There are beach resorts – and then there is The Boca Raton Beach Club. Located on a pristine half-mile of private shoreline in Palm Beach County, this legendary destination just raised the bar on coastal luxury with a $130 million transformation that redefines what a beachfront escape can be.
I recently returned to the Beach Club after its grand reopening, curious to see how much had changed. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the redesign, which seamlessly connected the luxury hotel to its oceanside destination. Floor-to-ceiling windows filled the space with sunlight, and the interior design reflected the natural surroundings – a palette of soft sand, coral, and ocean blue. A new cocktail lounge and café, named Living Room, felt more like an intimate seaside salon than a hotel common area. Mornings began here with gourmet coffee and house-made pastries; evenings ended with aperitifs enjoyed with views of the moon over the ocean.
The 210 guest rooms and suites are designed to feel open and bright, with floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic, the nearby palm trees, and a constant breeze off the water. Natural textures and sunlit interiors are accented with bold coral velvet, adding warmth without excess. Thoughtful, eco-conscious details include a wet bar with a built-in water filtration system, making it easy to refill and refresh. With three times as many suites as before, the Beach Club now offers expansive options – including the Grand Suite + Lanai, where one- or two-bedroom layouts flow into private poolside terraces with lounge seating made for long, languid afternoons.
Complementing the beautifully appointed rooms, the attentive service makes the experience feel distinctly personal. The staff is gracious and offers intuitive care – so as a guest, you feel both warmly welcomed and quietly looked after.
Marisol, the Beach Club’s new Mediterranean restaurant, is a standout. Helmed by Michelin-recognized chef Johnny Spero, the culinary destination offers an indoor-outdoor setting, complete with a sprawling covered terrace. Seafood is the star here, delivered daily by local fishermen and served up in vibrant shellfish towers, a raw bar packed with pristine options, and outstanding entrées.
We started with the popular Greek Spread Sampler – whipped feta, muhammara, tzatziki, shakshuka-style eggplant, and more. For the main course, the Tagine Lemon Chicken was a hit: tender and perfectly spiced. There’s a strong showing from the raw bar too, along with a solid caviar menu and standout daily fish selections.
The cocktails at Marisol deserve their own mention. I loved the Second Story Margarita, made with Enemigo Cristalino Añejo, Chinola, passion fruit purée, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime juice, and agave – smoky, sweet, and memorable.
Then there’s Onda, a sand-side dining concept that will host a rotating cast of global chefs each winter. For its debut season, Adriano Venturini of Eden Roc Cap Cana brings Caribbean flair with dishes like Langosta al Coco – poached Maine lobster in creamy coconut sauce with Dominican rice and caviar. It’s indulgent and unforgettable. Adjacent is the Sand Bar, an easygoing spot for cocktails and people-watching just steps from the surf.
Wellness and connection to nature are integrated into the experience here. Mornings start with First Light yoga by the ocean, afternoons are made for swimming, sailing, or relaxing at the beach or poolside, and evenings end with the Light the Night fire ritual, a reflective pause timed perfectly with the setting sun. At the heart of the Boca Raton Resort is Spa Palmera, a 50,000-square-foot sanctuary inspired by Spain’s Alhambra Palace and awarded Five Stars by Forbes Travel Guide. With 44 treatment rooms, serene courtyards, waterfall whirlpools, and signature experiences like the Alhambra Body Ritual and Diamond Facial, it blends revitalization and grandeur.
For families, the Beach Club delivers in thoughtful, kid-approved ways. The Banyan Bunch Beachside program keeps younger guests engaged with nature-inspired activities, while teens and tweens have their own stylish space at the Game Loft, complete with VR headsets, console games, and shuffleboard. Over at Harborside Pool Club, the Boca-themed splash pad features a full-scale pirate ship with water cannons and mini slides. Surrounding the area are Kiddie Cabanas – four whimsical hideaways themed around mermaids, pirates, and pint-sized chefs. There’s also the lazy river, a favorite for drifting away the afternoon, and of course, the beach itself – perfect for sandcastles, wave-hopping, and casual games like cornhole and tic-tac-toe.
The Beach Club’s three pools remain a central draw – especially the chic new cabanas by Vilebrequin, created in collaboration with the St. Tropez swimwear brand. And for a playful twist on an afternoon cruise, take a ride on Sorbetto, the floating Fiat 500 boat that glides along the Intracoastal.
Staying at Beach Club includes access to The Boca Raton’s broader resort experience, just five minutes away by water taxi. Over at Harborside, I found myself slipping between spa appointments, lazy river floats, a round of golf, and long, shaded walks. It’s a resort within a resort – but one that feels deeply connected to the quiet, coastal pace of Beach Club itself.
As The Boca Raton approaches its 100th anniversary, the Beach Club emerges as a confident new chapter. Whether you’re drawn to the sun, the sea, or a sanctuary of wellness, this reimagined icon proves that even paradise can evolve.
