PGA National Resort offers a nostalgic, family-friendly, holistic travel experience infused with 1950s and ’60s Palm Beach glamour.
A golf course at PGA National Resort PHOTO BY WILL PRYCE
Having built its reputation on world-class golf tournaments and championship courses, PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens (pgaresort.com) has experienced a rebirth. In 2022, an extensive $100 million transformation breathed new life into the property, paying tribute to its beginnings while considering the modern-day traveler. “Our goal was to disrupt the misconception of a one-dimensional golf resort with a 360-degree luxury travel experience,” says Joseph Fisher, managing director of PGA National Resort. “In creating this tropical paradise, every aspect of our redesign was thoughtfully planned for a modern and current take on Palm Beach Gardens from its inception. The key to this revitalization was finding a balance between world-class golf and imaginative dining, wellness, and resort lifestyle.” From the 1960s Palm Beach-inspired guest rooms and suites designed by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group (think custom vintage black-and-white palm-leaf wallpaper and lacquered-and-caned case goods) to coastal cottages outfitted by Serena & Lily and the burgundy-and-black marble center bar in the lobby, it’s all a little throwback and a lot of style. Here are four celebrated pastimes at this iconic resort, reimagined.
Chef Lindsay Autry’s Honeybelle restaurant PHOTO BY WILL PRYCE
HONEYBELLE: Multiple James Beard Award nominee and Palm Beach resident chef Lindsay Autry serves seasonal American cuisine in this all-day dining concept with indoor-outdoor seating, hints of Old Florida and southern charm. Relax in the bright, airy ambiance designed by ROHE Creative and enjoy Autry’s famous crispy chicken sandwich or pistachio pesto pizza with handcrafted cocktails or mocktails.
THE BUTCHER’S CLUB: Grab a happy hour drink in the lobby bar and then head into this swanky 1950s-inspired brasserie for select dry-aged cuts, raw bar seafood and shareable dishes prepared with local, sustainable ingredients—under the direction of “Top Chef” winner and Michelin Star chef Jeremy Ford. ROHE Creative crafted a sophisticated palette of dark woods, black marble, handsome houndstooth fabric and gold accents.
Chef Jeremy Ford’s The Butcher’s Club. PHOTO BY WILL PRYCE
THE SPA: Brought to life by Venus Williams’ design firm V Starr, the 40,000-square-foot spa at PGA National offers a nail and hair salon, the 1950s-inspired barbershop Groom Guy, wet and dry treatment rooms, a couple’s treatment room, two Himalayan salt rooms, an outdoor pool deck, and mineral pools with salts imported from the healing waters of the world: the Dead Sea in Israel and France’s Salies-de-Béarn.
ANDY STAPLES-DESIGNED GOLF COURSES: With an already rich history of championship plays, the resort welcomes two new Andy Staples-designed courses, The Match and The Staple, which encourage two distinct types of golf rounds. The Staple reimagines the 1983 Squire course designed by Tom and George Fazio, rendering nine holes of golf suited for all levels of players, from avid golfers to first-timers. These courses join a state-of-the-art Sports and Racquet Club with 16 Har-Tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a Members Clubhouse with new locker rooms, bespoke amenities and a dining room with expansive views of The Champion Course.
