Long a name associated with luxurious lifestyle and global glamour, South Florida’s iconic Boca Raton Resort and Club is embarking on “the most significant evolution in its history” this winter leading up to its 100th anniversary in 2026 and with designs on a creating a new “golden era” for the hotel, which is now known simply as The Boca Raton.
The change is part of almost US$175 million in planned renovations for the former Waldorf property, among them: the resort will provide five different hotels, new restaurants, a new pool club, a redesigned spa, and a number of entertainment offerings.
The result will be a Baha Mar-style resort in the fashion of the mega-, multi-hotel complex in Nassau, Bahamas, brandishing the tagline, “Five Distinct Hotel Experiences, One Iconic Resort.”
The Phase One physical transformation of the resort will be unveiled over the course of this winter with bespoke enhancements to every guest experience, from accommodations to dynamic culinary concepts and innovative programming.
The collection of five hotels located beachside and harbourside, each with its own personality and style, will include:
• Beach Club: The oceanfront luxury escape features three pools set on a private stretch of golden beach. The hotel’s new Mediterranean dining concepts, Marisol, and the lobby lounge, are curated by notable lifestyle guru Colin Cowie.
• Bungalows: Ideal for extended stays, this three-story residential hideaway features two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and furnished terraces and balconies. Tucked in a serene corner of the property surrounded by a lush landscape, the Bungalows offer a private pool and dedicated amenities.
• Yacht Club: The adult-only, all-suite luxury hotel embodies refined lakefront leisure. Elegant suites feature private balconies, and views of Lake Boca Raton and its yacht-lined promenade. Personal concierges and floor valets prepare every detail for the perfect escape. Reopening this winter 2021
• Cloister: Guests can stay where it all started amidst grand architecture, lush grounds and hidden gardens as an unforgettable backdrop. Located in the heart of the action, the resort’s original structure is just steps from the 18-hole golf course, Racquet Club and spa. The Cloister is being revitalized and will reopen with immersive experiences and rotating art collections. Reopening winter 2021.
• Tower: Providing elevated perspectives for sophisticated travellers, the 27-storey tower is undergoing a $45-million complete transformation. Featuring extraordinary vistas of sparkling waterways, the all- new luxury hotel will introduce flexible suite configurations—two to three bedrooms—artful touches, bespoke amenities, and butler service. Opening first quarter 2022.
DINING
From fine dining to waterfront bites, The Boca Raton is aiming to create one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the country, including four signature experiences with Major Food Group (MFG). The Flamingo Grill offers a glamorous take on the mid-century American chophouse, while forthcoming restaurants include Sadelle’s, the inventive, perennially packed brunch institution with locations in New York and Las Vegas, and all new concepts exploring Japanese and Italian cuisine.
AMENITIES
The Boca Raton originally opened in 1926 as The Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn. The resort, exclusively for members of The Boca Raton Club and resort guests, includes a nearly kilometre-long beach, award-winning spa, 18-hole golf course, 32-slip full-service marina, Racquet Club with 16 tennis courts and four pickleball courts, retail boutiques, four swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness centres and wellness collaborations, including Orangetheory and Hydrow.
• This winter, the resort will unveil Harborside Pool Club, a 1.6-hectare lakefront oasis featuring luxury cabanas, four pools, 137-m. lazy river, two three-story high slides, double standing wave, retail boutique, 660-sq.m. event lawn, 465-sq.-m. kids club, and a teens lounge, as well as new waterfront dining options.
• The Boca Raton’s 3,715-sq.-m. wellness oasis has unveiled a new name, Spa Palmera, and new treatments. This winter, Spa Palmera will showcase a refreshed design and additional programming.
• New one-of-a-kind experiences include a supercar racing adventure, perfect for thrill seekers. Fashionistas may opt for a curated shopping day with a personal stylist, while couples can spend the afternoon on a private boat, complete with snorkeling and live entertainment.
“The Boca Raton has a remarkable history as an internationally recognized landmark and a private escape for in-the-know travellers,” says Daniel A. Hostettler, President & CEO of The Boca Raton. “A new ‘Golden Era’ will pay homage to the resort’s storied past while introducing innovative new amenities and experiences that will inspire both members and guests, and define The Boca Raton as one of the world’s most preeminent luxury resorts and private clubs.”