Vacation To Your Heart’s Content

One of Boca Raton’s most storied destinations just got better.

The Boca Raton, South Florida’s luxe resort and private club, introduced Tower, its 27-story reimagined fifth hotel stemming from a $65 million transformation.

This lavish property dates back to 1969, when it first opened as Boca Raton’s tallest building, an accolade it still proudly holds. The club originally opened in 1926 as The Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn. A part of five hotels housed among 200 waterfront acres, Tower offers exceptional dining, an award-winning spa, 18-hole golf course, full-service marina, Racquet Club with 16 tennis courts and six pickleball courts, boutiques, seven swimming pools and numerous water activities.

In other words, South Florida’s rendition of heaven.

Pink heaven, more precisely, as Tower’s exterior sports its original, iconic light flamingo hue.

Begin with the view, which is truly spectacular. There’s built-in seating in the suites to sit down, relax and take it all in. Soaring above Boca Raton, one is privy to stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and South Florida coastline as well as the resort’s sparkling Harborside Pool Club.

There are 224 rooms, sporting warm wood accents balanced with a modern flair providing a contemporary coastal feel.

Comfort and customer service are key at Tower, beginning with the welcome champagne, the comfy flip flops and the luxurious Molton Brown amenities in the room. There’s also Butler Service — guests are assigned to a butler who’s exceptionally attentive without being overbearing. There are even two Robot Butlers whose delivery of snacks will quickly become a family favorite vacation memory.

Don’t miss Tower’s second floor. Created as an exclusive getaway for guests, you’ll find pastries and coffee for breakfast, as well as an assortment of afternoon tasty treats.

There are plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge. Book lovers will want to visit Tower’s book-lending library, curated in partnership with high-end publisher Assouline. Want to drift off while enjoying some tunes? There’s a listening lounge outfitted with headphones by premium audio brand Master & Dynamic. There’s also a game area for a challenging round of chess.

For extra pampering, Spa Palmera provides 50,000 square feet of bliss. Inspired by the grandeur of Spain’s Alhambra Palace, treatments like Alhambra Escape Package, Diamond Facial and Revitalizing Energy Treatment are a sampling of the many perks here.

Of course, the outdoors beckons, and with The Boca Raton’s private golden beach replete with Oceanfront Cabanas and Luxe Lounging that includes zero-gravity lounge chairs, there’s no better way to enjoy the fresh ocean air. Be sure to make time for a visit to Harborside Pool Club. Between drifting on the Lazy River, multiple pools and water slides, this is one for the kids.

For those that want to keep their game on, there’s golf, tennis and pickleball (16 Hydro-Grid courts and a full-service tennis concierge make sure all your needs are met!) and an array of water sports.

Be sure to bring your appetite — delectable dining options abound. If you are a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ll want to visit Japanese Bocce Club. Sushi is exceptional here, as is a curated selection of crispy rice, Wagyu beef and entrees like Steamed Bass with Yuzu-Ginger Soy, Cucumbers and Fresno Chili and Jumbo Ribs with Five Spice Rub, Honey Vinegar and Spicy Baby Corn. Libations are equally alluring, with a comprehensive sake and wine selection and cocktails like Matcha Margarita and Sake Sunrise.

Head to Sadelle’s for brunch: between the varieties of Egg Benedict dishes, omelets (I’m partial to the Leo — house salmon and caramelized onions) and guilt-free options like the Healthy Egg Sandwich, it’s a choice you’ll be glad to have made. The good news is that it’s an all-day menu, so you can partake in the Crispy Latkes, Double Cheeseburger or Traditional Caviar Service any time.

Looking for a mid-century chophouse? The Flamingo Grill awaits. If pasta is more your style, Principessa Ristorante is a charming waterfront destination dazzling with house-made pasta dishes or second course gems like the Branzino Portofino for two (Whole Branzino, Castelvetrano Olives, Baby Artichokes). All are created in partnership with renowned New York-based Major Food Group, who’s taken South Florida by storm with a succession of restaurant hits like Carbone, Dirty French, HaSalon and Contessa.

The Boca Raton refers to its remake as “A New Golden Era,” and there’s no doubt that a stay at the impeccable Tower certainly feels that way.

Tower is located in The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-447-3000 or visit thebocaraton.com/suites-rooms/tower.