What do you get when you cross a Hollywood producer with 1960s surf culture and a taste for the nautical sublime? Royal Blues Hotel, a luxury art hotel that’s now a part of the Florida beach scene. Edward Walson (Magic in the Moonlight, Blue Jasmine) has lent his eye to creating sleek boutique suites by the sea – and wait until you discover the $6,000 (U.S) toilets.
LOCATION, LOCATION
Deerfield Beach is tony Boca Raton’s unassuming, quieter next-door neighbour, was once named for wild deer roaming the shores. Today, it’s sea turtles you’re more likely to see. Guests will discover more natural wonders at the nearby Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum; and if upscale shopping and concerts beckon, the charming Mizner Park is minutes away.
DESIGN
The yacht theme runs deep, with a curious twist of eclectic modern art. Naval architecture geeks will notice the glass and metal construction techniques developed by shipbuilders, especially on the angular balconies and the sleek elevator with a beach view. Regal shades of blue with leather, wood and marble in the suites are all hand-picked by Walson, as are the canvases and photography from his personal collection.
BEST AMENITY
Royal Blues’ best hand by far is the royal flush. I became obsessed with my suite’s toilet. Her name is Numi (by Kohler) and she’ll serenade you with the music of your choice, bathe you with multihued mood lighting and treat you to, er… a wash and a blow dry. Pick your temperature, pick your pressure; it’s a spa for your naughty bits and it does not disappoint. This haughty potty brings a whole new zen experience, complete with a touchpad that’s command central for your commode.
IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING
Too much of a good thing, however, can be time consuming. A manual for Numi would have been nice, given you must use a touchpad to instruct the toilet to lift the lid, or stand in front of her with your silent, aching request. Perhaps an online tutorial prior to arrival, or at least a few words of instruction from the bellman, would make life easier.
WHOM YOU’LL MEET
You never know who might stop by to check out the five-metre-long overhead aquarium in the restaurant. In my case, it was Manny Ribera of Scarface – otherwise known as Steven Bauer, – who has moved on to other crimes in Showtime’s Ray Donovan.
EAT IN OR EAT OUT?
Under that stunning aquarium in the Chanson Restaurant, I dabbled with the grilled octopus swarmed with black garlic and pickled fennel, which went down well, but it was the ribeye of Akaushi that got my tongue’s attention. Executive chef Kei Kurobe has a few fresh tricks up his sleeve with the local fare: you might soon get wind of an alligator tortellini as part of his plans for refined Cuisine du Monde.
Royal Blues Hotel, 45 NE 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, Fla., royalblueshotel.com. 12 rooms from $415 (U.S.).
The writer was a guest of the hotel.