Some destinations feel special the moment you arrive. Other places unfold slowly, revealing themselves in quiet details that stay with you long after you return home. Our recent trip to The Boca Raton blended both.
This past weekend, Bob and I traveled to South Florida to celebrate 100 Years of The Boca Raton. When the invitation hit our inbox last fall, we RSVP’d “yes” within minutes. The Boca Raton celebrating its 100th anniversary? A momentous milestone we certainly didn’t want to miss. For years, Bob and I have wanted to spend more time in Boca Raton, Florida. We love the beautiful weather, and always enjoy escaping the bustling city life to enjoy some sun and sand.
Ultimately, this trip became a weekend to remember. As avid travelers who love staying in luxury hotels, The Boca Raton did not disappoint.
The Boca Raton Luxury Hotel
The Boca Raton has long been an icon of the destination. For a century, it has been woven into the cultural fabric of South Florida. Generations have gathered at the property to mark milestones, escape winter, and experience a particular style of hospitality that feels both classic and forward looking. Visiting during the centennial celebration felt immensely special, and certainly something we won’t soon forget.
This stay was also our introduction to the freshly renovated Tower, which recently opened as part of the resort’s thoughtful transformation. Staying here during such a historic moment made the experience feel especially personal. We never wanted to leave!
Checking Into the All New Tower
The Tower at The Boca Raton is amazing, friends. The architecture feels contemporary yet calm, warm and incredibly inviting. We immediately felt at home and settled in right away. Moreover, the views are spectacular. The Atlantic Ocean stretched endlessly in one direction while the Intracoastal waterways framed everything below. Stunning!
As Suite Collection guests, we also had access to Top of the Tower. We loved this offering and amenity! This private lounge on the 27th floor felt like a quiet retreat above the resort. The views alone were enough to make it memorable, but the service elevated it even further. A dedicated concierge team made everything feel seamless, whether it was planning the day or settling in for a relaxed moment with a drink as the sun set.
After arriving in Fort Lauderdale, a car picked us up and drove us approximately 45-minutes to the property. It was an effortless experience, and a service that can be booked directly by the hotel. We highly recommend it, as it sets the perfect tone for the trip.
A Resort Designed for Movement and Moments
One of the things that stood out most during the weekend was how fluid the experience felt. The Boca Raton is expansive, yet it never feels overwhelming. Each area has its own energy, and moving between them feels natural rather than forced.
Mornings often began at Sadelle’s. There is something comforting about starting the day in a space that feels familiar yet elevated. Breakfast here was relaxed but polished, with an atmosphere that made lingering feel encouraged rather than indulgent.
From there, days unfolded in different directions. Sometimes that meant spending time by the Harborside Pool Club, which is conveniently located just steps from the Tower. Other times it meant heading to the Racquet Club for pickleball with friends or lessons with a tennis pro.
Spa Palmera deserves its own moment. The space feels like a true sanctuary. Mediterranean influences are woven throughout, creating an environment that immediately signals calm. Treatments are personalized and intentional. The experience is less about indulgence and more about restoration. It is the kind of place where time feels suspended in the best possible way.
Then there is Beachside, which feels like an entirely different chapter of the story. Beachside is The Boca Raton’s private oceanfront escape, accessed by a short boat ride across the Intracoastal. Arriving by water adds a sense of anticipation, and stepping onto the beach feels like entering a destination within the destination.
The atmosphere at Beachside is relaxed and breezy. Service is attentive without being intrusive. The ocean is always just steps away. Spending an afternoon here created a beautiful contrast to the resort’s inland energy and reinforced why this Boca Raton luxury hotel continues to feel so multidimensional.
Dining as an Experience
Dining at The Boca Raton feels like a journey rather than a checklist. Each restaurant has its own personality, and the variety ensures that no two meals feel the same.
Dinner at The Japanese Bocce Club was one of the highlights of the weekend. The space feels intimate and thoughtfully designed. The menu balances precision with creativity. It was the kind of meal where conversation slows naturally because every course invites attention.
Marisol offered a different energy entirely. With its coastal influence and vibrant atmosphere, it felt perfectly suited for an evening that blends dining with the feeling of being on vacation. Every meal here felt like an experience rather than an obligation.
What stood out most was how seamlessly dining fit into the overall stay. Nothing felt rushed. Reservations felt thoughtful rather than transactional. It reinforced the idea that this Boca Raton luxury hotel understands how food can shape memory.
Celebrating One Hundred Years
The highlight of the weekend was without question the Centennial Gala. Celebrating one hundred years of The Boca Raton in such a meaningful way felt like being part of history rather than simply observing it.
The evening was black tie and beautifully executed. The design was elegant without feeling overdone. The atmosphere felt celebratory and intimate at the same time. One of the most memorable elements was the indoor drone experience, which added a modern and unexpected layer to the evening. It felt symbolic of how the resort continues to innovate while honoring its legacy.
The culinary offerings throughout the night were exceptional. Each detail felt considered, from presentation to pacing. Then came the performance by John Legend, which transformed the evening into something truly unforgettable. There was a collective sense of appreciation in the room, not just for the performance but for what the resort represents.
Moments like this make it clear why The Boca Raton has endured for a century. It understands how to create experiences that feel meaningful rather than manufactured.
Reflecting on the Experience
Spending a weekend at a Boca Raton luxury hotel during such a milestone made it impossible not to reflect on the idea of longevity in hospitality. Very few places manage to remain relevant for one hundred years without losing their sense of identity. The Boca Raton has done exactly that.
What makes it special is not just the setting or the scale. It is the way the resort continues to evolve while maintaining a clear sense of character. The new Tower feels like a natural extension of the property rather than a departure. The experiences feel curated without feeling curated. The service feels intuitive rather than scripted.
There is also a strong sense of belonging here. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or returning year after year, the resort has a way of making guests feel connected to its story. That sense of continuity is rare, especially in luxury travel.
Above all, the experience was extra special thanks to one key factor – the PEOPLE. Bob and I were lucky enough to meet and spend time with some remarkable individuals who are so talented, fun, and wonderful. Specifically, we absolutely loved Alice Gao and Eric Petschek, who were the two first people we met on the first night. Over the course of the weekend, we had the chance to get to know them at meals, during activities, at the gala and after party. While it was a quick trip, I can honestly say they were fantastic; I hope we get the chance to travel with them again. My belly hurts from laughing so much with them!
Additionally, I had the chance to reconnect with friends including Jenny Cipoletti, Natalie Suarez, and Sarah Patrick, who I go back with almost a decade! Jenny is a gem, and it’s a joy to see her continue to grow her culinary and jewelry lines. She’s a marketing genius, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. Natalie is beyond talented, someone who I’ve always admired, and I always enjoy seeing her lens of the world. Sarah is a sweetheart – kind and warm, and impeccable style.
One of the great aspects of these types of experiences is also meeting new people, and I had the best time with Vanessa Grimaldi and Kelly Nicole Turner. We sat across from one another at lunch at Mirasol, and I immediately adored them – so down-to-earth, real, authentic, and FUN. I wish we had more time chatting together!
The weekend felt way too short, but I will truly hold dear the memories with these wonderful individuals. Last but certainly not least – this entire getaway was only possible thanks to the team who pulled this trip together. While I won’t go into all of their names here, they know who they are. 🙂 Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for including us in this experience and for all the work that went into the trip. We are so grateful!
Why This Boca Raton Luxury Hotel Still Matters
Travel trends change constantly, but certain destinations endure because they understand something deeper about hospitality. The Boca Raton understands that luxury today is about ease, personalization, and moments that feel authentic.
Staying in the Tower offered a glimpse into the future of the resort, while the Centennial Gala reminded us of its past. Together, they told a story of balance. It is a story about honoring tradition without being bound by it.
This weekend was a reminder that a Boca Raton luxury hotel can be both iconic and current. It can be aspirational without feeling inaccessible. It can celebrate one hundred years while still feeling completely relevant.
As we left, there was a quiet sense of appreciation for having experienced The Boca Raton at such a meaningful moment in its history. Some trips stay with you because of where you went. Others stay with you because of how they made you feel. This one did both.
And if the next one hundred years are anything like the first, The Boca Raton will continue to define what it means to experience South Florida at its best.