The 45th President of America is the owner of one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. The travel destination is a showcase of opulence and fine taste. Formerly owned by heiress and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, the construction was finished in 1927 and made it her home until 1973.
The vast property was later donated to the U.S. government to be used as the "Winter White House." But then real estate mogul Donald Trump purchased the property in 1985. He converted it into a business enterprise in 1995. The resort which boasts of affluence and style is now a members-only club that to be a member one has to pay $100,000 initiation fee, an annual fee of $14,000, and $2,000 fee for food.
House Beautiful reported that the whole report has an ambiance of Venetian, Spanish, and Portuguese cultures and one can get the feel of a European palace. Passing through the tiled gate, one will feel like it was a foreign country. The Old World design can be seen in the entire resort as old Spanish tiles were used in walls and floors. The resort occupies a vast 20 acres land facing the sea.
Trump who has the eye for precious antiques purchased along with the property Post's antique furnishings including 16th century Flemish Tapestries. In the lobby, guests may see the opulent decors and the use of gold.
The dining hall has a touch of Rome as it is Chigi Palace-inspired. The focal point of the exterior is the 100-foot-by-50-foot pool where guests can hold weddings and receptions. In fact, Trump and his wife Melania Trump tied the knot in the resort. Trump's two sons Donald Jr. and Eric's weddings were also held in the resort. On one side is the Atlantic Ocean and on the other side is Florida's Intracoastal Waterway. Guests are assured of full waterfront experience.
Added to the amenities are spa and salon, a croquet court, seaside cabanas, and a tennis court. The huge ballroom was added by Trump in 2005 with the Mediterranean-Spanish theme. $7 million gold leaf decors were used as ornaments in the dancing hall.
The President has a private suite where he and his family spend vacations and holidays. He has spent 25 of his first 100 days in the resort. According to Independent, he has already spent $20 million in travel expenses in 100 days which is considered excessive compared to former President Barack Obama's $97 million in eight years. The 70-year-old head of state's record shows his trips were visits to Mar-a-Lago and his golf course.
Every Florida trip requires almost 1,000-mile flight aboard Air Force One which costs $180,000 per flight. Cargo planes carrying motorcade limousines, aircraft transporting security staff and coastguards to be deployed in the waters near the resort also fly with the president.
With Donald Trump's frequent trips to Mar-a-Lago, the wish of the resort's previous owner to make it a "Winter White House" has become a reality. The American taxpayer's money spent on those trips has contributed in making it happen.
