Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.

Why go here?

There is no finer spa in South Florida. Located in a tiny township called Manalapan, the hotel is practically perched over the Atlantic. (Inside an Ocean Suite, with its panoramic views and the sound of waves lapping, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re actually bobbing along at sea.)

While the treatments are top notch, the real pleasure of Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is that you can luxuriate in its private spaces before and after their treatment—with bottomless flutes of bubbly. You can bop from saunas to steam rooms, or take a dip in the jacuzzi, which features a truly enormous waterfall shower. A couple of years back, Eau refreshed its outdoor spaces and unveiled a new cafe and terrace that offers all manner of fresh-pressed juices and grain bowls (not to mention the best sunset views on the property), as well as private garden villas that are outfitted with gloriously large soaking tubs. But the real draw is the cheekily named “Self-Centered Garden,” a hidden oasis full of draped cabanas, tropical greenery, and crescent chairs that swing over pools of cool water.

What’s the vibe?

With its red tile roof, ocean views, and rows of white umbrellas, the Eau appears a bit like a Mediterranean villa from a distance. The spa, a sprawling 42,000 square feet, features 19 treatment rooms (many with their own private verandas), stream rooms, saunas, jacuzzis, and a polish and scrub bar. The spa is not a subtle space. The modus operandi here is “me time” and they go to somewhat silly lengths to drive this point home: There is a very large clock projected on the floor that ticks backward; guests are encouraged to stop at the spa’s wishing well and set “a truly selfish intention.” Don’t let these playful flourishes fool you—the treatments and on-staff aestheticians are nothing short of excellent.

The history?

Originally established as La Coquille Club in the 1950s, the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa was popular with the Vanderbilt, Ford, and Rockefeller families—as well as several U.S. presidents. A Ritz-Carlton version opened in the 1970s, after the property was razed and updated. Another major transition took place in 2024, when the property was acquired by Larry Ellison. (You might be sensing a trend; he’s also the owner of the sensational Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Sensei Lāna’i and Porcupine Creek.)

What should you try?

The ethos of The Eau’s wellness program is “Pause, Play, and Perfect,” and these principles inform each of their treatments—even down to the color and scent of your room. Ahead of my treatment, my aesthetician flicked through lighting options and explained to me the subtle differences between the three Ps. (“Pause” focuses on relaxing, “Play” on energy, and “Perfect” on results-driven beauty. Being a pragmatist, I went with “Perfect,” which bathed my room in a soft shade of lavender.)

The Eau’s most popular treatment is their Signature Massage, which, I can now confirm, is well worth the hype. This hour-long treatment—which deftly mixes in hot stones—is relatively straightforward but really quite heavenly. It’s like the cacio e pepe of spa treatments; it’s impossible to imagine anyone not liking this. After I dozed off on the massage table, my aesthetician woke me up with the sound of a rainstick and led me to my private terrace to enjoy fresh squeezed juice and candy made of local honey. “Perfect,” indeed.

Who can go?

All facilities and private spaces at The Eau are available to all hotel guests, as well as those who book a spa service. All guests who book a treatment at The Eau have full access to the spa and outside spaces throughout the day.