(Provided by Gilbert Guide's on-site reviewer)

Kodak Theater, museums and the shops at The Grove and Melrose Place are just minutes away from Garden of Palms. Trees, bushes and plants enliven the white building. A patio runs along the side. The facility looks fairly plain from the outside, but the simple facade veils the opulent interior. Colorful fresh flowers form a centerpiece on the round table at the lobby's heart. Prisms cascade from a chandelier. Off to the side, an onyx and marble table holds two bronze figurines. Even the reception desk is decorative, with a white travertine top.

The first floor living room has a grand piano and patio access. When we visited, we saw two women who appeared delighted to be receiving manicures. They looked very comfortable relaxing on luxurious furniture. The beloved pet cockatiel, free to fly throughout the facility, had lipstick marks on its white feathers where female residents had kissed it. Flat screen computers in the media room appear to be new. Most impressive is the theater, however, with its big-screen plasma TV and dramatic theatre seating. Elegant green and white furniture fills the dining room, which has a granite salad bar. After meals, all of which are kosher, residents often congregate on leather sofas grouped on one side of the dining room. A small room with floral valances accommodates private dining. The bright, spacious apartments are sumptuously furnished. The facility hosts at least three entertainers, including singers, dancers and harmonica players, weekly. Journal writing, a book club, postcard and letter writing, and board game tournaments are some of the fun activities offered. There's even storytelling, which incorporates pictures and props, to bring residents back to childhood! The day prior to our visit, there was a fashion show at the facility.

The facility can accommodate twenty residents with dementia in a secured environment. Dark carpets, light-colored walls and dim lighting produce a calming effect. In the sitting room, dark green leather sofas face a TV in a mahogany entertainment center. A gated patio, off the small dining room, contains plastic tables and chairs and a clay tile floor. Hands-on activities for these residents include discussions, exercise programs and arts and crafts to stimulate the senses.