Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has invested approximately $450 million into the small, exclusive town of Manalapan, Florida, acquiring significant residential and commercial properties. His purchases are reshaping the local landscape and positioning the quiet enclave as a premier destination for the world's wealthiest individuals.
The series of high-value transactions includes a record-breaking residential estate and the town's largest hotel, signaling a strategic effort to create a new hub for the ultra-rich just a short distance from other prominent South Florida luxury communities.
Key Takeaways
- Larry Ellison has spent a total of $450 million on real estate in Manalapan, Florida.
- His acquisitions include a $173 million, 16-acre estate and the $277 million Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa.
- The investment aims to elevate the town's status as an exclusive enclave for high-net-worth individuals.
- Renovations at the resort, including a new Nobu restaurant, are part of Ellison's plan to enhance local amenities.
A Quiet Town's Transformation
Manalapan, a small coastal town with a population of around 400, is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the investments of technology billionaire Larry Ellison. Since 2022, Ellison has methodically acquired key properties, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the local real estate market.
His first major purchase set a new record for Florida real estate. Ellison acquired a sprawling 16-acre estate for $173 million. The property is unique, featuring land on both the Atlantic Ocean beachfront and the Intracoastal Waterway, providing both ocean and lakefront access.
This landmark purchase was followed by an even larger commercial acquisition. In August 2024, Ellison bought the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa for $277 million. With over 300 rooms, the hotel is the largest structure in Manalapan and a central fixture of the community.
A History of Exclusivity
The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa stands on the grounds of the former La Coquille Club, a historic destination that, in the 1950s, hosted elite guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and members of the Vanderbilt and Ford families. While the original club was demolished in the 1980s, its legacy of exclusivity continues. Property owners in Manalapan are eligible for membership to the new club at the resort without initiation fees or annual dues.
Strategic Hospitality Upgrades
Ellison is not just acquiring assets; he is actively improving them. His plans for the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa are expected to make it a focal point for the region's elite. Stewart Satter, a local developer, noted that the hotel has the potential to become an "extraordinary property" under Ellison's ownership.
This strategy mirrors Ellison's previous work in Hawaii. In 2012, he purchased the majority of the island of Lanai for an estimated $300 million. Through his company, Pulama Lanai, he extensively remodeled the island's two Four Seasons resorts, introducing ultra-luxurious amenities that received widespread praise.
Luxury Renovations in Lanai
At the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Ellison's upgrades included a $21,000-per-night Alii Royal Suite, grotto-style pools, and iPad Air devices in every room for ordering services. This track record suggests a similar level of high-end renovation is planned for the Eau Palm Beach property.
One of the first changes at the Florida resort was the introduction of a Nobu restaurant. Initially a pop-up, it has since become a permanent fixture, replacing the former Polpo Palm Beach restaurant. This move aligns with Ellison's personal preferences and adds a globally recognized luxury dining brand to the town's offerings.
The Billionaire Magnet Effect
Ellison's investments are part of a broader trend of billionaires flocking to South Florida. The region has become a hotspot for high-net-worth individuals seeking favorable tax laws, a desirable climate, and exclusive communities.
Florida's Growing Billionaire Population
Other notable figures have also made substantial investments in the area:
- Jeff Bezos: The Amazon founder has purchased three properties on Indian Creek island, an exclusive enclave near Miami often referred to as "Billionaire Bunker."
- Ken Griffin: The founder of Citadel has spent an estimated $450 million over several years to assemble a 25-acre estate in nearby Palm Beach.
Manalapan's mayor, John Deese, has welcomed the new investments. "Manalapan has for many years been one of the highest-ranked communities in terms of home sales prices in the United States," Deese stated. He added, "We feel very fortunate that Mr. Ellison and others chose Manalapan for their residential and commercial property investments."
Proximity to Power and Influence
The town's location adds to its appeal. Manalapan is situated just 20 minutes from Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach club and residence owned by former President Donald Trump. This proximity is seen as a significant draw for a certain class of buyer.
"Every place in that area is having a moment because of Donald Trump. You are so close to Mar-a-Lago, you can get a membership, and everyone knows that he’s very public there."
The combination of Ellison's focused investment, the town's inherent exclusivity, and its proximity to influential social hubs is creating a powerful allure. High-value real estate transactions are becoming more common, with a mansion adjacent to Ellison's property recently listed for $285 million.
As Ellison continues to develop his properties, Manalapan is solidifying its reputation not just as a wealthy town, but as a curated destination for a global elite, where luxury, privacy, and influence converge on a small strip of Florida coastline.
