The place where Donald Trump likes to holiday year-round

Florida’s Palm Beach has always attracted the glitterati, way before President Donald Trump claimed his patch of this luxe locale.

Railway tycoon Henry Flagler put the town on the map in the late 19th century, when he built The Breakers Palm Beach, one of a range of luxury hotels he constructed along the Florida coast for his Gilded Age guests such as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers and Astors.

Mar-a-Lago has been Donald Trump’s primary residence since 2019.Credit: The Mar-A-Lago Club

Located on a 29-kilometre long palm-fringed barrier island (confusingly, also known as Palm Beach), between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic, the town of Palm Beach resembles an “inflated” Noosa Heads with less nature but a fancier history.

The town’s principal star is the Mediterranean Revival architecture: pink- and ochre-tinged mansions with tile roofs, loggias and arched windows, along with stucco walls and wrought iron. Many of these, particularly along the beautiful main strip, Worth Avenue, are the works of Addison Mizner, an eccentric architect who was usually accompanied by his pet monkey, Johnnie Brown. The town offers plenty of other quirks, aesthetics and Floridian fancies.

Colourful Mediterranean Revival architecture lines Worth Avenue.Credit: Getty Images

The streets are lined with palm trees that loom over convertibles: Aston-Martins, Bentleys, Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Garden-filled courtyards house boutiques including Gucci, Tiffany and Ferragamo, and cater to visitors and to the town’s 9000 year-round residents (the number swells in winter). Currently, 60 billionaires call this place home, as does – for better or worse – president Trump who, in 1985, snapped up Mar-a-Lago, a sumptuous Mediterranean-style villa.

This 100-plus-roomed, pale pink mansion was built by wealthy socialite and philanthropist, Marjorie Merriweather Post. She bequeathed the estate to the US government, intending it be used as a diplomatic and presidential retreat. However, given the lofty maintenance costs, the government returned Mar-a-Lago to the Post Foundation. The foundation decided to sell.

Once in his possession, Trump converted the building to the Mar-a-Lago Club, a private club and his own residence. In an ironic twist, given Trump’s fondness for using the property as his political hub during his first presidency, Mar-a-Lago was dubbed “the second White House”. To mere mortals, Mar-a-Lago remains off-limits (hint: for the best views, head to the Southern Bridge, one of Palm Beach’s three bridges.)

The Palm Beach club features a sprawling pool and private beach. Credit: The Mar-a-Lago Club

Despite the town’s glittering aspects and “closed club” reputation, Palm Beach is surprisingly relaxed, with culture and cocktails, beaches and boutiques. And a stay here doesn’t have to bust your bank. Visit during “low season” (American summer) when vacancies are higher and prices can be lower. Sure, it gets hot, but there’s plenty of things to keep you cool, whether you laze by a pool or swim at the beach.

Eight things not to miss in Palm Beach

Oil tycoon Henry Flagler’s former mansion, now The Flagler MuseumCredit: Getty Images

Driving Tour with Island Living Tours If there’s time for one thing, this is it. Guide Leslie Diver gives you a glimpse of what goes on behind the high hedges: everything from architectural styles to Palm Beach’s local “gossip”. See islandlivingpb.com

Pinkies up in the Flagler Museum Relive the gilded age and learn about Palm Beach’s beginnings in Flagler’s original home. Enjoy a tea service in the beautiful Railcar 91 Tea Room. See flaglermuseum.us

Walking Tour with Rick Rose Panama hat-wearing Rose explores the hidden alleys (or “vias”) and shopping district of Worth Ave, covering Palm Beach’s history of fashion and its influence on the world, with plenty of social anecdotes thrown in. See rickrosepalmbeach.com

Palm Beach Lake Trail and Palm Beaches Stroll or bike along The Lake Trail, a lush path that runs along the intracoastal waterway. Palm Beach and its surrounding areas and towns (north to Jupiter and south to Boca Raton) comprise “The Palm Beaches”. This 60-kilometre or so strip of sand leaves you the pick of towel space. See thepalmbeaches.com

Drink at The Colony Built in 1947, this recently refurbished landmark is a whimsical – and very pink and green – experience. Discover your modern-day Gatsby by joining young, hip Instagrammers and regular retirees at Swifty’s for a poolside cocktail. See thecolonypalmbeach.com

Dine at The Seafood Bar, The Breakers If you’re not indulging in a room at Flagler’s grand dame, splurge on an oyster or three at The Seafood Bar while admiring the impressive Atlantic views. See thebreakers.com

Stay in West Palm Beach Located west of Palm Beach, and connected by several bridges that span the Intracoastal Waterway, West Palm Beach is no longer Palm Beach’s ignored “other half”; it has plenty of trendy accommodation, restaurants and art galleries (don’t miss Norton Museum of Art). See thepalmbeaches.com; norton.org

Shop ’til cocktail hour Most shoppers browse the Worth Avenue boutiques and Royal Ponciana Plaza, but don’t miss the many consignment stores for “pre-loved” luxury goods such as Louboutin shoes, Chanel bags and Rolex watches. See theroyalpoincianaplaza.com

The details

Fly

Qantas flies via Dallas to West Palm Beach, though Miami can be a cheaper option. From here, it’s an easy 1½ hour trip on the Brightline (train) to West Palm Beach. See qantas.com.au; gobrightline.com

Stay

If you’re on a budget, West Palm Beach has cheaper accommodations. Rates at The Ben, Autograph Collection start at around $536 ($US340). See marriott.com

More

thepalmbeaches.com