But Eau Palm Beach Resort & SpaCalm water runs smoothly. Between two edge swimming pools, a luxurious steam room, oversized Jacuzzis and fountains, H2O is a theme that flows throughout the property.
After all, eau means water in French.
The seven-acre property, located on the barrier island of Manalapan, just 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport, was the original site of La Coquille Club. Established in the 1950s, the high society beach club has hosted U.S. presidents and the Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and Ford families.
It was demolished about 30 years later and replaced by the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach in the 90s. In 2003, the hotel was purchased by Lewis Trust Group and a decade later it was rebranded as Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. In August, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, one of the richest men in the world, added the retreat to his luxury portfolio.
Eau’s aquatic motif extends to its 306 hotel rooms and suites, each of which has a balcony. Jonathan Adler designed the cheerful blue and white decor with pops of tropical yellow. As far as dining options go, from al fresco seafood at Breeze Ocean Kitchen to authentic Italian at Polpo Palm Beach, the second outpost of the famed Greenwich, Conn., restaurant, there are five.
And no matter where you are, water is just steps away. snorkel, kayak and paddleboard in the Atlantic, or swim in the pool. Guests can also book a day pass to the 42,000-square-foot spa, which earned a Forbes five-star ranking.
On a recent visit to the Wellness Sanctuary, I started my afternoon with a traditional glass of Champagne and lit a candle in the Wishing Well. It was then time for my 90-minute C-Eau-listic exfoliating massage.
After I selected music, scents and light-colored options, the therapist polished my skin and used Thai-inspired massage techniques with linen bundles filled with warm sea-salt and lavender to restore balance to my body. Used. It was so deeply soothing that I felt as if I was in a trance.
The next day, I went back to the spa to make my own deliciously scented citrus scrub at the DIY Scrub and Polish Bar. After changing into a swimsuit, I entered the hydrotherapy circuit. I soaked in the hot tub with overhead rain shower, lounged in the steam room and sauna, then headed back to the self-centered garden.
Nestled in one of the egg-shaped chairs hanging above the shallow reflection pool, the water was lapping at my bare feet. It was fascinating.
The spa offers an extensive menu of services, including facials, body treatments and massages, many of which use Valmont and Yon-Ka Paris products. Fans of organic services can opt for the Eau Naturals Facial, which boosts skin’s radiance with botanical ingredients free of synthetics, parabens, dyes, petrochemicals and sulphates. The Glo2 Facial, meanwhile, oxygenates and exfoliates the skin. The Signature Massage (duration of 60, 90 or 120 minutes) features hot stones on the back and a luxury foot treatment.
Couples have a choice of five pampering services performed in a private garden villa. Lasting five hours, the Perfect Champagne and Caviar Couples Journey includes massages, facials, manis, pedis and baths for two.
What could be better than that Dip a Deux,
