Taste a Green Paradise at Boca Raton Resort

Posted on 25. Dec, 2009 by post master in Florida News

Story and Some Photos By: Robin Roth

I have been writing about hotels for more years than I would like to admit. There are some hotels that are known for being comfortable and hospitable; some are elegant and classic, while some are best known for being modern and chic. There are some hotels that truly make guests feel so very much at home, while others have that sun-and-fun getaway feel along with an aura of tranquility and well-being. Then, there are some hotels that are just filled with class and give their guests an all around sensation of being totally pampered. Well, I have discovered ‘THE’ hotel that brings it all, The Boca Raton Resort and Club. I would like to be calm and refrain from going overboard here but, in fact, I would find that an impossible task. Travelers I say, with all my heart, welcome to Paradise! From the moment you enter its doors you immediately realize that you have arrived into a very special world of opulence and class. I would have to say this is one of my favorite resorts in the world and for so many reasons.

The legendary multi award-winning Boca Raton Resort and Club presents a fresh, cutting edge approach to hospitality in a timeless lavish setting, with infinite possibilities of fabulous. The staff is warm, friendly, and at all times helpful and eager to please. While staying at the resort, I absolutely experienced and enjoyed complete luxury and received effortless satisfaction to my every need. I entered into an easy and care free world where all reality and daily stress seemed to fade away.

Tracing its origins to the vision of legendary architect Addison Mizner, the hotel redefines classic style and sophistication that is infused with a modern sense of warmth and style. Dreamers, risk-takers, moguls, and millionaires all contributed to the creation of Florida’s Boca Raton and the stellar Boca Raton Resort & Club. This is, without a doubt, The ‘IT’ resort destination and elegant place to play and have a ball.

This magical resort is an icon of a hotel filled with pure charm for more than 80 years, and without a doubt, remains faithful to its glamorous past. However, with its recent facelift of $220 million in renovations, it now possesses a vibrant new energy that offers infinite immensities, luxuries, and activities making this the most awesome one-stop all around vacation spot I have found in years. After experiencing the 356-acre Boca Raton Resort & Club first hand, it is obvious why it is one of the country’s premier resort locations and private club facilities. The amenities include: a half-mile stretch of private beach (which puts you in a vacation mood instantly), the acclaimed Spa Palazzo (talk about plush), two 18-hole championship golf courses and a golf clubhouse (which would impress any avid golfer including myself), the famed Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, one of the country’s top tennis programs with 30 tennis courts and the Chris Evert Adult and Junior Academy, full-service marina, seven swimming pools, (the hard part was picking just one to bask around) three state-of-the-art fitness centers and a variety of water sports. Other Recreation activities on the grounds are bicycling, croquet, volleyball, and basketball.

BOCA RATON RESORT & CLUB RECEIVES FLORIDA GREEN LODGING PROGRAM DESIGNATION

The environmentally friendly hotel conserves resources, saves money and attracts customers So, for the green conscience, you will be happy to know that the resort is quite GREEN as well. The hotel possesses green ecological concerns and wants to help protect the natural resources of our planet. They use recyclable materials as much as possible. They try to use as much low energy consumption as possible and recycle rain water back into Lake Boca. Bed linens are changed every third day to save water unless requested otherwise. Their amenities are all green as well, and I might add fabulous. The resort states, “We want to make a difference.” I wish more establishments felt this way.

Boca Raton, FL, January 27, 2009 – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomes the Boca Raton Resort & Club to the Florida Green Lodging Program with the presentation of the Resort’s first Palm Award. The voluntary state initiative encourages the hotel industry to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“It is wonderful to see businesses implement green practices such as water conservation, recycling and energy reduction because they are not only good for business, they are good for Florida’s environment,” said DEP Sustainable Initiatives Director Deas Bohn.

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures, a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated properties must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters.

The Resort & Club is committed to the Green Program, helping preserve the environment for future generations. To date, the Resort’s green initiatives include a recycling program and use of environmentally-friendly products, such as florescent light bulbs, a linens program to reduce water, energy and detergents, recycled paper and “green” cleaning products. In addition, a new energy management system controls the use of electricity by adjusting the air conditioning in rooms and spaces that are not being used and reclaimed water for 90% of all exterior landscaping is used.

Since beginning of the program, the Resort’s program has recycled 92,780 pounds of cardboard; 83,560 pounds of glass and saved over $8,500.

Florida Green Lodging Award Certification

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. In 2007 Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with the Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of January 1, 2008, whenever possible. For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

DEP’s Office of Sustainable Initiatives is comprised of three voluntary, non-regulatory programs that assist Florida industry and citizens in protecting the environment. The Clean Marina Program, the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Florida Pollution Prevention Program offer a variety of services including on-site assessments, consultations, speakers and workshops, all at no cost to citizens or organizations. The goal of the Sustainable Initiatives programs is to meet the needs of the present population without compromising resources for future generations. To learn more about DEP’s Sustainable Initiatives, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/