Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is making a significant splash in South Florida’s real estate market, investing a staggering $450 million to transform the exclusive town of Manalapan into a haven for the ultra-wealthy. This strategic move, positioning the area just minutes from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, aims to attract high-net-worth individuals to the picturesque coastal community.
Key Takeaways
- Larry Ellison has invested $450 million in two major Manalapan properties.
- His acquisitions include a record-breaking $173 million estate and the $277 million Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.
- The investments are expected to bolster Manalapan’s status as a prime destination for the affluent.
- Proximity to Mar-a-Lago is cited as a significant draw for the area.
A New Haven for the Mega-Rich
Ellison, the world’s fifth-wealthiest man, began acquiring properties in the small town of Manalapan, Florida, in 2022. His substantial investment includes a 16-acre estate purchased for $173 million, setting a state record. Additionally, in August 2024, he acquired the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa for $277 million, a property with a storied past, once hosting notable figures like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Enhancing Exclusive Amenities
The acquisition of the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is poised to become a central attraction for potential buyers. Ellison, known for his luxurious developments on the Hawaiian island of Lanai, plans renovations for the resort. Early changes include the addition of a Nobu restaurant, a favorite of Ellison’s, which has already become a permanent fixture.
Florida’s Appeal to the Affluent
Manalapan’s appeal is amplified by its prime location, a mere 20 minutes from Mar-a-Lago, President Trump’s winter residence. This proximity, coupled with the town’s existing high-value real estate market, makes it an attractive proposition for the wealthy. Local officials, like Manalapan’s Mayor John Deese, welcome Ellison’s investments, viewing them as a continuation of the town’s success in the luxury real estate sector.
Other prominent figures, such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, have also made significant real estate investments in Florida, underscoring the state’s growing popularity among the world’s richest individuals.
Sources
- After
pouring $450 million into Florida real estate, Larry Ellison
plans to lure the ultrarich to an exclusive town just
minutes from Mar-a-Lago, Fortune. - After
pouring $450 million into Florida real estate, Larry Ellison
plans to lure the ultra-rich to an exclusive town just
minutes from Mar-a-Lago, Fortune.
