An American Landmark — A Vision of Beauty

For more than 80 years, Boca Raton Resort has celebrated its idyllic location and uniquely glamorous history. It was famed Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner who envisioned “the world’s most architecturally beautiful playground,” a dream that took form in 1926 with the opening of the Cloister Inn. A splendid building in the gracious Mediterranean style, the Cloister Inn acted as a residence for Mizner and his beloved pet monkey Johnnie Brown, as well as a haven for its illustrious roster of guests. Over decades, the Cloister Inn evolved into the Boca Raton Resort, a quintessential Florida retreat that has played host to countless celebrities and public figures seeking a private enclave of luxury.

Immerse yourself in the history of this landmark Florida luxury resort

The illustrious history of this vibrant South Florida luxury resort explains why the Boca Raton Resort has achieved such monumental longevity and renowned when so many others have simply vanished into the past. Discover the rich history and refined architecture of this renowned Florida luxury hotel.

1926 On February 6, 1926, the Cloister Inn opens as the most expensive 100-room hotel of its day.

1928 The Cloister Inn is purchased by Philadelphia magnate Clarence Geist and expands to include the former Cabana Club and a new golf course.

1930 After $8 million in renovations, the Cloister Inn re-opens as the Boca Raton Club and is run as a private club until Geist's death in 1938.

1940 U.S. Army Air Corps trainees occupy the resort during World War II, citing the property as "the most elegant barracks in history."

1944 Real estate and theater entrepreneur J. Meyer Schine buys the club for just $3 million and opens it as the Boca Raton Hotel and Club.

1956 Arthur Vining Davis, former CEO of Alcoa, buys the hotel and surrounding property for $22.5 million.

1969 Davis' namesake company Arvida Corp. begins a $14 million expansion, adding the 27-story tower, golf villas and a conference center to serve business needs as well as leisure travelers.

1980 The Boca Beach Club replaces the old Cabana Club, a $20 million dollar addition set on half a mile of private Atlantic Ocean beach.

1983 The Boca Raton Hotel and Club is sold to the Boca Raton Hotel & Club Limited Partnership and VMS Realty Corp.

1988 The property becomes known as the Boca Raton Resort and acquires the Boca Country Club, comprising luxury homes and condominiums, a golf course, tennis courts, fitness center and dining facilities.

1991 The Boca Raton Resort undergoes an $11 million renovation.

1993 The Boca Raton Management Company replaces VMS Realty Corp. as the general partner for Boca Raton Hotel & Club Limited Partnership.

1996 A $10 million tennis and fitness center opens as construction begins on the Mizner Center.

1997 H. Wayne Hulzenga and Florida Panther Holdings Inc., now Boca Resorts Inc., buy the resort for $325 million. The Resort Golf Course undergoes a $6.5 redesign by famed golf architect Gene Bates.

1998 Mizner Center opens as a comprehensive meeting and conference facility.

2000 The Grand Piazza is completed, including Bar Luna and restaurant Lucca.

2001 The resort unveils Spa Palazzo, a sanctuary of health and well-being in an exquisite building modeled after Spain's Alhambra Palace.

2002 The luxurious Yacht Club opens along with an exclusive 32-slip marina at the base of the eight-story Yacht Club.

2003 Salon di Palazzo opens; a new golf practice green and new croquet green debut.

2004 An affiliate of the Blackstone Group purchases the Resort for $1.2 billion.

2005 Refurbishment of the Resort begins with a new lobby, redesigned rooms, Boca Bungalows and Cielo restaurants.

2007-2008 Ongoing expansion and redesign of the Resort, including the Beach Club, the new Palm Court, a new sushi bar by Masaharu Morimoto of "Iron Chef" fame and New York's Serendipity.

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