Normally, New York’s glitterati flock to glamorous Palm Beach to see and be seen.
But for decades, a special reserve of Hollywood royalty – and some real princes – have rushed to a hidden gem hotel to escape from prying eyes and cameras.
The Brazilian Court, built in 1926 and set discreetly off Hibiscus Avenue, has long been the luxurious refuge of choice for the world’s rich and famous.
Famously introverted Greta ‘I Want to Be Alone’ Garbo is known to have languished quietly by its shady pool in between romantic scandals, as did Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and even JFK.
Steeped in history, today, the hotel is sprinkled in 21st Century zeitgeist charm.
For decades, a special reserve of Hollywood royalty have rushed to a The Brazilian Court to escape from prying eyes and cameras
The cooling, palm leaf shaded pool at the Brazilian Court offers the perfect escape from prying eyes
The in-house restaurant Cafe Boulud, the sunny outpost of famed NYC restaurateur and chef Daniel Boulu, and other modern day luxuries.
On Friday’s, a DJ thrills a younger, well-heeled crowd of monied partygoers.
Dinner is both casual and extravagant.
Martinis, champagne, cobb salad and dover sole. The chef’s tasting menu is an extra treat, with an opulent wine pairing to complete the experience.
The only thing better than the food and service is the people watching.
A parade of Pucci, Brooks Brothers and Cartier sashay past the bougainvillea adorned entrance and into the air conditioned, marble-accented bar.
While the Brazilian Court’s clientele shimmer, it’s the staff who really shine and the exquisite rooms are the perfect Palm Beach mix of color and charm.
Should guests wish to venture out of the hotel’s marigold walls, a trip to the beach is arranged at the drop of a hat.
Robert, Jackie, Ethel and John F. Kennedy, relaxing on the beach in Palm Beach in 1957
The courtyard after being remodeled following a devastating 1947 hurricane
Famously introverted Greta ‘I Want to Be Alone’ Garbo is known to have languished quietly by its shady pool, as did Audrey Hepburn
A new perk for guests is a two-hour cruise on the hotel’s 40ft, James Bond-style speedboat, the BC One. Captain Kyle and his crew, brimming with history and knowledge, make it the outing particularly fun by pointing out the bayside houses and their famous owners.
The cruise will also take you past Peanut Island, the state park that’s today best known for drunk crowds with boats, but is where the secret service built a secure bunker for JFK in the 60s, should his safety be called into question during one of his jaunts to the island.
This synergy of modern day debauchery with decades of high pedigree history runs through the salmon pink veins of the whole town.
Every street has a story, every house a secret.
The hotel swings in high season, with a crowd of young and old flocking to its bars
The sumptuous guest rooms, decorated elegantly with silks, velvets and wood finishes
A new perk for guests is a two-hour cruise on the hotel’s 40ft, James Bond-style speedboat, the BC One
A trip to the beach is arranged at the drop of a hat. Saunter around the island on one of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles, or make use of the house car and golf cart service
The Brazilian Court holds those secrets safe today. And will continue to, it seems, for years to come.
Such discretion doesn’t come cheap. A standard double room in peak season starts around $1,600 a night.
But when stumped up against the all-powerful, all-seeing Breakers or ritzy Four Seasons, the Brazilian Court’s quiet elegance speaks volumes.
In the quiet, humid months of June, July and August, – or out of season, as the locals would say, there are great deals to be had.
When season starts up again after the fall, the Brazilian Court will be swinging thanks in part to the new pool bar that’ll be built out in time for the snowbirds.
Sneak in before then for a chance to soak up the glamor and guild of one Palm Beach’s most devoted stalwarts.