Delray,
ALL DAY

By Erica Corsano

Renovated resorts, rooftop lounges, and an exciting arts district invite travelers to experience effortless sophistication by the sea in one of Florida’s breeziest coastal towns.

With its relaxed luxe vibe, pristine beaches (it’s the only East Coast American beach to earn a Blue Flag designation), and many wellness oases, Delray isn’t your typical Florida beach town. Some even say it is completely and utterly underrated—but perhaps locals like it that way. Regardless, Delray Beach makes for a divine weekend escape, about an hour north of Miami, that feels like it’s a million miles away.

Last year, The Seagate Hotel and Spa underwent an impressive transformation via a full-property, $60 million renovation— and it shows. The property offers access to a private beach club, golf club, a quaint, full-service spa, two roomy swimming pools, and dining options galore—all recently reimagined. The 157 serene and spacious guest rooms exude Anglo-Caribbean design vibes, decked out with elegant designer furnishings and original artwork one would find in an elite and traditional Florida coastal home. Situated right in downtown Delray, near the hustle and bustle of Atlantic Avenue, the Seagate’s charming staff are always on-hand and ready to shuttle guests to the nearby beach club and golf club, both just minutes away.

Dine oceanfront at Mr. Seas where the people watching is as fun as the lively vibe or dig into classic American fare at Bourbon Steak by Michelin Star Chef Michael Mina. Finish off your evening back at the main edifice, with Italian-inspired cocktails at Venetian Street Bar, which promises “a dash of Venice with a whole lot of Florida flair.”

Just down the road, and two blocks off of Atlantic, The Ray Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, offers an artsy, urban vibe with each of the 141 rooms and suites giving off modern-meets-tropical vibes, with a floor-to-ceiling glass structure juxtaposed against lush foliage, a 22,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck oasis, and impressive art, including large-scale sculptures and immersive installations. The art pays homage to The Ray’s location, in the heart of the Pineapple Grove Arts District. Most of the Ray’s rooms (and a select number of suites) come complete with sunlit balconies and terraces, with unobstructed views of Downtown Delray Beach.

The wellness-focused, LEED® Silver Certified property also offers highly curated dining. Devour modern Japanese creations by Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back at his namesake restaurant, Akira, or nosh on Chef Akira’s eclectic global bites at Rosewater Rooftop, which also offers a seasonal entertainment lineup to guests, including different DJ sets weekly and VIP tables and bottle service. A mile from the ocean, the property offers free transport to the beach or to area dining spots.

The Seagate Hotel and Spa 

The Seagate Hotel and Spa 

From Japanese to Mexican and Italian to French, Delray Beach offers a diverse and vibrant culinary scene for every type of palate and budget. Enjoy a casual brunch along the Intracoastal at Deck 84, which is only accessible by boat or on foot. Soak in the waterfront views and live music, while enjoying comfort foods like classic fish and chips or homestyle meatloaf.

Tramonti transports diners to Italy with fine dining service, dim lighting, and authentic dishes like Linguine Vongole (clam sauce) and Vitello Milanese (breaded veal), while Le Colonial serves up modern French Vietnamese in an ultra-chic setting.

Off the main drag, you’ll find American fare and live music at Dada, a local favorite hosted inside an offbeat vintage home, with an outdoor dining area and garden. An array of live, nightly entertainment includes open mic nights, poetry, art and fashion shows, comedy, singer-songwriters, live bands, and classic movie nights.

For more evening fun, head to Throw Social, a multipurpose entertainment venue and bar for all ages. Clearly created for millennials looking to snap Instagram-able moments, the decor is a bit much, but overall, the vibe is super fun. Live music, themed event nights, and a handful of fun lawn games make this a must-visit while in town.

For a casual and all-day brunch, head to The Modern Rose, a quirky brunch café, coffee shop, and tea house with over 50 organic and boutique teas to choose from. If you’re a coffee drinker, make sure to try their locally roasted, Calusa Coffee, freshly-ground, and made in house.

Aside from its many bars and restaurants, Atlantic Avenue is also a treasure trove for boutique shopping. Lined with locally owned shops and beachy chain stores alike, there’s certainly a vast array to choose from. Among the impressive shopping options is the preppy-chic-meets-bohemian, The Snappy Turtle. At first glance, the small shop looks like an overpacked, fancy flea market for preppy girls. Take a step inside and have one of their many stylists find you a day-to-evening look that gives off Palm Beach-meets-French girl vibes.

Whether you’re gallery-hopping through the Pineapple Grove Arts District, savoring matcha at The Modern Rose, or basking in the sunshine along a Blue Flag stretch of sand, Delray Beach proves that a staycation can be as elevated as any far-flung getaway. With its laid-back mix of art, style, and barefoot luxury, this coastal gem invites you to slow down and savor every moment.

downtowndelraybeach.com
seagatedelray.com
hilton.com

The Ray Hotel

The Ray Hotel