I have been to a lot of Four Seasons properties, and most I have found extraordinary. But I hadn’t truly discovered the one in our own backyard, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, until recently. Oh, how much we take for granted.
Sure, I have been to the property umpteen times–to dine, to get a pedicure, or whatever. But staying there during Mother’s Day weekend gave me a new perspective entirely. For starters, the property has undergone a massive renovation that ratcheted up the glam factor in the rooms (love the forties-style, sexy furnishings with a subtle glimmer and a muted sea-inspired palette), upgraded the pool area and ramped up amenities. The spa has been updated too, and now offers treatments using the Amala organic skin-care line (and the line itself).
What was truly impressive was the service. We walked into our suite, with twin 2-year-olds in tow, and found it stocked with cribs (standard), high-chairs, changing table and MacLaren strollers (definitely NOT standard). The hotel apparently has a partnership with MacLaren and is able to provide all these welcome perks for guests’ use during their stay. Thank you to whomever whispered in their ear that the less we parents of toddlers have to haul from home, the better.
And it didn’t stop there. At dinner the first night we noticed our bill did not include the children’s meals. When I pointed this out to the server, he gleefully replied: “Oh, children under 5 eat free at any of our dining venues.”
Seriously?
This Four Seasons definitely knows how to take care of families. For over-5’s, there is the “Kids for All Seasons” program, which we observed one day at the beach. The instructors and their campers were making these crazy sand sculptures including a shark that was probably visible from space. Kids loved it.
I can’t say enough about the service here. That’s something you really can’t know until you experience it, but let’s just say it is beyond intuitive. Not one person fell short of his or her directive to always–but always–make the guest feel welcome.
As for dining, I have a new favorite: the Atlantic Bar & Grill, which is an en plein air restaurant located among the seagrapes at the ocean’s edge. In a stroke of genius, the Atlantic revamped its menu with inspiration from the world’s street-food culture. The tuna and salmon chirashi (sort of like deconstructed sushi with some tempura on top) is my newest obsession.
If you haven’t experienced the Four Seasons since the redesign, you must. There is much more to this property than meets the eye. If you need a little extra incentive, this summer (June – September), in celebration of the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts’ 50th anniversary, the property will offer 50 rooms for $50 when guests stay at least one night at regular rates. The perfect excuse for a staycation.
One of the serenely appointed new suites. Ocean view included.
My new favorite spot to dine casually: Atlantic Bar & Grill.
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