By Kara Franker By Kara Franker | April 12, 2022 | Lifestyle,
Part of a $200 million resort reimagination, The Boca Raton ushers in a new era of glitz and glam.
The lazy river at the Harborside Pool Club
New luxury cabanas.
Glistening in the sunshine like Coco Chanel in the Jazz Age, The Boca Raton’s iconic Cloister hotel is dressed to the nines in that original 1926 hue of coastal white. Yes, the pink paint is gone. And it’s not just a fashion statement. It’s about a reverence for history and famed architect Addison Mizner’s original pristine vision for his grand jewel resort of South Florida.
Rooms inside the Tower are undergoing a $45 million transformation
“With nearly 100 years of storied history, The Boca Raton is undergoing its most significant evolution to date,” says Daniel A. Hostettler, president and CEO of The Boca Raton. “We worked closely with the Boca Raton Historical Society to meticulously restore our property and partnered with an award-winning team of builders and creators to reimagine each touchpoint.” MSD Partners, LP (computer mogul Michael Dell’s company), and Northview Hotel Group acquired The Boca Raton in 2019 and tapped Hostettler, a 25-plus-year veteran in the luxury hospitality industry, to lead the transformation of the 200-acre waterfront resort. And while it may not be an easy feat, Hostettler and his A-team have risen to the challenge.
Custom artwork on the walls of the interior of The Flamingo Grill.
Stretching from harborside to beachfront, the resort features five distinct hotels all under the leadership of Hostettler, with individual general managers at the helm of each, a methodology designed to ensure that every guest is treated like a genuine VIP. Featuring 294 rooms and suites, the grand entrance to the Cloister has been extensively renovated, including every detail along the main drive and throughout the opulent lobby. Next to the Cloister, Yacht Club is now reserved for adults only and is composed of 112 suites featuring private balconies with panoramic views of multimillion-dollar yachts moored in the marina. Tucked into a quiet corner of the property, Bungalows is a residential-style hotel completely redesigned in midcentury modern decor, offering 58 spacious two-bedroom retreats with full kitchens. For those craving a toes-in-the-sand experience, the oceanfront Beach Club sits on a half mile of private beachfront property. Rounding out the five hotels, the 27-story Tower is still in the midst of its $45 million transformation. And crews have been working around the clock toward the finish line and the final unveiling.
The newly painted porte-cochere at the Cloister
Perhaps one of the most impressive changes to the property’s footprint is the removal of tired corporate-style meeting space in favor of a sprawling waterfront poolscape dubbed Harborside Pool Club, setting the stage for that tropical vacation vibe that so many jet-setters flock to Florida to find. Set among swaying palms, the club features three pools, a 450-foot lazy river, water slides, luxury cabanas with butler service and, coming soon, a FlowRider surf wave simulator, 7,100-squarefoot event lawn and new waterfront dining.
The new bar at the Harborside Pool Club Speaking of dining, new delectable options abound due to a collaboration with Major Food Group. The Flamingo Grill and MB Supper Club offer glamorous culinary and entertainment experiences. Sadelle’s offers New Yorkstyle classics like its famous bagels, sliced-to-order smoked salmon and crispy latkes. The transformed Palm Court features soaring ceilings, bossa nova jazz musicians and fancy cocktails. The Boca Raton will continue to introduce new concepts, including two new restaurants with Major Food Group.
Alfresco seating at The Flamingo Grill
“As we look toward the future, our focus remains unwavering—to provide an extraordinary experience that defines The Boca Raton as one of the world’s most renowned luxury resorts and private clubs,” says Hostettler. “A new golden era of The Boca Raton is a celebration of our legacy within the community and internationally.” 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 855.874.6551
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOCA RATON