The Boca Raton is a historic and iconic hotel located in Boca Raton, Florida that is just steps from the beach, golf and racquet clubs. [Photo by Michael Stavaridis]

The Boca Raton is an iconic hotel in Boca Raton, Florida that started out as a 100-room inn when it first opened in 1926. Designed by renowned architect Addison Mizner, the historic property features grand architecture, hidden gardens, luxury dining and retail just steps from the beach, golf and racquet clubs.

The Boca Raton’s new Tower features 224 reimagined rooms and suites that offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and South Floria coastline. Guests enjoy endless luxurious amenities including a private golden beach, Beach Club and Pool Club, water sports, boating and other fun activities.

The Boca Raton Adds Japanese Bocce Club to Culinary Offerings

Spa Palmera is The Boca Raton’s 50,000-square-foot wellness sanctuary inspired by the elegant grandeur of Spain’s Alhambra Palace. It has 44 treatment rooms, elaborate mosaics, grand arches, a lush courtyard with tranquil gardens, waterfall whirlpools, and a private spa pool. The treatment menu offers a wide variety of relaxing services from massages and facials to ritual baths in the spa’s stunning hydrotherapy facilities that are palatial and fit for royalty.

We interviewed The Boca Raton's Spa Director, Vanessa Carter, to learn more about treatments to try, insider tips, and more.

Cloister is the original part of the hotel that features grand architecture, lush grounds and hidden gardens.

Why You’ll Love It: The breathtaking architecture, quiet magnificence and exclusivity that allows guests and members to escape to a quiet setting surrounded by cascading waterfalls, high walls and lush surroundings. The unique setting is an ideal location to celebrate life’s milestones or for those seeking a quiet space to reset their wellness goals. The inspirational tie into the Alhambra Palace creates a charm and yearning to return due to its enchanting setting and Mediterranean feel.

Key Features: Spa Palmera has a variety of relaxing amenities including a sauna, team room and Ritual Baths. Guests are also able to unwind in the Great Hall or enjoy private access to a pool. Additionally, every guest will be given a robe and slippers for use throughout their spa visit.

The Boca Raton’s Harborside Pool Club has multiple swimming pools including an adults-only pool.

Snacks Served: The Spa Palmera cafe offers a range of food so every guest has something to enjoy. Beverages at the cafe include teas, coffees, cold pressed juices, and even specialty cocktails such as the Pacific Spritz made with grapefruit and passionfruit juice. We also have a variety of small bites such as fire roasted peppers with Manchego cheese as well as sandwiches, salads, and Spanish tapas.

Guests can enjoy stunning ocean views from the pool.

Insider’s Tip: Scheduling one of the three distinctive Ritual Baths is an absolute must! Inspired by Moroccan baths and the Alhambra Palace, a 50-minute signature Hydrotherapy Ritual is perfectly paired with a spa service or can be enjoyed on one’s own with access. Guests start their journey in the inhalation salt room and are then guided through a sequence of thermal experiences including sauna, steam rooms, Swiss shower and plunge pool.

The wellness journey encompasses one of three baths ranging from tropical delights to CBD derivatives or a Royal Flare surrounded by candles. Your journey will conclude in the sanctuary of the indoor Jacuzzi where freshly cut fruit and ice-cold water perfectly balance this delightful experience. Communal setting.

The Royal Ritual ($125 with treatment/$185 on own): This signature bathing ritual will transport you to the splendor of the Alhambra Palace. Surrounded by candles, immerse yourself in an oversized soaking tub infused with coconut milk, honey, and pink Himalayan salt crystals. Sprinkled petals surprise and delight, while self-applied honey scrub gently exfoliates. A cold Damask rose scented face compress followed by a cool face mask refreshes and replenishes for the ultimate sensory experience.
The Mizner Ritual ($90 with treatment/ $165 on own): This restorative bathing ritual is rich in CBD-infused properties. Breathe deeply, relax and unwind as you immerse yourself in an oversize tub filled with healing properties of hemp-derived CBD. As you soak up the aromatic waters, apply the textured body scrub, rich in active botanical ingredients, to enhance your overall skin health. Ice-cold mint facial compress contrasts the warm waters and instills a deep sense of harmony.
The Tropical Fusion Ritual ($65 with treatment/$145 on own): This bathing ritual captures a medley of tropical fruits including mangos, lemons and grapefruit. Your bathing immersion includes an uplifting citrus aroma splash, finely ground coconut extracts and ice chilled orange infused water to quench your thirst while invigorating your senses. Soak up this moment of perfection.

The resort also offers access to its private golden beach for additional fun and relaxation.

Bonus: One bonus not everyone is aware of is the option to enjoy a healthy passion fruit sorbet treat while soaking in one of the three distinctive bathing rituals including The Mizner’s Ritual, The Royal Ritual and Tropical Fusion Ritual Bath for a completely refreshing experience. Reserved a la carte or one with Access.

Spa Palmera is The Boca Raton’s award-winning 50,000-square-foot spa inspired by the elegant grandeur of Spain’s Alhambra Palace.

Splurge Treatment: One of the spa packages that touches each area of the spa offerings. My favorite would be the full-day Alhambra Escape Package (5.5 hours, $815) that leaves you feeling and looking fabulous from head to toe. A sensorial experience inspired by the Alhambra Palace that includes The Royal Ritual (50 min) The Alhambra Touch Massage (90 min), Diamond Facial (60 min), Alhambra Pedicure (60 min), and Wash & Style (50 min).

The spa has 44 treatment rooms, a lush courtyard with tranquil gardens and a Great Room.

Unique Treatment: Ritual Baths are a distinctly unique offering at Spa Palmera. A few other treatments that stand out at the spa include Sound Therapy Massage that incorporates Singing Bowls or The Moroccan Ritual that is heavily influenced by the Alhambra Palace and incorporates terracotta stone.

The Moroccan Ritual (90 min, $350): Inspired by the aromatic notes of amber and myrrh found in Moroccan spice markets. This sensory-rich body treatment invokes the wonders of an ancient art of exfoliation with the application of a handmade terracotta stone. Your therapist will apply traditional techniques for a full-body exfoliation that will leave you with flawlessly smooth, hydrated and radiant skin.
Sound Therapy Massage (90 min, $305): Let your mind disconnect, relax, and drift into a harmonious and meditative state through the vibrational rhythms of singing bowls. This sound therapy treatment supports mental clarity and mindfulness. Further align your mind and body as you enjoy the beneficial qualities of warm body butter in this deeply relaxing and hydrating massage.

Among the spa’s offerings are its Ritual Baths that feature a sequence of thermal experiences including sauna, steam rooms, a Swiss shower and plunge pool.

Insider’s Favorite: The Royal Coconut Milk & Honey Ritual (90 min, $350) is beyond delightful and is a beautiful nod to the Alhambra Palace. Performed within the state-of-the art Aemotio Vichy shower, this decadent treatment draws its inspiration from the Alhambra baths and palatial setting. A deeply hydrating treatment that pulls from ancient bathing rituals of milk and honey to nourish and restore. Organic cane sugar, honey, coconut milk and exotic nut oils are combined with a full-body dry brush. A warm body mask immersion within a delightful steam bath is accompanied by a soothing scalp massage. Conclude this decedent treatment with a hot stone massage for the ultimate in relaxation. Truly nature’s gift for a beautiful and vibrant, healthy glow.