The stretch of South Florida located about an hour north of Miami is a more tranquil getaway than its big sister to the south, yet an enticing year-round tropical destination in its own right. The popularity of The Palm Beaches dates back to the Gilded Age, when Standard Oil Company co-founder Henry Flagler built his estate, Whitehall, now the Flagler Museum. This region boasts 39 distinct cities and towns, each with its own personality and attractions, many of which are found along its 47 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and coastline. A few of the region’s main locales are Boca Raton, known for its laid-back luxury; West Palm Beach, popular for its restaurants, museums, shops and nightlife; and the island of Palm Beach, hailed as America’s first resort destination. 

photo credit: The Flagler Museum

Why Boca Raton & Palm Beach? 

• The average daily temperature is 75°F (24°C). 
• There are more than 200 cultural attractions, making the region one of the cultural capitals of Florida. 
• There are 160 public and private golf courses, making the area one of Florida’s golf capitals. 
• The destinations are served by three airports, the closest of which is Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). Other nearby airports include Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA). 

What’s New in Boca Raton & Palm Beach? 

• Brightline, the rail service that connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, is on track to add the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to its route in 2022. 
• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach recently completed a $50 million expansion. Theaters within the complex and the Cohen Pavilion are available for private group events. 
• PBI became the first airport in Florida to achieve GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation, as well as the Airports Council International’s Airport Health Accreditation. 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do as far as teambuilding activities in Boca Raton and Palm Beach, not to mention terrific spots to host power lunches and dinners. Here is a look at a handful in the region. 

See

photo credit: Nigel Young Foster + Partners

Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach 

More than 8,200 European, American, Chinese, contemporary and photographic works of art are on permanent display at the recently remodeled Norton Museum of Art, which first opened in 1941. Outside the Art Deco building, a 37,200-square-foot sculpture garden, dubbed “a museum in a garden,” extends traditional gallery spaces via “garden rooms.” Groups can plan an outdoor reception in the garden or at Heyman Plaza at the front entrance. There are also flexible spaces for groups of up to 400 at a variety of indoor venues, including a 210-seat auditorium and great hall. 

photo credit: Discover The Palm Beaches

Worth Avenue, West Palm Beach 

When Worth Avenue was developed in the early 20th century, it was well-known along the Eastern Seaboard for its high-quality, exclusive merchandise, and delighted elite travelers who visited South Florida. Saks Fifth Avenue opened its first store outside of New York on Worth Avenue in 1926, and over the decades more well-known designers opened their doors, including Cartier, Chanel, Gucci and Hermes. The avenue is often referred to as the Rodeo Drive of the East, though it was established long before California’s shopping mecca. 

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach 

More than 7,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, including a 500-piece collection of tea ceremony items, are housed at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, about a 15-minute drive from Boca Raton. With architecture inspired by traditional Japanese design, the museum features three exhibition galleries, a 225-seat theater, an authentic tea house, classrooms and lakeside terraces. Outside, the 16-acre Japanese Gardens offer strolling paths, a world-class bonsai collection, lakes filled with koi and other wildlife. Groups can choose from a variety of docent-led group tours, including an in-depth look at the current exhibits, a tour of the museum’s Seishin-an Tea House and gardens, or a walking tour through the entire garden. 

For more activities and ideas ask your ALHI GSO about working with Global DMC Partners

Do

photo credit: Global Polo Entertainment

International Polo Club Palm Beach Sunday Brunch, Wellington 

Watch the polo ponies in action from January through April at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, located about a half-hour from West Palm Beach. Considered the premier polo destination in the world, the Polo Club hosts the largest field of high-goal teams and the most prestigious polo tournaments in the U.S. Groups can reserve a table for an exquisite outdoor Champagne brunch in the Veuve Clicquot Pavilion, right on the sidelines with unobstructed views of the polo match. Attendees can complete the experience by participating in the half-time divot stomp, a long-standing tradition when spectators smooth over mounds of dirt upended during the match. 

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton

A visit to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center will get groups outside and into 20 acres of conservation land that’s home to varieties of plants and animals — some of which are rare or endangered — on a protective barrier island. A naturalist guide takes groups of up to 25 through the butterfly garden, a walk through mangrove forests on the Ashley Trail, through four outdoor aquariums, and to see a sea turtle rehabilitation in progress. 

Croquet Lessons at National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach 

The National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach is home to the world's largest dedicated croquet facility with delicate lawns and a clubhouse. Groups can learn, play and experience the fun of croquet, which is a quickly addictive and terrific team sport, perfect for teambuilding. Afterward, groups can host a reception with passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, and share tips learned on the lawn.

For more activities and ideas ask your ALHI GSO about working with Global DMC Partners

Eat

West Palm Beach Food Tour 

West Palm Beach Food Tours invites groups to explore the foodie scene downtown or in a historic neighborhood, and scouts out the best happy-hour spots. Along the way, attendees can meet chefs, indulge in the flavors of South Florida and enjoy an experience to remember. Or groups can kick teambuilding events up a notch with a customized private cooking class. 

Barrel of Monks Brewing, Boca Raton 

Inspired by the fine ales they found in Belgium, three friends started brewing their own beers and opened Barrel of Monks. The venue offers 30-minute group tours of the brewery to see how the small-batch, handcrafted ales are made. Following, groups can relax in the Tasting Room to sip fresh pours of the ales featured on the tour. An on-site food truck, Cheffrey Eats, caters private events. 

Delray Beach Market 

South Florida’s newest food hall is part dining, part lifestyle and all fun. An array of food vendors can conjure up dishes to satiate any appetite, from classic burgers to plant-based bites. There is also a host of international cuisine, from Mediterranean-style to Japanese dishes, and everything in between. The market is available for events of all sizes, from an intimate gathering in the demo kitchen, to a complete buyout. 

For more activities and ideas ask your ALHI GSO about working with Global DMC Partners

Stay / Meet

The Boca Raton 

The Boca Raton effortlessly blends its storied past and inspired architecture with modern-day conveniences and timeless luxury. With accommodations ranging from guest rooms to suites to bungalows, and about 212,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, there are plenty of venues for hosting events. Options include an intimate board meeting in the resort’s Tower, or groups of up to 3,500 for an event on the Beach Club Pool Deck. 

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa 

Perched oceanfront and on its own stretch of private beach is Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, where attendees will find effortless living, relaxed luxury and impeccable events. More than 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space can be transformed to elegantly accommodate groups of 10 to 1,000, including the oceanfront courtyard that truly adds a sense of place. Incentive groups can indulge at the resort’s 42,000-square-foot world-class and award-winning Eau Spa, and afterward, attendees can retreat to their Jonathan Adler-designed guest rooms and suites, reflecting the iconic Palm Beach style that blends glamour, fantasy and luxury. 

The Breakers Palm Beach 

The Breakers Palm Beach, another iconic oceanfront destination in South Florida, opened its doors in 1896 and has warmly welcomed guests with unapologetic luxury, seaside glamour and world-class service ever since. The property boasts more than 80,000 square feet of customizable indoor and outdoor meeting space, from oceanfront venues to grand ballrooms. When the day ends, the newly redesigned and updated 538 guest rooms and suites provide luxurious comfort to relax and recharge. 

PGA National Resort and Spa, Palm Beach Gardens 

When it’s time to play, hit the links at PGA National Resort and Spa, which is about 15 miles north of Palm Beach International Airport. Fresh off a $100 million transformation, the property is ready to shine. All 40,000 square feet of event space are newly designed, from outdoor spaces to indoor venues, including ballrooms, meeting rooms and an amphitheater. Each of the 370 renovated guest rooms and suites has its own private terrace or balcony and spa-style bathroom, and the 31 cottages are ideal for longer stays, or even private meetings or hospitality suites. Attendees can tee off on the resort’s two new golf courses, or host an outdoor reception on the Masters Terrace, adjacent to the 19th-hole Bar 91. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Global DMC Partners.