I'm not fancy.
I can be, but I like dive bars and hot dogs.
So, you do the math.
Hence, why I hadn't ever made The Palm Beaches area of Florida a travel priority. I usually gravitate towards relaxed beach destinations with budget friendly options and feeling-like-I-belong vibes. I had been to Florida several times, but it seemed there was a prim + proper stigma attached to PB...and I didn't own any flamingo embroidered pants, so would they even let me in?
Turns out I was wrong. Palm Beach, although it has fancy pants status, did not, in the least, feel like they were snooty fancy pants. I should also mention that I'm not a spa person. I never choose to spend money on myself that way. My spending focus usually errs toward the food side of things...like ice cream or mozzarella sticks.
Though I've had a few massages, never have I indulged in a facial, let alone spend an entire day wrapped in a luxurious white robe drinking champagne with a full line-up of treatments ahead of me. I mean, twist my arm. But, to be fair, I was a little bit scared.
So when I was invited to experience a preview of Spa + Wellness month, (which occurs in October- who knew?) with Discover Palm Beaches, I figured it was time to give this Treat-Yo-Self travel mindset the ole college try. I channeled my inner Tom and Donna from Parks + Rec.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't that hard.
It wasn't all Spa though, it was also Wellness...which meant exercise and getting scolded about sunscreen. But- another story, another day.
Alas, here's my round-up of the
11 (probably best) Ways to Treat-Yo-Self in The Palm Beaches
1.SLEEP
Slumbering like the Kings and Queens we are, is, perhaps, the best thing we can do to treat ourselves...because like pizza, a good night's sleep is e v e r y t h i n g.
The Eau Palm Beach ticks that box like the boutique resort boss that it is. Chic beachfront bliss with abundant onsite food options, a welcome glass of champagne, spa services, and a bucket swing on each balcony. Oh, and steps to a sandy sunrise. Um, can I live here?
2. BE SELF-CENTERED
Yeah ok, sounds silly. But at the Eau Spa, the first thing you do before your treatment is make a "self-centered wish" with a candle in their rubber ducky pond. And while that seems, well, self-centered... it's kind of nice when you're instructed to do something for you. I mean, that's why you're here, at the spa...right? Also, the rubber duckies though.
3. EXERCISE PARTY
At no point in my workout life have I felt like exercising was an enjoyable party; not even an un-enjoyable party, mind you. And then this guy invented CarD.O. Drum Fitness. Where you can bang the S*it out of some tires with sticks to super upbeat jams and scream in surprise joy when confetti is blasted all over the GD place. (Or maybe that's just me.)
4. YOGA
I'm not a yogi. In fact, before this jaunt to Palm Beach, I had never done yoga. *gasp* So, you could say I was fairly new. In the span of 72 hours, I managed to survive an outdoor yoga class as part of the District Fit program, and another with the famous Leslie Glickman, called Yoga Journey. Boy was I sore. Namaste.
5. EAT, OBVIOUSLY
'Eat' and 'Treat' rhyme for a REASON. More than one way to treat-yo-self is, without a doubt, all the delish food options.
Some of my favs:
Breeze Ocean Kitchen at Eau Palm Beach
outdoor seating where everything- EVERYTHING on the menu is good.
Farmer's Table in Delray Beach
farm to table goodness.
Also, I ate two breakfasts in one sitting. (not pictured.)
Lynora's
legit Italian fare. (and that's coming from an Italian.)
6. SUNRISE
I know I made a solid push for 'sleep' at the top of this list, but there is something to be said for a sunrise start to your day. So if you can manage the early wake-up, definitely take advantage of being on the right side of the coast for optimal sunrise viewing. Sunrise swim anyone?
7. SEASIDE DRINKS
It's pretty much a rule to have a drink by the beach, and Palm Beach is no different. It's 5 o'clock somewhere, and even if it wasn't, you're treating-yo-self, so get sippin'.
8. SHOP
...with a bar. You heard me right. Island Company will mix you a drink (if you're of age, obv.) while you peruse their cooler than cool beach chic store. I don't know about you, but I make some of my top shopping choices when I'm liquored up.
9. BOAT CRUISIN'
What better way to cap off your relaxation efforts than with a sunset catamaran boat cruise whilst sipping some adult beverages? FlaMingle Happy Hour Cruise with Visit Palm Beaches is the best way to do some fiery sunset viewing. Because, boats.
10. A MARRIOTT MANI-PEDI
I know that seems oddly specific, but this was quite possibly the best mani-pedi I've ever had. My regular (not gel!) manicure lasted 2 weeks! TWO. WEEKS. The Delray Beach Marriott knows what's up. Oh, and they just added a Himalayan salt-scrub room.
Interest level piqued.
11. INDULGE AT THE BREAKERS
- Eat amongst the fishies at the aquarium bar (or communal table) at the onsite Seafood Bar restaurant. HOW COOL IS THAT.
- Their spa is ridic. Treat-yo-self to a delightful day of pampering, or just hang out in the skinny pool like I wanted to.
- Take a nap on their private beach.
- See and be seen at HMF. You'll basically feel like you're part of a secret club.
Palm Beach makes a hard case for treat-yo-self travel...and who are we to argue? I may be jumping on the bandwagon myself because I did feel those relax-juvenation vibes I had been missing. 'Twas a nice lil break. And I didn't once feel left out because I lacked a sweater tied around my shoulders.
** I was hosted as a writer on this trip, sponsored by Discover Palm Beaches, but all opinions are my own.