The 1,047-room The Boca Raton straddles the Intracoastal Waterway roughly halfway between Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. On the mainland side stands Addison Mizner’s ornate 1926 Cloister hotel and the new 112-room Yacht Club, which faces the Intracoastal Waterway, and a cluster of Boca Bungalows along the golf course. Boats and shuttles leave from the main complex for the recently renovated Beach Club, a seven-story complex of rooms, restaurants, and swimming pools fronting a half-mile of private Atlantic-washed beach on a barrier island just across the Intracoastal.
Tennis at the resort took on a new dimension with the debut in March of 1998 of the $10 million Tennis and Fitness Center and again late in 2001 with the opening of the palatial Spa Palmera. Architecturally, the new clubhouse looks like a contemporary of the neighboring Cloister. From the hotel a path along the croquet courts leads to a two-story Mediterranean-inspired structure tricked out in the same pink stucco and barrel tile as Addison Mizner’s original. Straight ahead double wooden doors on the first floor open onto a bright fitness center full of state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and Cybex workout stations, while to the right and left twin stone staircases lead to an arched and pillared second-floor arcade and the entrance to the expansive tennis shop.
Rich in wood trim and a large selection of well-displayed clothing, this 5,000-square-foot retail outlet looks more like a boutique than a full-service pro shop. Behind it a covered deck extends above the fence line of courts Nos. 1 and 2 and provides a panorama of the complex. The courts themselves, 18 in all, are arrayed to either side of a brick-lined alleyway, decorated with benches, trees, and flowers. All of the courts are clay with a subsurface watering system called HydroGrid. What you cannot see from this perspective is that this entire complex of 18 courts sits atop a parking garage.
The effort that went into the new complex is being matched by the efforts of the staff to take good care of tennis players. Chief among the services is a well-honed system of finding matches for guests, typically by calling on local members. To do that the resort designates some of its staff as “tennis concierges,” with the responsibility not only to set up games but also to carpenter together a personalized tennis program, including any of five daily clinics, tennis aerobics, and occasional round robins. The man behind the programs is director Erik Silver, who has been on these courts since he first started to work there at age 14.
When you walk into the pro shop, through the double doors, you come face to face with a raised counter and two tennis concierges eager to arrange matches or create an individually tailored program from the week’s menu of activities. That and the physical beauty of the complex make an indelible first impression.
Tennis Staff: With his model-like looks and long wavy dark brown hair, tennis director Erik Silver looks the part of a resort tennis pro. His mother is a long-time member, and Silver first began working with the colorful Warren Woodcock, a former director, in 1978. After eight years as head pro, he took over as director in 1996. He has assembled a large staff of very personable pros, including his assistant director Brett Maynard, head pro Larry Gottfried, and an attentive crew to man the pro shop.
Tennis Programs: Apart from game matching, which is handled by a “Tennis Concierge”, and private lessons, the staff runs 5 to 6 daily clinics, a few weekly round robins, and tennis aerobics. For kids, they offer a once-a-week Mighty Mites program for 3-4 year olds and Tiny Tots sessions three times a week for those ages 5 to 7.
Off Court
Beach: The Beach Club, across the Intracoastal Waterway on a barrier island facing the Atlantic, fronts half a mile of private beach, furnished with padded lounge chairs with fold-up canopies each with an individual flagpole to use to request beverage or other service.
Golf Courses: The resort has two 18-hole courses. It is also home to the Kellie Stenzel Golf Academy and the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School.
Resort Course: Reconstructed and reconfigured in 1999, this course now features water on most of its fairways, including the 18th, which has an island green. Par 71. Length: 6,253 yards from the back tees.
Country Club Course: Also redesigned in 1999, the Country Club course features contoured greens and many deep, greenside bunkers. Par 72. Length: 6,714 yards from the back tees.
Spa & Fitness Center. The 6,200-square-foot fitness center at the tennis courts has a full line of aerobic and cardiovascular equipment as well as a set of Cybex stations. Its exercise studio schedules a variety of aerobics and toning classes, and personal training is available from the staff. The resort also has a second fitness center at the Boca Beach Club and a third at the Boca Country Club.
Just across the road from the tennis center stands Spa Palmera, a 50,000-square-foot sanctuary with 44 treatment rooms, an opulent wet room, an eclectic menu of spa treatments, sunning terraces, and an additional 10,000 square feet of gardens with waterfall whirlpools and a spa pool with underwater music.
The resort has seven swimming pools, one at the Cloister, three at the Beach Club, and one each at the Country Club, Boca Bungalows, and Spa Palmera. The resort also has a full-service marina immediately adjacent to the historic Cloister on the Intracoastal Waterway. It has 32 slips and can accommodate sailing vessels up to 170 feet in length. There are also croquet lawns, racquetball courts, volleyball, basketball, and badminton.
Children's programs: Children’s activities and recreation are divided into three groups by age: Boca Tots, ages 3-5; Boca Bunch, ages 6-12; and Boca Sport, ages 12-17.
Dining: Rather than have a single chef oversee the entire resort operation, the Boca Raton brought in outside chefs for some of its restaurants. Of the dozen or so food outlets on property, the signature restaurant is Cielo, which recently became the province of Michela Larson. From its location on the 27th floor, it looks up and down the Intracoastal Waterway and in a state as flat as Florida seems to afford the ability to see forever. Among the other notable options are noted restaurateur Drew Nieporent’s Tuscan-inspired Lucca in the Cloister Piazza and SeaGrille at the Boca Beach Club, where it serves fresh local seafood and salads.
Accommodations
The nostalgic first choice in lodging would seem to be the historic Cloister hotel until you discover that its quarters seem small by today’s standards and at best have views of the golf course. As a result, those who adore the beach will opt instead for the recently refurbished rooms at the Boca Beach Club, even though that puts you a shuttle or boat ride away from the tennis courts and many of the restaurants. The South Tower thus stands out for its convenience, the spaciousness of its rooms, and the glorious views from the mid to high floors. Those who want seclusion can opt instead for the Boca Bunaglows, some of whose rooms and suites have kitchens. The newest lodging is in the luxuriously appointed Yacht Club, whose design resembles a Venetian palace.
Getting there
Seasons: Although the resort is open year-round, summers in south Florida are hot and steamy and tennis activity wanes. Rates are almost half what they are in winter, however.
Travel Instructions: By Air: Palm Beach Airport is 28 miles to the north, Fort Lauderdale is 24 miles to the south, and Miami International is 45 miles south. By car: Take I-95 or the Florida Turnpike to Camino Real and head east. The Resort located between U.S. 1 (a.k.a. Federal Highway) and Highway A1A.
I am solely writing this review for the tennis club as it truly blew me away. Came in from Telluride to visit family in Boca. Although tennis has been in my life for over ten years, I retired my racquet for quite some time. During my stay at the resort, I decided to take a lesson and had the blessing to be paired with Erik, the director. After one hour with Erik, all I wanted to do was to keep playing (which I did 8 days in a row!!). Erik did a phenomenal job instructing and simply making the game so much fun. My family even tagged along on a couple of the lessons and the laughs shared on the court still make me smile while writing this review. The tennis club at The Boca Raton is the place to be. Truly an outstanding experience. I promise you’ll leave with a smile, awesome tan lines, and a love for the game.
BB
Tennis pros are amazing. Erik Silver runs a great program from beginners all the way to the top. Can’t be any better.
BD
Tennis lessons were excellent with Erik Silver and Staff. We come every year and always enjoy.
KM
Loved tennis and pickleball here! Erik made it very fun.
HM
I love the Boca Raton – the resort overall is amazing. But my favorite part was definitely the Tennis! The courts are immaculate and Erik is the best pro ever. After just one session my game improves and he makes it a lot fun. Would definitely recommend to anyone!
CD
Erik Silver and staff created a great tennis experience. I visit the resort just for the tennis.
RP
The Tennis is on the highest level with excellent Professional Teachers who are personable and able to read the moment and player. They make it fun and helpful. The courts are superb and it is a lovely atmosphere.
LF
Some of the most fun we’ve ever had playing. Beautiful resort, great weather, friendly people, and most importantly, amazing staff. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful. Our pro, Alan Roth was outstanding. He kept everything running smoothly and was a real gem to the overall feel of everything. Can’t wait to go back to see him and all of our new friends at The Boca.
AB
the pickle ball instructor/guide alan was great smooth running got us on and off the court promptly enjoyed the courts and overall atmosphere
MP
Exceptional pickle ball facilities. All levels of competition represented. Alan does an awesome job making competitive teams, helping facilitate game flow, and creating an inviting and welcoming but competitive atmosphere. We specifically come here because of the open pickle-ball play. Can’t wait to come back.
PD
Extremely impressed by the pickleball experience. The pickleball pro , Alan, was superb and kept play moving and competitive for all levels. Courts are beautifully maintained. A definite “go to” location.
JS
I highly recommend Alan for a pickleball lesson. He is a very skilled player and a excellent instructor.
MR
Alan is great!
JD
The tennis program with Bobby Bernstein and Erik was exceptional… Bobby trained my up and rising talented daughter for a week straight and we were so happy we came back to have him work with her for another week later in the summer… Erik is fantastic as well and they both work closely together to maximize the experience… Bobby knows the game better than anyone in the business and is patient, knowledgeable and exceedingly professional…. We will be coming back on a regular basis.
PS
The tennis at the Boca Raton is amazing. The pros are great. We have had Erik for years and each time have the best tennis experience for myself and my husband and my young children. We can’t wait to be back on the courts at this resort.
HK
My wife and I recently participated in a pickelball clinic. Allen was a great instructor that made the clinic fun and taught us everything we needed to know to start playing the game. Great time!
NK
The Boca Raton is a real gem! An added plus is their pickleball offering, where you can take lessons, participate in clinics, or join in on open play. I have taken a couple of private pickleball lessons with Nikki Roth, who is top-notch. She has created a growing community of enthusiastic beginners to advanced players, and she and Alan Roth are welcoming and encouraging; it’s a terrific atmosphere to play and socialize. The courts are well maintained, and the hotel has a lot to offer. There are some outstanding players on the courts and some novices, but they all seem to have the commonality of enjoying pickleball no matter their age!
VP
The Boca Raton offers exceptional Pickleball! The staff (Nikki, Alan & Andres) are exceptional. They immediately welcome you, assess your ability and quickly find you partners to play with during open play. They offer fabulous clinics and private lessons. Highly recommend!
CD
The Tennis staff at The Boca Raton is nothing short of amazing. The tennis camps were small enough where you are still able to get some focused attention. I also took private lessons with a few different pros; they were all very knowledgeable and were able to make positive changes to my game. The Pickleball was an added level of fun to our vacation. We took a private lesson and my family, and I enjoyed the open play. We enjoyed the new restaurants all around the property, they provided a lot of different dining choices along with beautiful views. We look forward to visiting The Boca Raton every year and cannot wait to go back.
YS
The coaches are great here! Eric will analyze your issues and work on it quickly. Our tennis experience there has been a great journey for both me and my husband. The courts are very well maintained and staff are very friendly and efficient. Everyone here takes great care of us and we always feel welcomed. Beautiful Florida sky and waters are also great features of this resort.
LS
The tennis experience is so fantastic that we spend two weeks every month there trying to improve our game. The entire staff is very dedicated to providing an exceptional experience. The pros are absolutely fantastic. I take 60 or 90 minute lessons every single day that I am there. The courts are well cared for.
MJ
The Boca Raton has just undergone a major transformation and it is amazing. Our visit did include tennis where we participated in tennis lessons and clinics. The tennis facility is beautiful and each of the courts seemed to be in perfect condition. My husband and I played in one of the intermediate clinics and enjoyed the drills. I also took a private lesson which went well also. All of the staff we met at tennis were very polite and went out of their way to answer our questions about the resort which was appreciated. We understand they are going through a renovation in the pro shop and look forward to seeing that on our next visit.
SC
I must say that my tennis instructor at the Boca Resort was the best I ever had. Eric was able to correct many of my small errors that I improved to quickly. Erice has a very easy way to teach tennis and his skills are incredible!! I recommend him to anyone
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123 Reviews on “The Boca Raton”
I am solely writing this review for the tennis club as it truly blew me away. Came in from Telluride to visit family in Boca. Although tennis has been in my life for over ten years, I retired my racquet for quite some time. During my stay at the resort, I decided to take a lesson and had the blessing to be paired with Erik, the director. After one hour with Erik, all I wanted to do was to keep playing (which I did 8 days in a row!!). Erik did a phenomenal job instructing and simply making the game so much fun. My family even tagged along on a couple of the lessons and the laughs shared on the court still make me smile while writing this review. The tennis club at The Boca Raton is the place to be. Truly an outstanding experience. I promise you’ll leave with a smile, awesome tan lines, and a love for the game.
Tennis pros are amazing. Erik Silver runs a great program from beginners all the way to the top. Can’t be any better.
Tennis lessons were excellent with Erik Silver and Staff. We come every year and always enjoy.
Loved tennis and pickleball here! Erik made it very fun.
I love the Boca Raton – the resort overall is amazing. But my favorite part was definitely the Tennis! The courts are immaculate and Erik is the best pro ever. After just one session my game improves and he makes it a lot fun. Would definitely recommend to anyone!
Erik Silver and staff created a great tennis experience. I visit the resort just for the tennis.
The Tennis is on the highest level with excellent Professional Teachers who are personable and able to read the moment and player. They make it fun and helpful. The courts are superb and it is a lovely atmosphere.
Some of the most fun we’ve ever had playing. Beautiful resort, great weather, friendly people, and most importantly, amazing staff. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful. Our pro, Alan Roth was outstanding. He kept everything running smoothly and was a real gem to the overall feel of everything. Can’t wait to go back to see him and all of our new friends at The Boca.
the pickle ball instructor/guide alan was great smooth running got us on and off the court promptly enjoyed the courts and overall atmosphere
Exceptional pickle ball facilities. All levels of competition represented. Alan does an awesome job making competitive teams, helping facilitate game flow, and creating an inviting and welcoming but competitive atmosphere. We specifically come here because of the open pickle-ball play. Can’t wait to come back.
Extremely impressed by the pickleball experience. The pickleball pro , Alan, was superb and kept play moving and competitive for all levels. Courts are beautifully maintained. A definite “go to” location.
I highly recommend Alan for a pickleball lesson. He is a very skilled player and a excellent instructor.
Alan is great!
The tennis program with Bobby Bernstein and Erik was exceptional… Bobby trained my up and rising talented daughter for a week straight and we were so happy we came back to have him work with her for another week later in the summer… Erik is fantastic as well and they both work closely together to maximize the experience… Bobby knows the game better than anyone in the business and is patient, knowledgeable and exceedingly professional…. We will be coming back on a regular basis.
The tennis at the Boca Raton is amazing. The pros are great. We have had Erik for years and each time have the best tennis experience for myself and my husband and my young children. We can’t wait to be back on the courts at this resort.
My wife and I recently participated in a pickelball clinic. Allen was a great instructor that made the clinic fun and taught us everything we needed to know to start playing the game. Great time!
The Boca Raton is a real gem! An added plus is their pickleball offering, where you can take lessons, participate in clinics, or join in on open play. I have taken a couple of private pickleball lessons with Nikki Roth, who is top-notch. She has created a growing community of enthusiastic beginners to advanced players, and she and Alan Roth are welcoming and encouraging; it’s a terrific atmosphere to play and socialize. The courts are well maintained, and the hotel has a lot to offer. There are some outstanding players on the courts and some novices, but they all seem to have the commonality of enjoying pickleball no matter their age!
The Boca Raton offers exceptional Pickleball! The staff (Nikki, Alan & Andres) are exceptional. They immediately welcome you, assess your ability and quickly find you partners to play with during open play. They offer fabulous clinics and private lessons. Highly recommend!
The Tennis staff at The Boca Raton is nothing short of amazing. The tennis camps were small enough where you are still able to get some focused attention. I also took private lessons with a few different pros; they were all very knowledgeable and were able to make positive changes to my game. The Pickleball was an added level of fun to our vacation. We took a private lesson and my family, and I enjoyed the open play. We enjoyed the new restaurants all around the property, they provided a lot of different dining choices along with beautiful views. We look forward to visiting The Boca Raton every year and cannot wait to go back.
The coaches are great here! Eric will analyze your issues and work on it quickly. Our tennis experience there has been a great journey for both me and my husband. The courts are very well maintained and staff are very friendly and efficient. Everyone here takes great care of us and we always feel welcomed. Beautiful Florida sky and waters are also great features of this resort.
The tennis experience is so fantastic that we spend two weeks every month there trying to improve our game. The entire staff is very dedicated to providing an exceptional experience. The pros are absolutely fantastic. I take 60 or 90 minute lessons every single day that I am there. The courts are well cared for.
The Boca Raton has just undergone a major transformation and it is amazing. Our visit did include tennis where we participated in tennis lessons and clinics. The tennis facility is beautiful and each of the courts seemed to be in perfect condition. My husband and I played in one of the intermediate clinics and enjoyed the drills. I also took a private lesson which went well also. All of the staff we met at tennis were very polite and went out of their way to answer our questions about the resort which was appreciated. We understand they are going through a renovation in the pro shop and look forward to seeing that on our next visit.
I must say that my tennis instructor at the Boca Resort was the best I ever had. Eric was able to correct many of my small errors that I improved to quickly. Erice has a very easy way to teach tennis and his skills are incredible!! I recommend him to anyone