The Boca Raton Celebrates 100 Years as a South Florida Icon

The iconic resort offers five distinct hotels within one sprawling property, including the only Forbes quadruple five-star resort in the Americas.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:09pm

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The Boca Raton, a sprawling resort in South Florida, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Opened in 1926 by visionary architect Addison Mizner, the property now features five distinct hotels, including the only Forbes quadruple five-star resort in the Americas. The author, an aspiring retiree, recently visited the resort and experienced its luxurious amenities, world-class dining, and award-winning spa.

Why it matters

The Boca Raton has been a South Florida icon for a century, offering a luxurious and iconic destination for visitors and locals alike. As the resort celebrates this milestone, it showcases the enduring appeal of the region and the ability of a historic property to evolve and maintain its status as a premier travel destination.

The details

The Boca Raton offers five distinct hotels within its sprawling resort: Tower, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Cloister, and Bungalows. The author stayed in the Tower, a family-friendly option with ocean-view suites and access to the private Top of the Tower lounge. The resort features numerous dining options, including four restaurants operated by Major Food Group, as well as the award-winning Spa Palmera, a 50,000-square-foot spa that has earned five-star ratings from Forbes Travel Guide.

  • The Boca Raton opened on February 6, 1926.
  • The resort is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Addison Mizner

The visionary architect who opened the Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn, the precursor to The Boca Raton, in 1926.

Johnnie Brown

Addison Mizner's pet spider monkey.

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What they’re saying

“As an aspiring retiree, I absolutely thrive in South Florida.”

— Melissa Smrekar, Author

What’s next

The Boca Raton will continue to celebrate its centennial throughout 2026 with special events, programming, and promotions for guests.

The takeaway

The Boca Raton's 100-year history as a South Florida icon demonstrates the enduring appeal of luxury travel destinations that can evolve and adapt to changing times while maintaining their core identity and values. The resort's commitment to providing a world-class experience for guests has helped it remain a premier destination for generations of visitors.