Presidential Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach

It was amid the pomp and circumstance of the last Presidential pageantry, that The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach debuted its sleek Presidential Suite.

Designed to bring luxurious fun to a room category too often adorned with a grand piano and mahogany furniture of yesteryear, the space is comprised of two adjoined, yet independent executive suites, aptly named the Commander and the Chief.

The oceanfront space with views of the Atlantic totals 2,693 square feet, encompassing two bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. One suite offers a billiards room flanked by a bar and sitting area. The glowing under lit onyx bar, the focal point of the room, is complete with a trompe-l’œil image of stunning legs in high heels and fishnet stockings, presenting a grander three-dimensional optical illusion. A raised communal table commands views of the Atlantic during the day and the glass bubble chandelier enlivens the gathering space for evening dinner parties. Leather couches and chairs compliment light fixtures adorned with feathers, and red tones from the area rug and chair fill the room. The frosted glass wall in the foyer defines a shower on the other side, allowing for shadowed viewing when in use.

The other half of the Presidential Suite has a gentler aesthetic. The writing desk is strategically positioned between the lounge and the dining table where guests can easily transition between work and play. Furniture and fixtures, such as mirrored drawers, reflect light and focus on the sweeping ocean panorama. A red crocodile chaise contrasts the capiz shell textured walls, and the bedroom presents a sensitive, sheer-covered canopy bed. The Wellness Room just beyond the bedroom centers around health, well-being and beauty and will be set up according to guest specifications with private service options including Eau Spa treatments, yoga or training classes, or a salon set up to prep for a night out in Palm Beach. Modern, woven furniture adorns balconies that wrap around the entire suite, the perfect place for lounging or a personal meal as the sun sets and rises.

A wall uniquely dedicated to “shoe art” adds to the unexpected tone of the Presidential Suite. Robert Tabor designed the shoes, all of which pay tribute to past First Ladies and other worldly dignitaries. The Hilary Clinton shoe is a high-powered blue pin stripe pump with a heel prominently spiked through a dog house (aptly labeled, Bill). Barbara Bush shoe is a classic orthopedic wing tip in signature blue fashion with a red ribbon tie, topped by her famous three-strand pearls. The Jackie Kennedy shoe is a ‘60’s style square toe, covered in pink wool boucle and a jeweled-trimmed JFK political button on the lapel. The heel reflects her signature hair style and pill box hat. Other shoes include Betty Ford, Eve (as in Adam & Eve), Evita Perón, Imelda Marcos, Margaret Thatcher, Marie Antoinette and HM Queen Elizabeth.

Michelle Obama will soon make her First Lady debut as the icon of fashion with a bright, sleeveless style shoe of lemongrass colored lace with a velvet and jeweled bow and Obama ’08 campaign button on the toe, all inspired by Mrs. Obama’s dress at the Presidential Inauguration of her husband in January 2009 in Washington, D.C. The shoe’s heel features a White House architecture inspired column, with a graduation cap and Princeton University and Harvard Law School logos. The columned heel also includes an Obama family portrait and the now famous “family first” quote – highlighting the importance she places on family values – finished with a red, white and blue ribbon and Mrs. Obama’s First Lady campaign button.

Guests of the Presidential Suite benefit from the following complimentary services: bath butler every evening; beach cabana reservations; monogrammed Ritz-Carlton robes; in-room food and beverage presentations from the Club Lounge; airport transfers; signature VIP welcome and departure amenities; wireless Internet; dry cleaning.

The Presidential Suite, designed by RTKL Associates, Inc., ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per night.

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