Club Continental – A Luxurious Playground

Located in Orange Park near River Road, Club Continental was once known as the Palmolive Estate (yes, like the soap). In the 1880’s, B.J. Johnson, owner of the Palmolive Soap Company, was looking to escape the harsh winters of Wisconsin and moved his family to Orange Park for the winter months. Settling in along the St. Johns River was a peaceful escape for this esteemed family.

Their first home, known today as The Winterbourne, now hosts weddings and private events on an adjacent property. The family then built a home next door and named it Mira Rio, now known as today’s Club Continental.

The home was host to many, riverfront parties throughout the 1920’s ranging from social events, equestrian meets, yacht parties and more. In 1966, Mira Rio became a private, member club and renamed to Club Continental. During this time, the club hosted social events and parties for members.

Today, Club Continental is home to a fine dining restaurant, twenty-two guest rooms, seven tennis courts and three swimming pools. The pristine lawns, along with 300-year-old Live Oaks, Magnolia trees and formal gardens are carefully maintained as part of Club Continental’s deep history.

The club boasts over 700 members taking advantage of members-only programming, dining and events throughout the year.

Exterior of The Club Continental at Sunrise
Exterior of The Club Continental at Sunrise

Spend the Night at Club Continental

Seven of the twenty-two rooms on the property are located within the main mansion. All rooms feature a private bath, cable TV and free Wi-Fi, along with a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Guests also have access to the property’s tennis courts and three swimming pools.

Each of the main mansion’s rooms feature views of the St. Johns River with some rooms offering balconies. The property’s Continental Suite is luxuriously appointed with a mahogany antique king size bed, hardwood floors and French doors that lead to an oversized private deck overlooking the gardens, pool and river.

The property’s impressive one- and two- bed River Suites all feature a private balcony overlooking the St. Johns River. These sought-after accommodations also include flat screen TV’s, large private baths and kitchenettes with microwave, sink and small fridge, some also include ranges for cooking. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with quiet accommodations – this is it!

Many of the rooms boast pictures of original advertisements of the Palmolive and Johnson Soap Company as well as Palmolive dish soaps.

River View Room at Club Continental
River View Room at Club Continental

Dine at Club Continental

While the Club Continental is a member-based private dining club, guests with overnight accommodations are welcome to dine in the property’s main dining room.

The dining room serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday along with Sunday brunch on the weekends. Hotel guests also enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning from 7am to 9am. Reservations are requested for all meals and the dining room’s dress code is country club casual meaning no jeans or t-shirts.

The dining room features a variety of seafood and steak entrees with daily specials and specialty menus highlighted often for a unique dining experience.

The property’s poolside cabana is open seasonally offering sandwich, salads and burgers allowing guests to dine poolside for lunch. The River House Pub overlooking the St. Johns River frequently welcomes live musicians as patrons enjoy the ‘Old Florida’ views with a spirits and beverages, making for a relaxing, casual atmosphere.

Caprese Plate at Club Continental - Orange Park FL
Caprese Plate at Club Continental – Orange Park FL

Plan Your Visit to Club Continental

Interested in planning your own visit to Clay County’s esteemed Club Continental? Visit www.clubcontinental.com. Also, be sure to follow along with the Club Continental Instagram page for information and to admire beautiful images of the property.

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