Fodor's Expert Review Eau Palm Beach

In the coastal town of Manalapan (just south of Palm Beach), this sublime, glamorous destination resort (formerly the Ritz-Carlton) showcases a newer, younger face of luxury, including a 3,000-square-foot oceanfront terrace, two sleek pools, a huge fitness center, and a deluxe spa. All guest rooms were decorated by noted designer Jonathan Adler. The rooms include amenities like marble baths and lovely balconies, most with ocean views. Coconut palms shade the pools and courtyard—all of which are served by attendants who can fulfill whims from iced drinks and sunscreen to cool face towels. The deluxe 42,000-square-foot Eau Spa has 19 high-design treatment rooms and superchic amenities like a co-ed outdoor water playground. A pirate-ship-theme playground and a turtle-theme club for kids will keep ages 3-12 busy. (The structured half- and full-day programs carry an extra fee.) Guests looking for a more luxurious experience can book Club Level suites, which come with access to a dedicated concierge and lounge with complimentary beverages and light bites.