The legendary multi award-winning Boca Raton Resort and Club presents a fresh, cutting edge approach to hospitality in a timeless lavish setting. The resort comprises 1,047 deluxe guestrooms inclusive of 58 suites, 76 junior suites and 60 one-bedroom Boca bungalows.

Tracing its origins to the vision of legendary architect Addison Mizner, the hotel re-defines classic style and sophistication that is infused with a modern sense of warmth and style. Dreamers, risk-takers, moguls and millionaires all contributed to the creation of Florida 's Boca Raton and the stellar Boca Raton Resort & Club. 

This magical resort is an icon of a hotel filled with pure charm for more than 80 years and remains faithful to its glamorous past. However, with its recent facelift of $220 million in renovations, it now possesses a vibrant new energy that offers luxuries, and activities making this the  one-stop all around vacation spots I have found in years.

Amenities include: a half-mile stretch of private beach, the plush Spa Palazzo, two 18-hole championship golf courses and a golf clubhouse, the famed Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, one of the country’s top tennis programs with 30 tennis courts and the Chris Evert Adult and Junior Academy, full-service marina, seven swimming pools, (the hard part was picking just one to bask around) three state-of-the-art fitness centres and a variety of water sports. Other Recreation activities on the grounds are bicycling, croquet, volleyball and basketball.

Families are well catered for with activities and children's programs. The Camp Boca program is a supervised daily service and recreational program, available year-round and geared specifically to each of two distinct age groups - Boca Tots (ages 3-5) and Boca Bunch (ages 6-11) how cool is that!

For business needs, there is more than 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space. If you have to work, this is the place to do it.

The resort also offers, the Boca Country Club, a 32-slip marina with full fishing and boating facilities, and a half-mile of private beach with water sports.

As I walked around the landscaped grounds, the views were gorgeous from the ocean and intercostals, to the yachts, gardens, golf courses and swimming areas, to the total beauty of the hotel itself. It is also, the ideal place for a wedding.
    
With the modern and contemporary feel of an Italian piazza, the newly renovated stunning Palm Court with its spectacular ceiling gives the illusion of a glass canopy designed to capture an abundance of natural light. In addition, the newly designed lobby, French artist-architect Thierry Despont has created a “return to casual life in a stylish and graceful environment” drawing on Mizner’s own DNA.

What I found most astonishing about the resort, is its variety in accommodations. If you can’t find your dream hotel here, then it doesn’t exist at all. Five styles of accommodation cater to personal preferences by offering options in size, setting, decorative design, rate and access to resort amenities. They range from elegant to traditional to modern, to chic and relaxing. So, allow me to give you the quick tour. First, I would like to tell you about my personal favorite…

The Yacht Club:

With its truly elegant décor inspired by a Venetian palace, the 112 deluxe guestrooms and suites are situated on the spectacular Intracoastal Waterway. All of these rooms are waterfront and feature large private balconies. I found my balcony quite delightful and peaceful allowing for relaxing and memorable serene moments. Very romantic I might add, too bad I was alone.

Touches of luxury include the rich custom furnishings featuring an awesome canopy bed, sitting parlour and marble and granite bath with plush cozy bedding. This room is simply divine. Furthermore, and one of my favorite luxuries of this section of the resort is the exclusive concierge level which provides even more upgraded amenities.

The Commodore Club offers a full staff of concierge to assist with guest arrangements. No matter how many requests I made, they were delivered with care and a smile. Access to the exclusive Commodore Club, which is a posh concierge lounge located on the eighth floor, is available to those staying in concierge-level accommodations. This exclusive private lounge provides five complimentary yummy meal presentations daily, as well as and evening hors d'oeuvres. This part of the resort is fit for royalty. Oh, let us not forget the on-call butler service (and who wouldn’t love this).

The Tower:  

I loved the stunning tower with its classic warm décor and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and panoramic views of the golf course. My suite was cozy and the décor had a French flavour. 

The tower Rises 27 stories above lovely sprawling grounds and gardens. It was thrilling to look down to see all of this beauty. There are 244 deluxe guestrooms inclusive of 76 junior suites and 14 suites. Any traveler seasoned or otherwise would delight in staying in the tower rooms.

Boca Beach Club:

This luxury boutique hotel combines a sleek, modern, chic, clean, decor with a strong European influence without losing the style and spirit of South Florida, (led by noted London-based interior designer Fiona Thompson of Richmond International). The spectacular brand new Beach Club, is at the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and has 212 alluring, custom-designed rooms including nine ocean vista suites. 

The club has an open, fresh, contemporary feel to it wotj white walls and chrom furnishings. I enjoyed the unique opportunity to experience a panoramic ocean view right below my window and the half mile of private beach that I enjoyed frolicking in barefoot, and its colorful cabanas.

The Cloister:

Built in 1926 and newly refreshed, the signature centre of the Resort and Club world, are the ultra comfortable guest rooms that are located in the historic section of the resort.

They have a soft blend of classic elegance and modern amenities with a Spanish-Mediterranean-style art and architecture décor with Moorish and Gothic influences enveloped in historic charm, style, sensibility and conveniences.

The cloisters are set amid lush hidden tropical gardens, barrel tile roofs, archways, ornate columns, finials, intricate mosaics, fountains and beamed ceilings of ornate cypress. The Cloister has 359 guest rooms and suites where historical ambiance blends flawlessly with modern comforts and touches. This is a very unique part of the resort.

Private Residence Bungalows:

Here would be the most ideal place in the resort for a longer stay, especially with a family. It has a casual, easy-going residential-style accommodation with the luxury of a first class hotel. There are 60 fully furnished, two-bedroom apartments, located on the edge of the resort’s rolling fairways and manicured greens, which is particularly nice for the avid golfers. These private residences are also furnished with full modern kitchens.

P.S. I slept like a baby in the Luxurious Italian bedding, featuring Filidoro linens in all of the accommodations in the resort.

Spa Palazzo:                                                                  

Spa Palazzo, not only defines luxury, but demonstrates opulence, extravagance and lavish pampering.The spa is dramatically styled after the ambience of Spain’s legendary Alhambra Palace.

The ritual baths are inspired by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon’s search for the mystical fountain that could cure illness and restore youth.

The 50,000-square-foot Spa Palazzo features 44 treatment rooms, a luxurious wet room, palatial gardens and a vast menu of treatments. I must admit, I spent a lot of time spoiling myself here.

Keeping Fit:

There are three state-of-the-art fitness centers filled with all the latest equipment featuring a full complement of cardiovascular and weight training equipment, exercise studio, and a variety of aerobic and toning classes. Thank goodness as you will be spending much needed time here if you want to splurge in all of the restaurants and believe me when I tell you that, you will want to splurge.

Dining:

The numerous dining options at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. With seasoned talents of more than 19 chefs in 18 on-site kitchens and bakeries, the Resort & Club’s has a veteran culinary team. Under the direction of Executive Chef Andrew Roenbeck, there is diversified, innovative menus in its 16 dining and entertainment venues, including room service for more than 1,000 guest accommodations, banquet service for an average of 1,800 guests per day, and a private club dining room.

Morimoto Sushi Bar:

Masaharu Morimoto of “Iron Chef” fame opened this elegant Sushi Bar. The distinctive décor, inspired by an ocean theme, features three sushi chef stations and 32 seats. The sushi master’s unique cuisine is characterized by his distinctive Japanese roots and colorful combinations of ingredients. Morimoto beer, sochu, sake and specialty martinis are also served. This is a perfect dining spot for the sushi lover.

Serendipity:

This restaurant is the delightful eating stop for a lighter, causal, fun dining experience. Serendipity is New York City’s legendary, exciting, dessert restaurant (remember the films Serendipity and One Fine Day, well they were filmed here) and is now in Boca.

With their world-famous Frozen Hot Chocolate (an absolute must, so forget about the calories), ice cream sprinkled with candy morsels, Willy Wonka-like treats, yummy fries, chili, sandwiches, and a family-friendly menu will not only please your children but make you feel like a child again as well. Whimsical, light and carefree, the décor has a playful color scheme with ice cream and candy colors with seating for 47. Serendipity is one big YUM! I adore this place.

Palm Court

Conceived by French artist-architect Thierry Despont, the Palm Court is a sophisticated and energetic space that achieves masterful architectural function and form. Renovations of the Palm Court include a complete redesign of the once open-air space into an area covered by a transparent roof. With a colorful courtyard design and natural landscaping, the spectacular Palm Court is a really cool setting to enjoy cocktails, light fare menu and nightly entertainment.

Cielo:

This is one of my favorite restaurants in the resort. The stunning intimate, contemporary, chic, and sophisticated restaurant is located on the 27th floor of the Tower which overlooks a spectacular panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercostals. Michelin-star rated Chef, Angela Hartnett, one of the most high profile women in the restaurant world and a partner of Gordon Ramsay, launched her first U.S. restaurant at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. You know this is an exceptional and unique place the moment you step out of the elevator into its spectacular dramatic setting featuring a glass illuminated floor. I was treated like a princess and catered to the whole evening by the charming general manager Andy Patton, my classy server Rafael Camacho, and the elegant assistant manager Roberto Colombi for which I am grateful.

The bar is backed with a frosted glass wine rack with floating wine bottles and an onyx bar top, a Chef’s Table and cocktail bar serves Spanish-style tapas to those looking for a lighter menu. I felt so cozy and comfortable dining the whole evening sitting in the Alcove curved banquette seating with soft furry pillows and shimmering curtains.

The menu is strongly influenced by Angela’s Italian roots, which was great with me as I loved everything I experienced.

For starters; I suggest the Foie gras torchon. The handmade tortelli of oven roasted pumpkin was divine as was the signature dish of penne pasta Bolognese which was a celebration of Italian bold flavours for my taste buds.

For the entrée: The trio of duck, the oven roasted fillet of beef, and the veal tenderloin  were all sensational and presented as beautifully and creatively as it tasted.

Desert: The rum panna cotta, the Bailey’s crème brulee and the dark chocolate ganache will end your evening in heaven.

P.S. don’t forget to sample one of their specialty drinks and vast selection of wines from around the world.

Lucca:

Lucca, conceived as a “modern Tuscan villa,” seems to celebrate the essence and spirit of the Mediterranean. It evokes the heart of “comfort” food, landscape, colors and architecture of northern Italy ’s romantic region.

Named after Italy ’s famed walled city, the restaurant features water views and impressive styling, a 27-foot-wide arched open hearth, and an exhibition kitchen with a wood-burning oven framed by a hand-glazed, ceramic-tile mural. Lucca’s private Chef’s Table dining room are appointed with hand-blown glass chandeliers, rich woods and textured fabrics to create genuine, relaxing, Tuscan-style dining.

Old Homestead Steak House

Established in 1868 in New York ’s Meatpacking District, Old Homestead features an impressive menu of beef and an award-winning collection of wines, and is a longtime favorite of locals. One of the restaurant’s trademarks is their unique aging process, which calls for a three-week dry aging of beef with a special blend of herbs, followed by a week of wet aging, resulting in what are often called the industry’s top steaks. If you are a vegetarian, or just not in the mood for meat, Old Homestead has a large selection of seafood dishes such as the restaurant’s Titanic Shrimp.

I enjoyed a most memorable lunch at the steak house. I totally recommend the Avocado stuffed with lobster salad, so yummy and a vision in-and-of-itself, just to look at. The tasty and tender, perfectly cooked filet mignon with fries was succulent as well. To end your dining occasion, go with the chocolate cake and or the various soufflés…

The Cathedral

I felt so welcomed and pampered in grand style at the Resort & Club’s original Old-World formal dining room, overlooking breathtaking views of the Intracoastal. A breakfast buffet extraordinaire is prepared in this regal historic setting as well, a spectacular array of hundreds of delectable cold and hot entrees, fruits, salads, cereals, fresh baked breads, pastries, and made-to-order omelets and waffles.

SeaGrille Restaurant

Casual, comfortable, yet chic, The SeaGrille overlooks  the Atlantic Ocean from the third-floor lobby level of the Beach Club, this new restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating, is a mix of fine dining and casual elegance featuring outstanding wines by the glass, fresh fish, seasonal soups and salads.

Casual Dining

Gazebo Bar & Grill:  Open-air poolside bar serves light fare and specialty drinks daily; children’s menu available.

Mulligan’s:  With views of the rolling greens and the 18th hole, this is a sporty outdoor snack bar and a perfect spot for light breakfast, lunch and beverages after a round of golf or a game of tennis.

The Grille Room: Ideal place to relax and enjoy sandwiches, soups and salads.

Beaches Bar and Café Here is where you can enjoy the sun and just hang out just steps from the Atlantic Pool and the ocean beyond. I enjoyed many cold drinks and yes many cocktails here as well as some sandwiches, but there are also salads, hot dogs and burgers.

Nearby, are more fun activities to partake in as well; At Royal Palm Polo Grounds, there is weekly polo January through April. Cultural attractions include the Boca Raton Museum of Art and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens . Eco-tourism adventures include airboat rides through the Everglades, hands-on interactive displays at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center , and a variety of parks and beaches.

Don’t’ forget to check out the Resort & Club's fine collection of shops and boutiques. I know I did a little too much checking out myself.

Also available to guests is state-of-the-art office equipment including computers, modem usage, laser printers and cellular phones and complete FedEx, Kinko’s Business Center . A team of information technology technicians offer 24-hour service to guests needing Internet, computer and telecommunications assistance.

Laundry and valet, room service, concierge, beauty salon, barber shop, valet parking and  transportation desk, safe deposit boxes

For more info visit: www.waldorfastoriacollection.com.

Verdict:  I loved this resort and rate it an A+.  It is the total fun in the sun package tied up in the classiest and most charming bow.

For reservations, call the Boca Raton Resort & Club at (888) 495-BOCA or (561) 447-3000, or contact your travel professional. Information is also available on the Resort & Club’s Web site: www.bocaresort.com.

11 May 2009