Palm House: A First-Timer’s Guide to Palm Beach

If Modatrova were a destination, it might just be Palm Beach. With its vibrant fashion scene, colorful charm, and endless opportunities to dress up, it feels like the perfect backdrop for everything we love.

We stayed at the newly renovated Palm House, a beautifully restored boutique property nestled right in the heart of Palm Beach Island. It’s one of those rare spots that feels both polished and personal. The interiors are chic, the pool is a dream, and the central location can’t be beat—you’re just a short walk from the beach, some of the island’s best boutiques (like Julia Amory, Asha, and Pepa London), and plenty of top restaurants.

From the moment we arrived, the team at Palm House went above and beyond—offering to-go coffee in the morning as we left for our walks, refreshing our room while we were out, and helping with anything we needed.

Each morning began with a walk along the water—sometimes toward The Breakers, other days down to The Colony, always with coffee in hand (Palm House coffee was so good—we looked forward to it each morning). One morning, we borrowed bikes from the hotel and rode around the island, but overall, we preferred walking—it made it easier to stop and admire the stunning homes along South Ocean Boulevard.

The hotel's beach setup was a lovely surprise—chairs and umbrellas ready just steps from the water—and the pool was serene and beautiful, a spot you could truly stay at all day.

Where We Ate (My Favorite Spots)

Of all the places we tried, these were the ones I’d absolutely go back to and recommend.

Breakfast & Coffee

SurfSide Diner – A neighborhood staple near the hotel. I loved the yogurt + granola bowl.
Pink Paradise Café at The Colony – Perfect for grab-and-go breakfast, smoothies, and coffee.
Chik Monk Coffee – A charming spot for a delicious coffee, with beans locally roasted and sourced from their family estates in India.

Lunch

Buccan Sandwich Shop – Our favorite lunch of the trip. We’d grab sandwiches here and head straight to the beach. I loved the turkey club, but my husband got the steak bomb (which they’re known for), and it looked incredible.
Swifty’s at The Colony – An iconic Palm Beach spot. The Colony Club sandwich and Rosa Spritz were highlights.

Dinner

Renato’s – A romantic, tucked-away Italian restaurant with a patio that felt like dining on Capri.
Honor Bar – The burger lived up to expectations. Located in The Royal Poinciana Plaza, which is a fun area to walk around before or after dinner.