1926: On February 6th, 1926, the Boca Raton Resort & Club was founded as "The Cloister Inn." Modeled after a Spanish castle, the 100-room Inn was designed by famed architect, Addison Mizner.

1928: The Inn was purchased by Clarence Geist, a utility magnate from Philadelphia. The property was expanded to include more guestrooms; the former Cabana Club and golf course were constructed. As a private Club opened seasonally from January to March, the establishment was run by Mr. Geist until his death in 1938.

1930: After $8 million in renovations, the Cloister Inn reopens as the exclusive Boca Raton Hotel & Club, one of the world's finest "gentlemen's clubs." Private railroad cars and yachts bring Herbert Hoover, several duPonts and others.

193Os: Geist subsidizes the perennial Club deficit throughout the Depression, even after his death in 1938. He kept it open seasonally from January to March. The Cloister was expanded to 400 rooms.

1940: During World War II, the U.S. Army purchases and occupies the Club to house the Air Corps Trainees. The military remained in possession of the Club for four years and term the property the most elegant barracks in history.

1946: The Club was purchased by hotel and theatre real estate magnate J. Myer Schine for three million dollars and the property was refurbished into one of the most luxurious hotels in America. He initiated convention business in the Hotel, which presently accounts for about 60% of the Resort's guests.

1956: On March 1, 1956, Arthur Vining Davis, formerly CEO of Alcoa, bought the hotel and surrounding property for $22.5 million, then the biggest real estate deal in Florida's history. 1958: Arvida Corporation was formed and named after Arthur Vining Davis. Arvida owned and operated the Hotel for approximately 27 years.

1969: Arvida began a $14 million expansion program which included the 27-story Tower and the Golf Villas. In addition, a Conference Center was built to give the hotel a balanced mix of both leisure and convention business.

1980: The opening of the Boca Beach Club replacing the old Cabana Club, located adjacent to the Resort and Club. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Boca Raton and the Intracoastal, this luxurious $20 million addition features a half-mile of private beach, two swimming pools, 214 rooms including eight suites and two restaurants.

1983: The Boca Raton Resort & Club was sold to the Boca Raton Hotel & Club Limited Partnership with VMS Realty Corporation, a Chicago~based, real estate developer, installed as the general partner for the limited partnership.

1988: The Boca Raton Resort & Club acquires the Boca Country Club. Located on Congress Avenue, approximately seven miles from the main hotel, the Boca Country Club features luxury homes and condominiums, a championship 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, fitness center and dining facilities for hotel guests, club members and property residents.

1991: The Boca Raton Resort & Club undergoes $11 million renovation, bringing the total amount spent on refurbishment and additional facilities since 1983 to $55 million.

1993: The Boca Raton Management Company (BRMC) is installed as the general partner for the Boca Raton Hotel & Club Limited Partnership, replacing VMS Realty Corp. In October, BRMC successfully completes the refinancing of $150 million of indebtedness.

Located in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast in Palm Beach County, the Boca Raton Resort & Club is one of the country's premier resort destinations and private club facilities. Set within a backdrop of casual elegance, Boca's amenities include two eighteen-hole championship golf courses, 30 tennis courts, several pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, a half-mile stretch of private beach, a full-service marina and a variety of watersports. In addition, the Resort and Club features an outstanding selection of dining options and a full range of activities including a comprehensive children's program.

For information and reservations call the Boca Raton Resort & Club at (800) 327-0101 or (561) 447-3000, or contact your travel professional.