Palm Beach Archives - KATIE KENNEDY

The New Colony Hotel
📍 Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach, Colony Hotel, Florida, hotel

The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach will always have special memories for me. I first stayed here during my bachelorette weekend, and I’ve been daydreaming of another stay ever since. Starting in 2020, the hotel went through a major overhaul. It started with the lobby and finished in 2022 with the guest rooms. While I loved the bright and quirky original design, the new look from the Kemble Interiors team is to die for. It’s a modern twist on the carefree Florida style we all love.

After picking up my jaw from viewing the lobby, I had lunch with my dearest friends at Swifty’s. This poolside spot feels like the best place to be in all of Palm Beach. I simply dream about their Chicken Curried Salad. Have a cocktail and enjoy the people-watching galore. You never who what famous face will walk by. Afterward, grab a coffee to-go from the Pink Paradise Cafe and hop to Worth Avenue for more shopping.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Travel Guide: Palm Beach

Dress (also) || Heels ($50 off with SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Clutch || Earrings || Bracelet

Picture from Caroline at LCB Creative

What I can say about Palm Beach, Florida that hasn’t already been said? It’s nothing short of perfect! That’s especially true if you’re like me: an old soul with a penchant for pastel colors, good food, and elegance. Whether you’re visiting from another region of the Sunshine State or afar from NYC, here are some of my recommendations for a perfectly Palm Beach weekend.

Travel Guide, Palm Beach, Girl's weekend, Florida

Where to Stay

The Chesterfield: Situated just off of Worth Avenue, this historic hotel is perfectly located for a weekend stay, or longer! As soon as you walk, you will be treated like royalty, with so many nods to British culture. I give you a full view of the hotel in my previous post, Girl’s Trip to the Chesterfield.
The Colony: Where do I begin with this hotel? It really is something you need to see and experience for yourself. It has hosted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Frank Sinatra and always feels like the place to be. What I truly love about this space is the interior design from Kemble Interiors. It’s colorful, it’s carefree, and is quintessential Florida.

Travel Guide, Palm Beach, Florida, girl's weekend

Where to Eat

Sant Ambroeus: This restaurant and cafe will always be a personal favorite. In my NYC days, I would make a point to get a coffee at their Madison Avenue location at least once a week. From breakfast to dinner, everything on their menu is impeccable!
Ta-Boo: This is a Palm Beach staple located right on Worth Avenue. Originally opened in 1941, it was a favorite of the Kennedy clan. Having won several culinary awards since then, it serves up delicious food in an elegant setting. It’s the perfect spot for an evening out, especially if you want to rub elbows with the it crowd.
Swifty’s: Inspired by the Upper East Side bistro of the same name, this pop-up restaurant is located poolside at the Colony Hotel. It is simply too good to pass up! Stopping by at lunchtime, the cocktails were pouring and the DJ was playing. I’ve been daydreaming about the curry chicken salad ever since.
Piccolo Gelato: Sometimes you just need a refreshing pick-me-up! This tiny gelato shopped, tucked away on Via Mizner, is perfect for a warm Palm Beach day! Although you’re a long way from Italy, the Italian style gelato may just match up with anything I had in Rome. My personal favorite duo is limoncello and mango.

Where to Drink

Cafe 155: I wish I was kidding, but I definitely had coffee here every single morning. Can you really blame me? Adorable monogrammed cups, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and perfectly blended iced soy lattes.
The Leopard Lounge: Located in the heart of the Chesterfield, this spot will have you covered from morning to night. In the afternoon, relax in the courtyard for a very special afternoon tea. In the evening, you will want to sit at the bar all night, ordering fabulous martinis, listening to the piano, and making friends with the locals.
HMF: If you’re familiar with Florida history, the Breakers needs no introduction. This 1900s palace by the sea left me breathless the first time I walked in. Take a quick left in the palatial front lobby and you’ll find yourself at their cocktail bar. You’ll feel like you’re in a 1960s Bond movie instead of Palm Beach. Do yourself a favor and order a roll of sushi or two and keep the drinks flowing!

What to Do

Shop Along Worth Avenue: Worth Avenue may just offer some of the best shopping in all of Florida! The Main Street boasts several cherished designers, think Chanel, Gucci, or Lilly Pulitzer. The Via side streets have a different approach. Here, you will find more local boutiques. No matter your budget, there is something for you!
Go Thrifting: No trip to Palm Beach is complete without doing some thrifting! My favorite place is The Church Mouse. Benefitting the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Church, there are so many gems to discover! On my most previous trip, I grabbed a stunning Tory Burch silk maxi dress for all of $35. Spend a few hours here and you never know what you’ll find.
Beach Day on the Atlantic: With so much shopping, it’s almost easy to forget that Palm Beach is an oceanfront town. If you need to relax from the glamour, pack your beach bag and head East to the Atlantic Ocean. Make it a picnic with sandwiches to-go from either Sant Ambroeus or Buccan.

Palm Beach is truly something special. In just under 4 hours, I can leave my little corner in St. Pete and drive into perfectly manicured streets and shops. My goal, going into 2021, is to make the trip much more often. Be sure to hold me to it.

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.