Easter at The Royal

Lori Berg knew what to do when she became general manager of The Royal Poinciana Plaza in 2017.

Lori Berg (Photo by CAPEHART)

The stores had their front doors facing the parking lot, and shoppers never ventured into the landscaped courtyard in back.

Berg — who had worked at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Henri Bendel — had the shops seal their front doors and open up to the lush garden behind. 

The Royal Poinciana Plaza

The transformation was a success, as will be seen on Saturday, March 30, when hundreds of parents bring their children to the plaza to celebrate Easter.

The kids will get a canvas tote, bunny ears, and a magical map leading to treats, while their parents can indulge in live music, libations, and photo ops with fashion-forward bunnies. 

A past Easter egg hunt at The Royal Poinciana Plaza.

Among its 50 stores is an Oscar de la Renta emporium, Hermes, Saint Laurent, Alice + Olivia and Cartier. 

The plaza, built in the 1950s by John S. Phipps, was designed by John Volk, architect for the Vanderbilts, DuPonts, Fords and Pulitzers. 

But it took Berg to realize that its doors shouldn’t open to a parking lot. 

Aerial view of The Royal Poinciana Plaza.