BOCA RATON.- The Boca Raton Resort & Club (www.bocaresort.com) has reached a major milestone - the completion of the Palm Court, the resort’s highly anticipated and recently renovated historic public area, an extension of the lobby on the east side of the resort overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Conceived by French artist-architect Thierry Despont, the Palm Court is a refined and vibrant space that achieves masterful architectural function and form. Drawing on Mizner’s original vision, Despont has created a “return to casual life in an elegant environment,” including a newly designed public area and the masterful redesign of the Resort’s majestic lobby completed in 2006.

Guests are welcomed into the Palm Court by the grand bronze sculpture “Infanta Margarita” by internationally recognized Spanish artist Manolo Valdes. The piece, which was chosen by Despont for the space, is based on the Infanta Margarita figure from Diego Velázquez's iconic painting Las Meninas.

Inside the Palm Court, the mood is fresh and airy like a modern day Italian piazza with a soaring ceiling comprised of a transparent Texlon ETFE Foiltec. This unique rooftop concept is designed to capture an abundance of natural light. The transparent Texlon ceiling, also used in the construction of the 2008 Olympic Games’ National Aquatic Centre in Beijing, China, provides exceptional light transmission, variable solar shading and heat control with energy efficient, insular properties. The steel column trees serve both as a dramatic support for the Texlon rooftop membrane and collect rainwater, pumping it back into the Intracoastal Waterway.

Filled with lush foliage, the custom-designed mahogany furniture and natural stone and oak floors compliment the aquamarine and white fabrics to create a warm yet elegant décor for guests to relax and unwind. The unique light fare menu, creative cocktails and nightly live entertainment make this dramatic new setting a popular attraction for resort guests.

Already nominated for a Building of America Award, the Palm Court will set a new standard for grand hotels and resorts. Opened in May 2008, the Palm Court is the central gathering spot at Boca Raton Resort & Club, connecting the Yacht Club, the Tower, Lucca restaurant, and Bar Luna, in addition to Morimoto, Serendipity and the Family Room slated to open in fall 2008. With the recent magnificent redesign of the resort’s public spaces, guestrooms and addition of celebrated dining establishments, the Boca Raton Resort & Club is poised to redefine the guest experience for the 21st century and to bring the Resort into the spotlight as a world-class destination.

Located in the heart of Florida’s Gold Coast, the Boca Raton Resort & Club is one of the country's premier resort destinations and private club facilities. It was established in 1926 as a luxury resort, with Spanish style architecture by Addison Mizner whose ambition was to become “the greatest resort in the world”. Set within a backdrop of casual elegance, Boca’s amenities include a half-mile stretch of private beach, the acclaimed Spa Palazzo, two eighteen-hole championship golf courses and the renowned Dave Pelz School of Golf, 30 tennis courts and the prestigious Evert Adult and Junior Tennis Academy, full-service marina, four swimming pools, two state-of-the-art fitness centers, and a variety of water sports. In addition, the Resort & Club features an outstanding selection of dining options and a full range of activities including a comprehensive children’s program.