old lifestyle blog, monicadutia.com.

When J and I were in Palm Beach last weekend, we stayed at what quickly became one of my favorite hotels, ever. Located an easy, picturesque 20 minute drive from Worth Avenue and the more touristy parts of PB, the Eau is a beautiful oceanfront resort that will, without a doubt, blow. you. away. You're welcomed by a very friendly staff and glass of champagne at check-in–already a good start! The property was formerly a Ritz Carlton, which you can definitely tell by the lobby...it's very traditionally decorated, with chandeliers and lots of gold. As soon as you hit the elevator, things get more modern: we're talking Jonathan Adler modern. Cool, right?!

The hotel kindly upgraded our room to an ocean view suite and it was basically a huge space filled with a happy mix of blue + white + yellow, with a bunch of modern accents. My favorite part of the room's décor was probably the headboard. We also had a large balcony with ample seating, including a couple fun little pod chairs.

Our suite had two full bathrooms, and this was the smaller of the two. How unreal is this textured wallpaper? A little bold for me (I wouldn't put it in my own home) but oh man...it's so cool, especially with that mirror!

If you saw my Instagram, you know I got my lobster roll fix on Saturday! Between the beach and the pool, we headed to the Eau's oceanfront restaurant, Breeze Ocean Kitchen. Talk about a beachy dream with these tables and striped umbrellas!J had the roasted turkey sandwich and we both had one of their seasonal cocktails. I loved that the restaurant was super casual but really thoughtfully executed...just like the rest of the hotel, no detail was unnoticed. Even the napkins and umbrellas are on-brand!

The hotel has a yummy breakfast buffet (a bit pricey at $34/person) and a great lobby + outdoor area for sipping cocktails. We posted up outside Friday night to listen to the ocean over a couple of drinks and it was perfect!

There is an adults only pool, but we were at the main one and despite having some kids, it wasn't hectic or uncomfortable at all. The latter is also located right next to Breeze, so food and drinks are readily available.

Another great thing: the private beach. It's steps from the resort, wasn't crowded, and the attendant will set you up with chairs + an umbrella. We spent Saturday morning there before grabbing lunch and going to the pool for the afternoon!To address the 20 minute drive into the main part of Palm Beach: we didn't rent a car, which worked out totally fine. Ubers were about $12 each way, which wound up being a fraction of what car rental + parking would have been.Also, if even more pampering is on your agenda: the Eau's spa looks incredible! There's a private pool/outdoor lounge area, and the offerings were really tempting. And right next door is their gorgy fitness center, which actually made me wish we'd packed workout clothes–seriously. If you have the opportunity to try either, I would give them a go.

I seriously can't recommend the Eau more–guess who's already plotting our next trip :) Whether you're going as a couple, with friends, or with family, there's something for everyone. Check out their site for more pics of the property...since we were on vacation, I tried to put away the camera as much as I could!

PS: Here's my PB travel guide!

Thank you so, so much to the Eau for upgrading our room, the hospitality, and for treating us to breakfast and lunch!