The Breakers
By Tony Conboy III
PALM BEACH – Oil and water, Democrats and Republicans, posh resorts and young children – all pairs that historically don’t get along very well. At The Breakers resort in Palm Beach they can’t do much about the chemistry of oil and water, or the personalities of Democrats and Republicans, but they have managed to create a unique atmosphere where children of all ages are not only tolerated, but are actually welcomed, in one of the country’s most aristocratic resorts.
The Breakers, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is aggressively courting the family market. From the latest in computer games to a specially designed video viewing area with stadium style seating, The Breakers is rolling out the red carpet for children.
The Breakers tradition
The Breakers opened its doors in 1926 and since then has become synonymous with Palm Beach and opulence. It consists of 560 guest rooms and 57 suites on 140 acres, located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Standard room amenities include his and her robes, in-rooms safes, dual telephone lines with a data port, Playstation video games, Internet access and CD alarm clocks. It’s the kind of resort that you know immediately must have earned 5 stars, diamonds or any other type of measurement used to indicate exceptional service and facilities. Beaches, golf, tennis, a spa and more – The Breakers has it all.
Going after the family market
In February of 2003, The Breakers rolled out its latest and biggest commitment to the family and kids market with the opening of its new Italian Restaurant and its accompanying children’s play areas.
The Italian Restaurant provides family dining in a casual environment with the added option of either having your children join you at your table or allowing them to participate in one of the three adjoining children’s activity rooms. From one room, thanks to a glass wall, mom and dad can keep an eye on their little precious ones as they play under supervision in a room filled with building blocks and other toys.
In another room, boys and girls of various ages take turns playing the latest games on wide screen computer monitors including X-boxes and the other latest computer toys. The mini-theater, complete with stadium or movie style seats, is also a big hit with the kids. Popular movies are shown nightly complete with fresh popcorn. There are also arts and crafts to keep everyone busy and occupied.
The third room is the arcade area. It is complete with a whole host of standard arcade video games.
Room rates at The Breakers fluctuate greatly. If you want to visit during the typical tourist season, which is November – April, expect to pay a premium. If you want to visit during non-peak seasons, such as June-September, rates have been advertised as low as $190 per night.
Activities for children
The Coconut Kids Crew is the resort’s organized children’s camp program. Children can enroll in the camp for either half day or full-day sessions. A full day’s session is from 9-3. For an all day camp, lunch is included. Activities include kite flying, swimming, lawn games, playground time and other events. My nearly seven-year-old daughter loved it and wanted to return the next day.
Friday Night Family Night
Friday nights are made for families to enjoy their time together at the resort. On the meticulously manicured lawn, near the main entrance, activities commence.
Many for the first time play the family game of aristocrats, no – not polo – but croquet, while Frisbees and footballs are also tossed around. In one corner a kite is flown and later a model rocket is launched to the thrill of the youngsters in attendance. There seems to be something for everyone – mom, dad, brothers and sisters. Food and drinks are available and a great family experience is had by all.
For more information on The Breakers: www.thebreakers.com or or 1/888-BREAKERS.
* all images courtesy of Tony Conboy III.
