Words by Mollee Harper | Photography by Kristen Penoyer
"The greatest luxury is being free."
-Manolo Blahnik
As a native South Floridian, I can’t say that Deerfield Beach has entered my mind many times, except maybe when seeing the exit signs on I-95 as I made my way to more exciting cities like Palm Beach or Miami. Yet, here I am for the first time. Only 25 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale, this sleepy beach town awaits, and I'm pleasantly surprised at what it has to offer.
I arrive on a typical South Florida summer day, plagued with intermittent thunderstorms, to begin my exploration of the Royal Blues Hotel. Hollywood-inspired yet old-world styled, this unique property's exterior features pristine whites, pops of brilliant blue, clean lines, and curves in all the right places. It was masterfully architected by Jorge García, who chose a melody of glass, stone, and metal for his modern masterpiece.
It's early August, and I wouldn’t say the beach is bustling, not by South Florida standards anyway. The heavy air is filled with a mixture of sounds - children playing at the beach and sunbathers murmuring over the distant sounds of thunder.
Nestled between the Atlantic, South Ocean Way, and Hillsboro Boulevard, this chic boutique resides in a lovely neighborhood with tight streets, towering palms, and a mixture of shopping, condos, and small businesses. Noticeably devoid of high-rises, the area offers serenity and charm over crowd.
The front patio, just outside Chanson Restaurant.
As I make my way to the entrance, two waterfalls create soothing white noise, while lush green landscaping and inviting sand provide complementary visuals.
The patio furniture follows the building in brilliant white, the tables a lovely slate gray, each adorned with pops of color from tiny orchid centerpieces.
The lobby of the Royal Blues is small, but beautifully appointed, making artful use of light, texture, and theatre, with the wine cellar built into a wall for the adjacent Chanson restaurant.
The hotel is owned by Edward Walson, a Hollywood producer, and rumor has it this boutique is on the A-list for quiet celebrity getaways. Walson, also an avid art collector, spared no expense adorning the interior with spectacular sights to stimulate from the moment of arrival.
The service is exceptional, really exceptional; the staff impeccably equipped to meet your every need, and then some. Guests are warmly welcomed with a glass of bubbly to set the stage of peace and luxury.
Heading up to the guest room in the glass elevator.
As I enter one of the Corner Terrace guest rooms, the first words that come to mind are: spacious, clean, and refined. The fixtures and art complement the rest of the decor and show a refreshingly light hand on the part of the designers.
What I love the most about the room are the finishes - real stone, metal, and wood - which provide a lovely mixture of matte and shine. Color is neither over nor under used, the designers opting for an earthy combination of browns, golds, and slate. The space is harmonious, comfortable, and chill.
I especially liked the little sitting area with its combination of luxurious textures and that same light hand in design, the floor-to-ceiling windows providing abundant, yet not overwhelming, natural light. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted down to the digital blackout blinds, allowing guests to control their light intake for longer slumbers in Frette Linen-clad beds.
Another view of the gorgeous sitting area and creative use of materials on the closet.
There are only 12 guest rooms, making this property truly boutique. Each room has a spectacular ocean view from a spacious balcony you could relax on for hours. If you are looking for the perfect secluded getaway, this is it.
As a foodie, the best thing about Royal Blues is the distinct culinary theme throughout, right down to the Dean & DeLuca snacks offered in-room, hailed from New York’s famed SoHo District. The assortment of decadent black truffle sea salt pretzels and creamy dark chocolate sea salt caramels didn’t stand a chance.
The Nespresso machine adds a nice touch for a private in-room café experience, but do explore the cabinet above. Inside you'll find a bottle of gorgeous wine, with glasses and corkscrew at the ready. Amenities don't get better than that!
The spacious bathrooms are set in Italian marble and natural stones, welcoming guests to their own spa-like setting. One could get lost in the walk-in shower with rain faucet or float away in one of the deep soaking tubs for hours, while plush robes and slippers stand by for their own part in the play.
I’d be remiss not to mention the super duper high-tech features of the luxurious loo. Most notable was the musical Kohler Numi bidet, and dual faucets with digital gauges allowing guests to control water temperature for optimal comfort.
Modern fixtures adorn the bathroom and, yes, that's the remote control for the loo!
Red Flower bath products featured in the guest toiletries kit.
If you enjoyed seeing the hotel and rooms, just wait for Part 2, where I take you to Chanson Restaurant and sample some of their truly extraordinary food, wine, and cocktails.