Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has made a significant splash in South Florida’s real estate market, investing $450 million in the exclusive town of Manalapan. This substantial investment is poised to transform the area into a premier destination for the ultra-rich, leveraging its proximity to Mar-a-Lago and its historical allure.
Key Takeaways
- Larry Ellison has invested $450 million in two landmark properties in Manalapan, Florida.
- The investments include a record-breaking $173 million estate and the $277 million Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.
- Ellison’s move is attracting other high-net-worth individuals to the area.
- The town’s proximity to Mar-a-Lago is seen as a significant draw.
A Mega-Investment in Manalapan
Larry Ellison, renowned for his technological prowess with Oracle, is now demonstrating his acumen in real estate development. Since 2022, he has acquired properties in the small, 400-resident town of Manalapan, Florida. His investments total $450 million across two key acquisitions. In 2022, he purchased a 16-acre estate for $173 million, setting a Florida record for its size and dual beachfront and lakefront access. In August 2024, Ellison acquired the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa for $277 million, a property boasting over 300 rooms and historical significance.
Historical Roots and Modern Luxury
The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is situated on the grounds of the former La Coquille Club, a venue that once hosted notable figures like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, as well as members of the Ford and Vanderbilt families in the 1950s. Although the original club was demolished in the 1980s, its name lives on as part of the hotel. Residents of Manalapan can enjoy membership at the beach club without incurring initiation fees or annual dues.
Florida’s Appeal to the Wealthy
Ellison’s investment aligns with a broader trend of the ultra-rich flocking to Florida. Other prominent figures like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have made significant property acquisitions on Indian Creek, near Miami, and Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, has invested an estimated $450 million in Palm Beach. Manalapan itself has seen several beachfront homes sell for tens of millions of dollars. Mayor John Deese of Manalapan expressed his welcome to Ellison’s investments, noting that they contribute to the town’s already strong real estate market.
Enhancing the Manalapan Experience
Stewart Satter, a developer with a $285 million mansion adjacent to Ellison’s property, believes Ellison’s plans for the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa could become a central attraction for the area. Ellison, who also owns a majority stake in the Hawaiian island of Lanai and has revitalized its luxury resorts, plans renovations for the Florida hotel. One of the initial upgrades includes a Nobu restaurant, a favorite of Ellison’s, which has transitioned from a pop-up to a permanent fixture.
The Mar-a-Lago Effect
Manalapan’s appeal is further amplified by its close proximity to Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump’s residence. Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs noted that the area’s prominence has been boosted by Trump’s presence, making it an attractive location for those seeking exclusivity and a connection to high-profile circles.
