Want to know a secret? Delray Beach is one of the coolest towns in Florida. Long a hidden gem for in-the-know locals, Delray is drawing more and more admirers for its top-rated beach, buzzy art galleries, and chef-led restaurants. Families, sun bums, and culture-loving travelers are all catching on to Delray’s charm – in return, the town is more exciting than ever. 

At the helm of all the excitement is a burgeoning arts district anchored by The Ray, a fresh boutique hotel full of art and tropical flair. Get an inside look at Delray’s hottest newcomers with Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts.

Diving Into Delray Beach

Delray Beach, Florida is located on the southeast coast, between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. It’s perfectly poised to extend your big-city stay, but we’d argue Delray is impressive on its own. 

Delray Beach is lovingly known as “the village by the sea.” It has colorful pastel shops, outdoor cafes, and a casual, carefree attitude that gives this place a beachy laid-back vibe. Where nearby cities have fancy brands, Delray Beach is decidedly independent. Over 90% of Delray’s businesses are locally owned, including Montce Swim, an up-and-coming swimwear brand founded by a South Florida native. Along the town’s main artery, Atlantic Avenue, countless bistros, art galleries, and independent shops lead directly to Delray’s picture-perfect beach, recently voted the best beach in Florida by USA Today readers. 

As word gets out around Delray Beach, more travelers are looking for a hotel stay that mirrors Delray’s creative spirit. Enter The Ray.

A Soulful Stay

Artsy, eclectic, and thoughtfully designed, The Ray Hotel embodies the soul of Delray. It’s beachy and boutique, yet strikingly modern; design-forward, and chic, with a sunny disposition. And best of all, it’s just one mile away from Delray’s famous beach.

One of the first things you’ll notice at The Ray is the art. From the valet porte-cochère to the lobby lounge is a beautiful melange of paintings and sculptures, woven chandeliers, photography, and more. Particularly impressive is the “Portal” polygon by British-American artist Anthony James, which seems to peer into infinity through clever use of LED lights, glass, and sacred geometry. 

Upstairs in the hotel’s 141 guestrooms and suites, The Ray takes a cue from surrounding flora and fauna to infuse each space with a “Tropical Modern” design, a coastal aesthetic that feels both soothing and sophisticated. Picture light wood panels, Mediterranean tile, marble-top vanities, and big exotic plants. Framed photographs of Barbie and Ken at the beach add a dash of playfulness to the room and nod to star photographer Slim Aarons who famously worked and played in nearby Palm Beach. 

Even more to love, almost every room has a balcony or terrace overlooking the Pineapple Grove Arts District, home to some of Delray’s best restaurants, bars, and local shops; plus incredible public art and colorful murals.

Delicious Eats

Guests of The Ray don’t have to travel far for delicious food and drinks – all that’s just an elevator ride away. 

At the lobby level, Campi is a New York-style trattoria inspired by its sister restaurant, Campagnola, an iconic old-school Italian spot on the Upper East Side. Cozy up in a leather booth and feast on Bistecca Fiorentina, chargrilled octopus, house-made pastas, and other tasty delights. Heading out on the town? Start your evening in true Italian fashion with Campi’s aperitivo complete with bottles of Tuscan Brunello wine, arancini bites, rigatoni alla vodka, and crunchy fritto misto.

Next door, world-renowned chef Akira Back is cooking up magic at his namesake restaurant, drawing from his Korean heritage and passion for Japanese cuisine to present a spectacular Asian fusion experience. Begin your epicurean adventure with Chef Akira’s hot and cold plates, designed to share (or not). Treat yourself to the AB Tuna Pizza dressed in umami aioli, micro shiso, and white truffle oil, or opt for the decadent Truffle Bomb made of sea urchin, sweet shrimp, Korean gejang, smoked potato truffle foam, and a dollop of caviar. Pescatarians have their pick of ultra-fresh seafood flown in from all over the world, like fatty tuna and unagi kabayaki. And for date nights and family outings, Akira Back’s menu has plenty of treats for everyone at the table. We’re talking sushi rolls and carpaccio cuts, fried rice, Japanese A5 Wagyu selects, and so much more. 

Upstairs at the hotel’s Rosewater Rooftop, Chef Akira serves American and international fare with oysters, salads, and sandwiches, too. We especially love the seafood ceviche with leche de tigre sauce and housemade tortilla chips. Pro tip: plan your visit around Rosewater’s rooftop brunch on the last Sunday of the month to savor Chef Akira favorites like the Pop Rock Roll, a unique candy-stuffed sushi roll inspired by his childhood.

Make a Splash

Speaking of the rooftop, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful one in Delray. Soaked in sunlight and warm wood accents, the 20,000-square-foot Rosewater Rooftop feels like a glamorous hideaway in the heart of Delray Beach. Catch a tan by The Ray’s rooftop pool, or catch up with friends at the open-air lounge with views of Pineapple Grove.

As a luxury-lifestyle hotel in Delray Beach, The Ray is all about attention. So much so, you never have to leave the pool to place an order. Rosewater’s team is standing by to bring you lunch or top up your sunblock at a moment’s notice.

Keep It Moving

When is the best time to visit Delray Beach? The short answer is: whenever you feel like it! There’s always something going on in Delray, like the Saturday morning Green Market, or First Friday Art Walks on Atlantic Avenue. The weather in Delray Beach stays warm year round, with December temps hovering around 76°F degrees. And there are plenty of annual art and culture events to explore, like January’s Downtown Festival of the Arts and the Delray Affair arts and crafts festival in March.

Similarly, The Ray Hotel is full of exciting events and happenings. Along with happy hours and live DJ sets, there’s wellness classes on the Plaza Lawn, craft cocktail tastings, and a state-of-the-art fitness center to keep things moving at your leisure. Best of all, The Ray is just one mile away from Delray’s award-winning beach and sugar-soft sand, where hotel guests enjoy complimentary beach chairs, towels and umbrellas, and a stylish ride in the hotel’s MOKE vehicle. 

Feeling adventurous? Rent a complimentary bicycle and cruise through downtown, or head to Delray Beach Watersports to rent a sailboat, kayak, or snorkeling gear. Feeling not-so-adventurous? Pick up a game of beach volleyball, or soak up the sun to the sound of crashing waves. Laze the day your way, then head back to The Ray Hotel for evening cocktails under the stars. Raise your glass and cheers to the magic of Delray Beach, the coolest small town in Florida, and your new favorite escape.

For families, friend groups, and Florida staycations, Delray Beach is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring. Make yourself at home with Independent Collection’s boutique hotels, off the beaten path and far from ordinary.