11 Ways to Treat-Yo-Self in the Palm Beaches

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.

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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

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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?

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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.

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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.) 

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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 Beachoutdoor seating where everything- EVERYTHING on the menu is good.

Breeze Ocean Kitchen at Eau Palm Beach

outdoor seating where everything- EVERYTHING on the menu is good.

Farmer's Table in Delray Beachfarm to table goodness.Also, I ate two breakfasts in one sitting. (not pictured.)

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.)

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?

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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'. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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- 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. 

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- Take a nap on their private beach.

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- See and be seen at HMF. You'll basically feel like you're part of a secret club.

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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.