Normally, New York’s famous people flock to glamorous Palm Beach to see and be seen.
But for decades, a special group of Hollywood royalty — and some actual princes — have been quick to flock to a hidden hotel to escape prying eyes and cameras.
The Brazilian CourtBuilt in 1926 and nestled discreetly off Hibiscus Avenue, it has long been the luxurious retreat of choice for the world’s rich and famous.
The famously introverted Greta Garbo (‘I Want to Be Alone’) is known to have languished quietly by her shady pool amid romantic scandals, as did Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and even JFK.
Steeped in history, today the hotel is imbued with 21st century charm.
For decades, a special reserve of Hollywood royalty has rushed to the Brazilian court to escape prying eyes and cameras.
The refreshing pool shaded by palm leaves at the Brazilian Court offers the perfect escape from prying eyes.
The in-house restaurant Café Boulud, the sun-drenched outpost of famed New York restaurateur and chef Daniel Boulu, and other modern luxuries.
On Fridays, a DJ thrills a crowd of young, well-heeled party-goers.
Dinner is both casual and extravagant.
Martinis, Champagne, Cobb salad and sole. The chef’s tasting menu is an added treat, with an opulent wine pairing to complete the experience.
The only thing better than food and service is people watching.
A parade of Pucci, Brooks Brothers and Cartier passes through the bougainvillea-adorned entrance and into the air-conditioned, marble-detailed bar.
While the clientele at the Brazilian Court shines, it is the staff that truly shines and the exquisite rooms are the perfect blend of color and Palm Beach charm.
Should guests wish to venture outside the hotel’s marigold-coloured walls, a trip to the beach can be arranged at the drop of a hat.
Robert, Jackie, Ethel and John F. Kennedy relaxing on Palm Beach in 1957
The courtyard after being remodeled following the devastating hurricane of 1947
The famously introverted Greta “I Want to Be Alone” Garbo was known to languish quietly by her shaded pool, as was Audrey Hepburn.
A new perk for guests is a two-hour cruise on the hotel’s 40-foot James Bond-style speedboat, the BC One. Brimming with history and knowledge, Captain Kyle and his crew make the tour especially fun by pointing out bayside homes and their famous owners.
The cruise will also take you past Peanut Island, the state park that is best known today for drunken crowds on boats, but is where the Secret Service built a secure bunker for JFK in the 1960s, in case his safety was called into question during one of his excursions to the island.
This synergy of modern debauchery with decades of high-pedigree history runs through the salmon-pink veins of the entire city.
Every street has a story, every house a secret.
The hotel comes alive in high season, with crowds of young and old alike flocking to its bars.
The sumptuous rooms, elegantly decorated with silks, velvets and wood finishes.
A new perk for guests is a two-hour cruise on the hotel’s 40-foot James Bond-style speedboat, the BC One.
A trip to the beach can be arranged in the blink of an eye. Cruise around the island on one of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles or use the house car and golf cart service.
The Brazilian court is keeping these secrets close to its chest today and will apparently continue to do so for years to come.
Such discretion does not come cheap: a standard double room in high season costs around $1,600 per night.
But when compared to the all-powerful, all-knowing Breakers or the luxurious 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 would say), great deals can be had.
When the season starts up again after the fall, the Brazilian Court will be bustling with activity thanks in part to the new pool bar that will be built in time for winter vacationers.
Come in before then for your chance to soak up the glamour and brotherhood of one of Palm Beach’s most devoted stalwarts.