The Palm Beaches, Home to the ‘Winter Equestrian Capital of the World’

The Palm Beaches, Aka the 'Winter Equestrian Capital of the World'

The Palm Beaches, home to 39 tropical and vibrant cities, each with a unique charm, has become synonymous with world-class sporting events and luxury escapes. One of its ‘sporting calling cards’ is Polo, and in this feature, we look at how the sport became synonymous with the region, how you can experience it, and some of the best places to stay while doing so.

Known as the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World,” The Palm Beaches is a magnet for equestrian enthusiasts and polo aficionados. Whether enjoying the excitement of the sport from elegant grandstand seating or indulging in a refined field-side champagne brunch, visitors can be confident that they’ll experience an unforgettable taste of sporting excellence and sophistication.

A black and white photograph of player in a game in the 1970s

The Rich History of Polo in The Palm Beaches
The history of Polo in the Palm Beaches dates back to the 1920s when the region was being developed as a luxurious playground for the affluent. With a warm climate, lush landscapes, and vast open spaces, the Palm Beaches quickly became an ideal setting for equestrian pursuits.

The sport’s prominence soared in the 1970s thanks to the visionary efforts of the late William Ylvisaker, a real estate developer and passionate player who founded the iconic Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in Wellington.

Ylvisaker was a man who was known for having a down-to-earth, friendly nature, which seemed at odds with his considerable business acumen. His links to the sport extended far beyond commercial investments, as he was among the world’s highest-ranked amateur players with a rare 7-goal rating.

Without William Ylvisaker’s efforts, the United States would likely not be the powerhouse in the sport it is today, and The Palm Beaches wouldn’t have its vaunted reputation in the sport, with the ability to attract the world’s top players and high-profile guests.

A professional player relaxing at the end of the day

Although Polo is regarded as somewhat of a niche sport in comparison to others, it has been growing in popularity in recent years, partly fuelled by the Netflix documentary ‘POLO’, which was filmed in Wellington, one of the 39 cities and towns represented by The Palm Beaches.

The documentary provides viewers with an intimate glimpse into the lives of professional players, both on and off the field, bringing the sport’s glamour and intensity to a new generation of fans.

Spectators enjoying a game

Spectate ‘The Sport of Kings’ in The Palm Beaches
From January to April, the National Polo Center becomes the epicentre of elite equestrian activity, offering an unforgettable blend of thrilling competition and refined hospitality.

The region hosts many prestigious polo matches and equestrian events, including the highly celebrated Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament in April. This vibrant celebration sees players from around the globe compete on Patagones’ world-class field, blending sporting excellence with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Spectators enjoying a game

Equestrian and Polo enthusiasts can also witness the world’s finest horses and riders in action at the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (8th January – 30th March), an iconic event that invites travellers to experience the grace and thrill of show jumping and dressage.

The polo season culminates with the prestigious USPA U.S. Open Polo Championship® final, an unmissable event showcasing the sport’s best.

Women wearing white robes relaxing at the spaThe Eau Spa. Image courtesy of Discover The Palm Beaches.

Where to Stay: Luxurious Escapes in The Palm Beaches
Beyond the world of Polo, The Palm Beaches have long been a haven for glamorous stars and cultured travellers, offering an array of elegant hotels and resorts that perfectly complement the region’s equestrian prestige.

For travellers seeking refined indulgence, The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach stands as Palm Beach island’s only Five-Diamond, Five-Star resort, offering a sanctuary of sophistication.

Guests can unwind by picturesque pools or enjoy oceanside experiences along acres of private beachfront, all set against Palm Beach’s timeless beauty. The hotel’s well-appointed rooms and suites feature private furnished balconies and blend unparalleled comfort with effortless style – capturing the very essence of luxury.

For travellers looking to experience ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, the newly opened Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences is The Palm Beaches’ latest health-centric retreat. Set along 300 feet of private beach on Singer Island, this transformative resort merges Eastern principles with Western luxury.

A highlight of the property is its Amrit Wellness & Spa, which is crowned the largest spa in Florida, spanning 103,000 square metres across four stories. Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of rejuvenation therapies, including an Aayush Hydrothermal water therapy circuit, IV treatments and sound and light healing.

Having opened its doors in November 2024, Palm House was one of the most anticipated launches in The Palm Beaches. Offering a fresh take on luxury, designed for the next generation, the property marks the first U.S. property under London-based L+R Hotels’ Iconic Luxury Hotels collection.

Crafted as a modern retreat that marries Palm Beach’s enduring allure with contemporary luxury, the intimate hotel features 79 spacious guest rooms and suites. Located just steps from the beach, Palm House is set to redefine modern luxury on Palm Beach.

To learn more about The Palm Beaches, visit www.thepalmbeaches.com.

A boat sailing on the waterBoat with The Boca Raton in distance. Photograph courtesy of Discover The Palm Beaches.The Palm Beaches, Home to the 'Winter Equestrian Capital of the World' 2

Editorial Team

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