The buzzy new miniseriesPalm Royale, currently streaming on Apple TV+, follows Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she tries to infiltrate Palm Beach high society circa 1969. Based on the book Mr. & Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel, the show is filled with a slew of stars including Ricky Martin, Allison Janney, Josh Lucas, Laura Dern, and Kaia Gerber.
The show stands out not just for its stacked cast and juicy plotlines, but also for the texturally rich set design that does such a good job of creating a sense of place. While watching, I found myself yearning to be poolside in 1960s-era Palm Beach. Given my knowledge of what was really going on in 1960s Florida, this is a testament to the show's stunning visuals.
Bringing all of this to life required a clear vision, Todd McMullen, the cinematographer for eight of the show's 10 episodes, told Thrillist. The visual inspiration for the show owed a lot to one photographer in particular: George "Slim" Aarons. Aarons' photographs and subjects, according to McMullen, informed the direction showrunner and director Abe Sylvia took with the show.
"Slim was a WW2 combat photographer who later turned his camera lens on 'attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places,'" McMullen explained to Thrillist. "This inspired part of the look, aesthetic and perspective of the show."
Slim Aarons' photographs of Palm Beach throughout the 1960s were part of a body of work that captured the ultra wealthy in their true environments—audaciously designed social clubs, luxurious backyards, and decadently appointed pool decks. This included photos of Palm Beach high society, as well as upper class enclaves in Palm Springs, Acapulco, New Hampshire, and New York City—anywhere where big money resides.
In some of Aarons' photos, you can see that costumes worn in the show were recreations of outfits worn by these real-life subjects. "The production design, wardrobe, and sets were heroes of the story as well as our amazing cast," McMullen explained.
If all of these rich colors, poolside dramatics, and perfectly coiffed hairdos have you craving your own type of modern Palm Royale escape, we've got all of the details you need to bring that fantasy trip to life.
Where is Palm Royale filmed?
Even though this show feels so thoroughly Palm Beach, and so thoroughly Florida, most of the show was actually shot in Los Angeles, in hotels with similar aesthetics to the hotels that inspired the fictional "Palm Royale" resort in the show. The show's production designer, Jon Carlos, said in an interview that the hotel was actually inspired by real places in Palm Beach like the iconic and ultra pricey hotel The Breakers, the social club The Everglades Club, and the country club The Bath & Tennis Club.
What wasn't filmed on site was on a built set—so sadly, lounging in Evelyn Rollins' real-life pampering room is off the table.
Can you visit?
If you want to go to Palm Beach to visit the locations that inspired the show and were also captured in some of Slim Aarons' photos your best bet is heading to The Breakers. Staying the night might break the bank (rooms can cost upwards of $1,200 per night), but the property also offers dining options for a taste of the ambiance. There are 10 different on-site restaurant and bar options, including a steakhouse and an Italian restaurant called, simply, The Italian Restaurant. Some dining options, like The Beach Club, are exclusive to club members and resort guests only. For restaurants open to the public, like Henry's Palm Beach, reservations are strongly encouraged.
Thrillist has acomplete guide to what else you can find once you're down in Palm Beach, including how to bike on the ultra-wealthy Palm Beach Island.
The Everglades Club and The Bath & Tennis Club both are still private social clubs—with clientele that might too closely resemble the fictional and villainous elite depicted on Palm Royale.
Where can you stay nearby for Palm Royale vibes?
If you've got cash to spend, you can definitely ball out at The Breakers, where an oceanview guest room will run you a minimum of five grand for a few days. But fortunately, not all stays in Palm Beach are as pricey. Airbnb sent over their top recommendations for Palm Royale-inspired Palm Beach vacation rentals that are a bit more wallet-friendly.
Looking for more travel inspiration?
If you're ready for an adventure but not sure where you'd like to go or what to do, we're on it. The best new hotels opening up around the world. The most exciting places to travel without a passport. The world's best beaches, as ranked by travel influencers. It's all here along with all the travel news you need to stay informed and inspired.
Opheli Garcia Lawler is a Staff Writer on the News team at Thrillist. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Journalism from NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She's worked in digital media for eight years, and before working at Thrillist, she wrote for Mic, The Cut, The Fader, Vice, and other publications. Follow her on Twitter @opheligarcia and Instagram @opheligarcia.
