Unveiling The Boca Raton's Timeless Elegance

By By Colleen Richmond



For those seeking an indulgent retreat steeped in luxury, Boca Raton offers a perfect blend of history, elegance, and modern-day comforts. My recent visit to The Boca Raton was an experience that felt like stepping into another world—a glamorous one, where relaxation and refinement go hand in hand. But behind the glossy exterior lies a fascinating backstory, thanks to the flamboyant and eccentric visionary Addison Mizner, the man behind much of Boca Raton’s allure.

The Boca Raton, which has recently undergone a $200 million transformation, sits on 200 acres between a private stretch of beachfront and Lake Boca Raton. It’s hard to imagine, but this sprawling resort was once just a 100-room inn, part of Mizner’s grand plan for a Mediterranean-style paradise in South Florida. Mizner, who made waves in the early 20th century, wasn’t just an architect—he was a larger-than-life character. With a pet monkey named Johnnie Brown perched on his shoulder, Mizner schmoozed with Palm Beach society, rubbing elbows with the likes of Irving Berlin and Elizabeth Arden, all while sketching out blueprints for some of the most iconic buildings in the area.

As I strolled through the palm-lined courtyards and passed the meticulously designed Mediterranean Revival architecture, I couldn’t help but appreciate Mizner’s legacy. His vision was grandiose—a utopian resort where the rich and famous could flock for sunshine, luxury, and the ultimate escape. The Boca Raton was the crown jewel of his vision, and though his development plans didn’t survive the Florida real estate crash of the 1920s, Mizner’s influence remains palpable today.

The Tower, where I stayed, is one of five luxury hotels on the property, each catering to a different type of guest. The design by the renowned Rockwell Group blends coastal themes with modern luxury, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and South Florida’s coastline. My suite was a perfect haven with custom palm leaf-inspired carpets, warm wood accents, and light flooding in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Other options include The Bungalows which offer apartment-style accommodations with spacious two-bedroom suites, private entrances, and understated, elegant design. For an adults-only retreat, the Yacht Club sits on the lake, featuring all-suite rooms with eye-catching artwork and private butler service. The Cloisters, the most traditionally styled option with dark-wood furnishings and subtle art, is conveniently located near the resort’s main attractions, including dining and shopping.

But the real showstopper? Spa Palmera. Awarded Five Stars by Forbes Travel Guide in 2023 and 2024, this 50,000-square-foot sanctuary is a destination in itself, inspired by Spain’s Alhambra Palace. The intricate mosaics, grand arches, and serene courtyard create a space that’s as visually stunning as it is soothing. The Royal Ritual—a luxurious soak in a candlelit tub with coconut milk, honey, and Himalayan salt—is a sensory experience that makes you forget the outside world even exists. The ritual baths are an absolute must—an indulgent 30- to 60-minute water circuit featuring an aroma bath, Swiss shower, plunge pool, and Jacuzzi that sets the stage for total relaxation. The spa’s Hydrotherapy Ritual, which echoes the Moroccan baths of the Alhambra, only deepened my sense of calm. Whether I was in the salt room, steam room, or Swiss Shower with 50 jets, every moment felt like a rebirth for my mind and body. I ended the spa day in the Jacuzzi, marveling at how a place so grand can still make you feel grounded. For a deeper connection to the Alhambra, the spa incorporates essential oils reminiscent of the original palace—like damask rose, yuzu and lemongrass, and amber and pine—into a variety of treatments, from customized massages to luxurious body therapies. With an array of spa offerings designed for pure indulgence, nothing here is meant to be rushed. To fully immerse yourself in the Spa Palmera experience, plan to dedicate at least three to four hours of your day to unwind and rejuvenate.

Recently The Boca Raton has unveiled the Harborside Pool Club—a stunning lakeside paradise nestled among tropical palms. This vibrant oasis boasts three pools, a 450-foot floating river, water slides, luxury cabanas with personalized butler service, a Pool Bar offering cocktails and light bites, and the Banyan Bunch kids club, it’s great for families or take a short boat taxi to the private half-mile beach. Here you’ll notice not all beaches are created the same and we can’t wait for the unveiling of the new Beach Club in December. 

Of course, no visit would be complete without a culinary journey, and the Japanese Bocce Club didn’t disappoint. Nestled under glowing lights strung among royal palms, this playful yet elegant restaurant offers world-class sushi, BBQ spare ribs, and Wagyu beef, all paired with inventive cocktails and sake. Dining here felt like the perfect way to cap off a day.

After dinner, a cocktail in The Palm Court is a must. It is the heart of social life at The Boca Raton. The space is a lush oasis of towering palms, soft lighting, and an air of relaxed glamour. Around me were couples savoring an evening out, well-heeled travelers discussing their yacht excursions, and groups of friends mingling over expertly crafted cocktails. It’s the type of place where you can sip a classic Negroni or a signature drink while listening to live music, all while people-watching. The crowd is a delightful mix of Palm Beach elites, vacationing families, and business moguls closing deals over martinis.

As I sipped my sake, I couldn’t help but think of Mizner, whose larger-than-life personality continues to color the resort’s DNA. Known for his eclectic tastes and outlandish habits (like attending soirées with his pet monkey), Mizner dreamed of creating a haven for the elite—a place where life was just a little more fabulous. And despite the setbacks of the 1920s Florida land bust and a few hurricanes, The Boca Raton has evolved into exactly that.

For those of us in Wellington, this glamorous getaway is just a short drive away. Whether you're seeking a weekend reset or a longer retreat, or perhaps being a member of the club The Boca Raton is an ideal spot to soak in some luxury, indulge in the best spa treatments Florida has to offer, and bask in the golden history that still echoes through its halls.