Sophisticated Traditions

Florida Coast Magazine – Holiday 2019 – The palm trees have turned a brighter shade of green, the sea, a sapphire blue and a mystical feeling is covering the sun-drenched pavements of northern Palm Beach county. This can only mean one thing: the holiday season is approaching. Take a moment to reevaluate family holiday customs and ask the question, “Do we have a classy family tradition?”

Is there a place in South Florida which encapsulates the holiday feeling and magnifies it with sparkling splendor? With a faultless blend of history, modern conveniences, beauty, decadence, and pure enchantment, The Breakers in Palm Beach is rumored to be the place to visit during the holidays, but what makes it so special? Let’s put on our finest and head to Palm Beach to find out.

The sheer “wow” factor of The Breakers is worth a trip to Palm Beach alone. Set within 140 acres of tropical paradise, the resort was modeled after the celebrated Villa Medici in Rome. With its magnificent fountains, quaint courtyards, flower-covered arches and exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean, the resort is an aesthetically pleasing delight.

Oil millionaire and East Coast Railway entrepreneur, Henry Flagler, was also a property developer extraordinaire. He focused his main development projects in the Palm Beaches, with the first Breakers opening in 1896 (then named Palm Beach Inn) as a winter resort for the well-heeled of American society.

Today, The Breakers still has an aura of grandeur and tradition, which seems to have been lost, or never found, in many other grand resorts. The “special” is often lacking in today’s society, with many becoming expectant of quick, mediocre service. The Breakers makes all guests feel special and privileged, no matter the bank balance.

Back in the Flagler days, the resort was a seasonal hotel and open from November through April, with the Summer months closed to visitors and only housing the staff to operate the building. The Florida Coast team met with Christopher Casey, the director of the design studio to investigate further.

Quizzing Casey on how the holidays were celebrated back then he said, “It was nothing like it is today. They may have had a Christmas tree, but half of the structure was not there, so the resort was a lot smaller back then. The major ballroom was not built and the Venetian wasn’t around in the 1950’s. There was really limited space and they certainly didn’t do the balls like they do now. There wasn’t even air conditioning back in those days.”

The holiday season preparations at The Breakers start in late September, but due to the amount of planning that goes into each year’s ornamentation, the holiday décor planning and purchasing starts in March, when the first Christmas buyer’s fair takes place.

Casey explains, “We actually hire a team to come in each year to put up the decorations. When I first started here in the late 90s, my team and I used to do it all. Back then, it was a couple of trees and embellishments so it was manageable. Now it is incredible and there is lots to look at. We have people who come just for the holidays to see the décor in the lobby. Once the vendors order the decorations, it takes about six months for the decorations to get made.”

The Breakers now hosts major holiday buffets for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. With thousands of people expecting to see and experience the ultimate in quality food, service, accommodation, and holiday décor, they certainly won’t be disappointed. The holiday season is the busiest time of the year at the resort, and Casey elaborates, “We don’t even take conventions during this time of year as we open up to the public to either stay, dine, or visit to see the incredible décor.”

Every year, Casey and his team review the decorations from the year before and any resort renovations, or new buildings on site which will need additional ornaments. Once they have planned the areas and how much décor is required, then they discuss any replacements or updates. “This year the garlands are being replenished. The decorations only last between five and six years, then they either get weather beaten or just tired.” Casey clarifies.

Then comes the fun part—the theme and color scheme. This year, the main foyer had a beautifully designed carpet installed. It’s an exquisite one-of-a-kind piece designed by the renowned Adam D. Tihany, based in NYC. The carpet was produced by Sacco Carpet and woven in one piece by 35 weavers. Its botanical motif of lilies, amaranths, irises, and other flora native to South Florida bursts from under visitor’s feet like flowers blooming after a warm, south Floridian downpour. The complex details are a beauty in its own right, but add these colors to this year’s holiday color theme inspiration and The Breakers will be basking in a richness of jewel-like sophistication. Casey and his team do an astounding job of incorporating modern, tasteful decorations, and beautiful holiday foliage, with the classic aspects of the hotel’s architecture and fittings.

The lighting from the top of the resort can be seen from miles away and is very impressive. Approaching The Breakers, the 1,040-foot driveway is lined with 100 majestic royal palms and Canary Island date trees, which are tastefully wrapped in soft white lights leading to the resort’s grand entrance. With a remarkable 170,000 twinkle lights, 8,000 ornaments, 12,000 feet of ribbon and 126 bows, two 18-foot evergreen trees and a sculptural menorah illuminating the hotel lobby, it is worth visiting during the holidays just to take in the sheer splendor of this spectacle or of course, to visit Santa.

Walking through the front doors of The Breakers is how one might imagine it would be like stepping inside a stately home in an Agatha Christie novel. The sense of history and detail it offers cannot be replicated. With its vaulted ceilings, intricate hand painted details, and impeccable customer service, one feels like royalty. Whether it be for a day or a week, decadence wraps you in a cultural blanket and guides you through a postmodern experience of the old and the new.  

Families return year after year making it their holiday family tradition. The resort is geared towards multiple generations. There really is something for everyone, including an activity department for the children, spa treatments, fine dining, and dancing.

The Breakers is still owned by the Kenans family, who are the direct descendants of the resort’s founder, Henry Flagler. Unlike many hotels and resorts which are now owned by large chains or corporations, this family business is evident with the small details and the feeling of cordiality throughout the entire resort. So, men polish up the brogues, suit and tie, and ladies, reach for the glitz and glamor. It’s time to make a family holiday tradition and head to The Breakers.  

Special Events & Holiday Dining at The Breakers Palm Beach

Thanksgiving Day (November 28) Spend Thanksgiving at The Breakers in the exquisite Ponce de Leon Ballroom, adorned from top to bottom in festive harvest décor. Artful buffet offers Thanksgiving Day favorites, as well as unexpected items. Enjoy classics like chef-carved turkey breast with Breakers stuffing and cranberry sauce, plus delicacies fresh from the ocean, and last but certainly not least—stunning desserts like luscious fruit pies, decadent tortes, delectable pumpkin pie, and layered cakes, plus whimsical takes on sweet favorites. Available from 3 - 7 PM for $195 per person and $75 for children ages 12 years old and younger.

Christmas Day (December 25) Celebrate in The Breaker’s Ponce de Leon Ballroom dotted with glittering chandeliers, where this joyous celebration features an elaborate buffet dinner showcasing classics, such as hand-carved beef tenderloin, savory rack of lamb, the day’s bounty of fresh catches (spiced jumbo shrimp cocktail, crab legs, oysters, clams, caviar, sushi rolls), and an array of indulgent desserts (festive peppermint bark, rich crème brûlée and ornately decorated cakes and pies). Christmas Dinner in the Ponce de Leon Ballroom is available from 3 – 7 PM for $195 per person; $75 for children ages 12 years old and younger.

HMF – HMF will once again feature Holiday Tea on December 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28 and 30, 2019. Arrive in tea-time attire and enjoy delicacies, such as handcrafted tea sandwiches, warm buttermilk scones with Devonshire cream, rose petal jam, fresh fruit preserves and delicate pastries, along with a curated selection of teas for $75 per person ($55 for children ages 12 years old and younger). A menu of bespoke cocktails will also be available for purchase.

In addition, HMF will ring in 2020 with a New Year’s Eve Celebration on December, 31, 2019. Guests will savor a special multi-course menu, complete with live music, dancing and a Champagne toast at midnight as the ball drops live from Times Square. Reservations are $450 per person. Staggered seating is available at 9 PM, 9:30 PM and 10 PM. This is a 21 year old plus event.

For a new level of New Year’s Eve luxe, consider the social club’s Communal Table (seats up to 14; $6,300) or ultra-exclusive VIP Wine Room (seats up to 20; $9,000).

Flagler Steakhouse – Located on the second floor of The Breakers’ Golf and Tennis Clubhouse, Flagler Steakhouse is a vibrant take on the classic American chophouse.

Flagler Steakhouse will welcome guests for lunch and dinner on both Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Check the website (thebreakers.com) for special prix-fixe menu, seating times, and pricing. Reservations can be made by calling (561) 659-8471.

The Circle

Begin the holiday and the New Year with an elaborate and spirited brunch at The Circle. One of the resort’s most stunning spaces, The Circle is dotted with arched windows and glimpses of the ocean. Indulge in creative cocktails, an exquisite one-of-a-kind buffet and signature desserts, with a live harpist playing tableside. Both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Brunch will be served from 11 AM – 3 PM.

Christmas Day Brunch - $165 per person; $60 for children ages 12 years old and younger.

New Year’s Day Brunch - $160 per person; $60 for children ages 12 years old and younger.

New Year’s Eve Fantasy Ball

(Ponce de Leon Ballroom, December 31, 2019)

If ever there was a night for glamour, this is it. Dress to the nines and join us in the spectacular Ponce de Leon Ballroom, bedecked with a dramatic ceiling and glittering chandeliers. Gather with family and friends at this black tie event and enjoy an evening of live entertainment, dancing and culinary delights. Sip cocktails as you enjoy hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, a premium raw bar and specialty stations, followed soon after by an artful four-course dinner, complete with wine pairings and an open bar. As midnight nears, opt for a glass of Champagne and get ready to count down in style. Best of all? A half-hour into the new year, you’ll be treated to an extensive buffet of breakfast favorites—the perfect fix after a night of celebration.