Palm Royale Sparks Huge Interest In Florida's Palm Beach (Here's How To Visit Like A '60s Socialite)
Set in the late 1960s in Palm Beach, Florida, "Palm Royale" is one of Apple TV+'s latest creations. The series centers on Kristen Wiig's Maxine Simmons as she navigates through Palm Beach's high society. While Wiig is the protagonist, the show's star is arguably the uber-luxurious town of Palm Beach. Islands found that Google searches for "Palm Royale's" filming location were up 5,000% the following week after its premiere on March 20.
That said, the 10-episode series was not filmed in Palm Beach — it was primarily filmed in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, the spell has been cast. Islands found that Google searches for Palm Beach and "Palm Royale" were up 1,150%. The series' dedication to 1960s opulence, fashion, and architecture could be to blame for this uptick in fascination with Palm Beach.
Ultimately, Palm Beach is a resort town with some of the most gorgeous beaches you don't want to skip in Florida. The weather is nearly always perfect (think warm year-round temperatures). Thus, if "Palm Royale" has got you dreaming about this southeastern Florida destination, you won't want to miss our guide on what to do and where to stay so you can visit like a true socialite.
Luxury accommodations in Palm Beach
Although "Palm Royale" was filmed in Los Angeles, production designer Jon Carlos told Condé Nast that the design team was "very inspired" by iconic Palm Beach hotels and private clubs, including The Breakers and The Everglades Club. Islands' research found that Google searches for The Breakers Palm Beach and The Everglades Club were up 4,200% and 4,550%, respectively, in the week following the show's release.
The Breakers — a five-star resort — has four pools and provides guests access to a private beach. It also includes two golf courses and a tennis court, with the option to hire a private instructor for the latter activity. Access to 13 signature boutiques and a complimentary chauffeured Mercedes also await. You can expect to pay over $900 per night for two adults at The Breakers. All in all, it's an over-the-top luxury stay worth the splurge.
Another hotel that inspired Palm Royale is The Colony, which is known for its pastel-pink facade and oozes vintage glamour. Like The Breakers, it is steps away from the beach. Moreover, The Colony offers guests a series of complimentary luxury amenities, including a beach butler, cruiser bikes, golf carts, on-demand drivers, and more. Note that it's also pet-friendly. A standard room at The Colony starts at around $950 a night, which can be reserved online. Although time travel doesn't exist, thanks to these lavish resorts, you can still be transported to an era of extravagance, as seen in "Palm Royale."
Discover Palm Beach in style
A visit to Palm Beach is incomplete without exploring Worth Avenue (think of it as Florida's Rodeo Drive.) Grandeur and splendor are the name of the game. You'll find legendary designer stores here, including Chanel, Ferragamo, and Lilly Pulitzer. In fact, Lilly Pulitzer's designs are featured in "Palm Royale" and are a Palm Beach staple. Even if these shops are out of your price range, Worth Avenue offers a walking tour every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The tour is an hour and 15 minutes long and focuses on Worth Avenue's impact on Palm Beach fashion, which is pivotal to "Palm Royale." Tickets can be purchased online for $25. Additionally, Worth Avenue has several ritzy dining options and cafes, including Renato's, which serves hearty Italian meals.
But Worth Avenue isn't all Palm Beach has to offer — not even close. According to Tripadvisor, visiting the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is one of the top-rated things to do in Palm Beach. The museum is housed in a massive mansion, once the residence of oil tycoon Henry Flagler. Exhibits change each season. Admission ranges from $13 to $26. You can purchase tickets online and hours vary. If you want to get outside and enjoy Palm Beach's splendid scenery and weather, head to the Palm Beach Lake Trail. The trail is ideal for a walk or bike ride in the Florida sun. As Ryvis Sierra, the senior public relations manager for The Palm Beaches, explained to People, "A ride on Lake Trail will give you a sneak peek into how the rich and famous live."