Just south of South Palm Beach and across the Intracoastal Waterway from Lantana via East Ocean Boulevard is the ultra-exclusive waterfront community of Manalapan. With less than 300 housing units, residents enjoy a wide range of water-oriented activities, including boating, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. 

Beyond its extraordinary homes, estates, and lots, Manalapan is noted for its proximity to the Lofthus Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve, about 175 yards off the coast. The preserve is the location of the dive wreck Lofthus, a merchant ship that sunk in 1898. Today the wreck can be accessed by divers in water that is less than 20 feet deep.

Manalapan has two distinct areas, the more traveled section along A1A and the more secluded area that encompasses about the southern third of the island it shares with Lantana. 

The more noted area of Manalapan is the A1A section along the Lake Worth Lagoon/Boynton Inlet on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. The more isolated area is across the Intracoastal Waterway from Hypoluxo with the lagoon/inlet to the east.

Part of the appeal of living in Manalapan is its relatively isolated location along the coast on a barrier island northeast of Boynton Beach and southeast of Lake Worth. Its small population of less than 500 year-round residents increases by about 40 percent when seasonal homeowners are included.

Manalapan is known for its privacy, residential atmosphere, high quality of services, and controlled level of development. The town enjoys a breathtaking level of natural beauty thanks to a setting surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Of Manalapan’s total area, less than half a square mile island and the remaining 10 square miles is water. 

Living in Manalapan offers access to one of the only Forbes five-star resorts in Palm Beach, the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa. Within this ultra-luxurious resort is the private and prestigious, members-only La Coquille Club, a historic property with a renowned oceanfront location. Purchasing one of the manalapan homes for sale gives residents priority membership opportunities at La Coquille. Upon approval by the club’s board of directors, town property owners become members without initiation fees or annual dues. 

La Coquille Club members have access to most Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa amenities on either a gratis or fee basis. The Eau Spa offers a haven of indulgence where guests can luxuriate in a 42,000-square-foot “me time” spa paradise with treatment rooms, a lush garden, and captivatingly beautiful private villas. Eau Resort lets you be as active or relaxed as you desire, with on-site tennis courts, fitness center, and watersports. 

Dining in Manalapan includes the extraordinary options at the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa, like the Mediterranean-inspired menu at Temple Orange and the casually elegant al fresco Breeze Ocean Kitchen. Local favorites include the Dune Deck Cafe with breakfast, brunch, and lunch served against a backdrop of surf, sun, and ocean breezes, as well as Basil’s modern Italian cuisine. 

Located across the street from the Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa is the Plaza del Mar and its upscale shops, boutiques, and eateries.