Photography by White Elephant
Nantucket’s favourite hotel adds a new Palm Beach property to its herd.
For years, Sperry-clad New England summer vacationers have hopped the ferry to stay at the White Elephant Nantucket. Now, the resort company has taken its superb hospitality south, to Palm Beach, Florida, opening a sister property this past November in the former Bradley Park Hotel, a landmark 1924 Mediterranean-style structure just off the city’s original Main Street. Here are four reasons to book a stay now.
Ivory Tower
With just 13 rooms and 19 suites spread over four floors, the White Elephant feels intimate—more like a private estate than a bustling hotel. The interior decor is a far cry from the pink and plush look that abounds in Palm Beach; instead, guests will find a cool mix of breezy and classic, with black-and-white-striped side tables, rattan light fixtures, and elephant patterned throw pillows. Looking to spread out? Book the three-bedroom rooftop Park Suite, which has a full kitchen and a 1,200-square-foot terrace overlooking the ocean.
Trunk Show
A 7-foot-tall white elephant statue by Sante Fe–based sculptor Fredrick Prescott serves as an entryway greeter, and it’s joined by around 130 other original works of art—from a Robert Rauschenberg painting to several pieces by Abstract Expressionist Kenzo Okada. The youngest artist? Ten-year-old British internet sensation The Doodle Boy, who created 30 drawings (each containing a Where’s Waldo? –esque hidden elephant) for the bathrooms.
Watering Hole
As in Nantucket, guests can dine on Peking duck or miso yuzu cod at the global bistro and sushi bar Lola 41—after a pre-dinner rum punch in the courtyard, of course. Prefer to stay in? Sashimi in bed, topped off with a slice of key lime pie, is a great way to end the day. Also, be sure to pop by the lobby for complimentary pastries and coffee in the morning and a wine and cheese reception in the afternoon.
Elephant Rides
The beach is just a short stroll or courtesy van ride away, and the hotel provides beach chairs and towels, plus sand toys and boogie boards for kids. The youngsters will insist on being back by 3 p.m., however, to catch the ice cream cart as it makes its rounds poolside. Guests can also borrow bikes for a ride along the Lake Trail, which has picturesque views of Lake Worth Lagoon and Palm Beach’s most opulent private homes. If four wheels are more your speed, cruise around town in one of the BMW 840i courtesy cars. The only ride more eye-catching would be on the back of an actual elephant. From $650, whiteelephantpalmbeach.com
Next Up: Sittin’ on the Top of the Bay
