Inside The Brazilian Court, the legendary Palm Beach hotel where Hollywood royalty hides in luxury
Normally, New York’s elite head to glamorous Palm Beach to see and be seen.
But for decades, a special group of Hollywood royalty — and even some real-life princes — have been heading to a hidden hotel to escape prying eyes and cameras.
The Brazilian CourtBuilt in 1926 and discreetly located on Hibiscus Avenue, it has long been a luxurious retreat for the rich and famous from around the world.
Notoriously introverted Greta ‘I Want to Be Alone’ Garbo is known for languishing quietly by her shady poolside between romantic scandals, much like Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and even JFK.
Steeped in history, the hotel today exudes the charm of the 21st century zeitgeist.
For decades, a special group of Hollywood royalty has rushed to the Brazilian court to escape prying eyes and cameras
The refreshing, palm-fringed pool at the Brazilian Court offers the perfect escape from prying eyes
The on-site restaurant Cafe Boulud, the sunny home of renowned New York restaurateur and chef Daniel Boulu, and other modern luxuries.
On Fridays, a DJ creates excitement among the younger, affluent crowd of wealthy partygoers.
The dinner is informal and extravagant at the same time.
Martinis, champagne, cobb salad and sole. The chef’s tasting menu is an added bonus, with a sumptuous wine pairing to complete the experience.
The only thing better than the food and service is the people watching.
A procession of Pucci, Brooks Brothers and Cartier parades past the bougainvillea-decked entrance and the air-conditioned bar with marble accents inside.
While the clientele of the Brazilian court may shine, it is the staff that truly shines. The beautiful rooms are the perfect Palm Beach mix of color and charm.
Should guests wish to venture beyond the hotel walls, we can arrange a trip to the beach in no time.
Robert, Jackie, Ethel and John F. Kennedy relax on the beach in Palm Beach in 1957
The courtyard after the renovation following a devastating hurricane in 1947
Famously introverted Greta ‘I Want to Be Alone’ Garbo is known to have lounged quietly by the shady pool, as is 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 a particularly fun outing by pointing out the bayside homes and their famous owners.
The boat tour also takes you past Peanut Island, the state park now best known for its drunken boating crowds, but where the Secret Service built a secure bunker for JFK in the 1960s, in case his safety was questioned during one of his trips to the island.
This synergy of contemporary debauchery and decades of history runs like a thread through the salmon-pink color of the entire city.
Every street has a story, every house a secret.
The hotel is busy in high season, with crowds of young and old flocking to the bars
The opulent guest rooms, elegantly decorated with silk, velvet 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 easily arranged. Stroll around the island on one of the hotel’s free bikes, or make use of the house car and golf cart service
The Brazilian Court keeps those secrets safe today, and will continue to do so, it seems, for years to come.
Such discretion doesn’t come cheap. A standard double room in high season starts at around $1,600 per night.
But when confronted with the all-powerful, all-seeing Breakers or the posh Four Seasons, the quiet elegance of the Brazilian court speaks volumes.
In the quiet, humid months of June, July and August (or off-season, as the locals say) there are great deals to be found.
When the season starts again after the fall, Brazilian tennis will be swinging again, thanks in part to the new pool bar that will be ready in time for the ‘winterers’.
Stop by and enjoy the glamour and display of one of Palm Beach’s most dedicated supporters.
