Palm Beach Illustrated: “The PBI Awards: Best of Palm Beach”

Best Restoration in Town

John Volk—architect to the Vanderbilts, Fords, and Pulitzers—was the mastermind behind The Royal Poinciana Plaza. When it opened in the late 1950s, it was a pulsing retail center, but it slowly fell into the sleepy lull of recent memory. This year finally saw The Royal restored to its original glory, and its transformation is truly a sign of the times in Palm Beach. Verdant, intimate courtyards and checkerboard terrazzo surround a fresh lineup of tenants. Hermès Birkin bags coexist with Coyo Taco, a hip, albeit gourmet, taco joint. Locals flock to new classics like The Honor Bar and old hits like TooJay’s. Retailers like Kirna Zabête, Assouline, Cremieux, Cynthia Rowley, and Collective capture the town’s joie de vivre. But The Royal is more than a chic shopping destination. It’s home to temporary art exhibitions, plein air yoga, world-class musical performances, and—above all—memories. Who could forget the haute Easter egg hunt? Or savoring a Sant Ambroeus gelato while admiring the surfboard Christmas tree? Just as The Royal is alive with youthful energy and charm, so too is this community.