Conde Nast Traveler recently declared Little Palm Island Resort & Spa to be one of the best hotels in the world. The hotel suffered extensive damage in 2017 from Hurricane Irma and was renovated for *3 years* after the storm. I visited Little Palm for brunch in August 2020, just after the island reopened. I was one of the first people to dine in the newly renovated space, and I was blown away by the experience.
This was my first time on Little Palm Island, and I was absolutely mesmerized by the views and extravagant culinary experience. I visited the island for brunch so that I could enjoy a fabulous meal without paying to stay overnight. Their average bungalow costs $1,500 a night!
Brunch is $95 per person. It includes three small plates, a mimosa or bloody mary, coffee, and pastries. Brunch is served tapas style, which I loved! More plates = more menu items to sample! Each guest is invited to order a ‘cold,’ a ‘hot,’ and a ‘sweet.’ I ordered the spicy tuna tacos for my ‘cold,’ the wagyu burger for the ‘hot,’ and the lemon ricotta pancakes for the ‘sweet.’ I went with two family members, so I was also able to sample the deviled eggs, ceviche, duck egg shakshuka, chicken pot pie, french toast, and their dessert cheese board.
Everything was phenomenal!!! All the plates were beautifully presented and they tasted even better than they looked. It was a brunch that I still remember vividly almost a year later.
Ambience
STUNNING view from our table
Lounging oceanside after brunch. I felt like I was in another country, or even another world.
Complimentary Pastry Basket
Complimentary pastry basket with artisanal jam selection. My favorite pastry was the pain au chocolat (top left).
The Cold
Spicy tuna tacos! Absolutely divine. The shells are made fresh in house every morning and the tuna was tender and flavorful. I loved the drizzle of spicy aioli.
Deviled eggs with caviar
The Hot
You can tell a lot about a brunch by its burger, and this was the best wagyu beef sandwich I’ve ever come across.* The meat was juicy and perfectly seasoned. The bun was soft, buttery, and warm. The lettuce, tomato, and onion were fresh and the cheese was gooey and decadent.
*This was my favorite wagyu burger UNTIL I tried Blackfin Bistro’s iconic wagyu burger in Key West.
I also enjoyed the duck egg shakshuka, which came with a side of pita bread. Shakshuka is a North African tomato stew. It can be served with eggs, vegetables, or meat. My favorite cafe in Boston, Tatte, serves their signature shakshuka topped with poached eggs and a side of buttery toasted challah bread. You can read more about my favorite Boston restaurants here.
Fried chicken “pot pie.” I loved this playful spin on the classic chicken pot pie. A juicy piece of fried chicken is served on top of a flaky crust filled with potatoes, onions, carrots, and peas. It was more savory and satisfying than your average chicken and waffles!
The Sweet
I indulged in the lemon ricotta pancakes. Slightly tart and gently sweet, these pancakes were perfection. The fresh strawberries pair nicely with the citrus palette.
This french toast was the best of both world! There’s no need to choose between blueberries and bananas; this bold bread marries the two for a heavenly post-brunch dessert.
Bonus picture!
Our delightful server set us up with a tour of the island! This was above and beyond, and I’m grateful for her genuine hospitality. Touring the island was magical, and I understand why guests pay a small fortunate to stay here. It truly is paradise. Perfect for those who just need to get away from it all.
Have you been to Little Palm Island? Would you stay the night or visit for brunch? Let me know in the comments below!
– Travel Alli
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