Grande Dame
The Boca Raton’s historic resort gets a jaw-dropping upgrade
In a world obsessed with what’s new, there’s something comforting—and luxurious—about revisiting the past. At The Boca Raton, a resort originally pioneered by visionary architect Addison Mizner, a $200 million top-to-bottom renovation means the iconic property is better than ever.
The resort comprises five distinct hotels totaling more than 1,000 rooms, for five unique styles of staying. There’s the private beach-adjacent Beach Club; the two-bedroom suites at Bungalows, ideal for longer stays; the adult’s only, all-suite Yacht Club; the 27-story Tower, with two- to three-bedroom configurations and round-the-clock butler service; and the 294-key Cloister, the original Mediterranean Revival-style structure designed by Mizner in 1926, now restored to its original bright white exterior.
A sprawling 200-acre property, bisected by a glittering harbor could feel overwhelming, but staying here feels intimate and interesting, allowing guests to build their ideal itinerary. In addition to the lush 18-hole golf course and the reimagined Harborside Pool Club, complete with a lazy river and private cabanas, the latest upgrades have added new dining experiences. There’s Sadelle’s, the NYC institution known for decadent brunches, and The Flamingo Grill, where servers clad in pink dinner jackets finish Caesar salads and bananas Fosters tableside and serve delicacies such as stone crab claws and dry-aged steaks. For a truly transportive experience, spring for dinner at MB Supper Club, reminiscent of 1930s supper clubs. Nightly live music accents a menu of updated standards including oysters Rockefeller, beef Wellington and baked Alaska. Make sure to ogle the Astek wallpaper, featuring cheeky monkeys drinking vodka and smoking cigars. The eatery, which stands for “Monkey Bar,” was inspired by Mizner’s famous pet monkey, Johnnie Brown. A vintage picture of the pair is displayed near the entrance.
Getting from one area to another is an experience in itself, as guests can hop on the gratis 28-foot water taxi or borrow the resort’s Moke, an electric vehicle that resembles a miniature Jeep. While guests can indulge in all of the modern conveniences of high-speed Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and concierge chats via text, staying here feels like a return to the best parts of a glamorous throwback getaway.
You don’t have to leave the property to discover these treasures.
Sartorial Shopping
Peruse the curated styles at Michelle Farmer Collaborate, where you’ll find everything from silk caftans and beaded evening gowns to chic swimsuits and fine jewelry.
Say Spa-ahh
Find your bliss at the 50,000-square-foot Alhambra Palace-inspired Spa Palmera. Tuck into one of 44 Colin Cowie-designed treatment rooms and recharge at the serene, garden-shaded outdoor pool.
Pump Up
The resort doubles as a high-end club for well-to-do locals, and one of the perks is a packed schedule of fitness classes. Choose daily instructor-led sweat sessions from HIIT to yoga, or borrow stylish bicycles.