south beach

The Villa by Barton G. Offers Valentines Fantasy Weekend

A stay at The Villa by Barton G., the former Versace Mansion in trendy South Beach might be romance enough for most couples. But for those looking to kick it up a notch this Valentine's Day, The Villa is offering a Fantasy Versace weekend for $25,000.

Available to just one couple each year, the door-to-door package begins and ends with limo service from the guests' home to the airport and from the airport to the Villa's famous front gates. Once at The Villa, the guests will, for the first time in history, stay in Gianni Versace's opulent personal living quarters where the Valentines couple will begin their magical weekend with a Villa Indulgence, the hotel's signature four-handed Massage for two.

The evening continues with a private dinner under the stars in the Villa's Rooftop Lounge. During the multi-course Aphrodisiac Dinner, guests will be serenaded by a harpist amid romantic fantasy decor enjoy breathtaking views of Miami's South Beach from the Villa's unique position along Ocean Drive. This perfect weekend culminates when the couple returns to their room where they will be treated to a chocolate fountain along with personalized chocolates and floral arrangements.

The Villa Fantasy Versace Valentine's Weekend includes transportation, dinner, spa services and access to all of the Villa's other amenities, which include perks like personal British-trained butlers, Frette linens, and Kindle e-readers with complementary electronic newspaper delivery.

Tags: barton g, luxury hotel package, miami, south beach, valentines day, villa by barton G.

Boulan South Beach Goes On Sale In Florida

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

A recent article in the Miami Herald pointed out that South Florida's real estate market seems poised for a slow rebound. In fact, Miami-Dade condo sales showed 1,039 existing units sold in November, the first time since 2006 that condo sales topped 1,000 a month. Developers are also starting to bring new properties to market.

South Beach's newest condominium is Boulan South Beach. The six-story development was designed by Zyschovich Architects Inc.,and offers one and two bedroom units, ranging from 668 to over 2,000 square feet and penthouse condominiums with roof-top access. The 52-unit property is located in the heart of South Beach along Collins Avenue with easy access to restaurants, art galleries, night clubs, shopping and beaches. Boulan South Beach is ideally located between The W South Beach and The Setai South Beach.

Tags: boulan south beach, condominiums, miami real estate, south beach, south beach florida

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Celebrate New Year's Eve Shanghai Style at The Setai, South Beach

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Wine, Events

This New Year's Eve ultra-luxe Miami hotel The Setai, South Beach invites guests to pay homage to the hotel's Asian roots and take a trip back to the 1930s and 1940s for one night to the Golden Age of Shanghai. Inspired by an era of sophistication and wealth, when chic nightclubs and dance halls were all the rage, The Setai will be transformed for the night into the "Paris of the Orient" featuring music from sought after Shanghai artists, awe-inspiring decor, and a decadent seven-course tasting menu to create an evening to be remembered. The fabulous event will be divided into three stages:

• The Welcome: A blend of Chinese, Shanghainese, and western jazz by China's acclaimed singer, Coco Zhao, welcomes guests to The Courtyard where Taittinger Champagne, classic cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be waiting.

• The Dinner: Guests will indulge in a seven-course Grand Tasting Menu by Executive Chef David Werly, which includes Créme of Butternut Squash and Spiced Marshmallow, Home-made Salmon Gravalax with Lime Cream and Osetra Caviar, Foie Gras "Au Torchon," as well as Scallops Black Tie, Fresh Black Truffle & Perigourdine Sauce. With each course, guests will enjoy a paired wine, carefully selected by The Setai's Head Sommelier Dwayne Savoie.

• The Party: The celebration continues in The Courtyard for the Countdown Party, where the music of DJ Ludovic Allen entices guests to dance away 2010 and bring in the New Year. Tastes of congee, spring rolls, dim sum, Peking duck sliders, and Chocolate truffles will be passed complimentary after the ball drop. Seating in The Courtyard is sold separately as Bottle Tables.

Gallery: The Setai, South Beach

Tags: champagne, Miami, New Years Eve, Setai, Shanghai, South Beach, Taittinger, The Setai

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Taittinger to Unveil New Artist Collectors Edition Bottle at The Setai

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Wine, Events, Art

Famed French champagne house Taittinger will unveil the newest limited edition bottle in its coveted Taittinger Collection series at an event toasting the kick-off of Miami Art Basel on Saturday at the luxurious Setai in South Beach. Since 1985 Taittinger has commissioned an artist to create a special bottle for its glorious bubbly every year. For this, the 12th edition in the Collection, Taittinger selected artist Amadou Sow for the quality and originality of his work, along with his cultural artistic identity. The artist's design (above) graces a bottle of the 2002 vintage of Taittinger Brut Millésimé, which is produced only in the best years from select Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in vineyards in several of the finest microclimates of France's Champagne region. Meanwhile the Setai also recently celebrated the reopening of its eatery The Grill with newly appointed Executive Chef David Werly, who brings his take on the space offering a fresh menu and alternative to the Asian cuisine of The Restaurant with European inspired menu items.

Tags: art, Art Basel, champagne, Florida, Miami, Setai, South Beach, Taittinger

Champagne Ruinart Stages Exhibit at The Betsy for Art Basel

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Wine, Events, Art

During Art Basel in Miami, luxe hotel The Betsy South Beach is playing host to the works of ten emerging artists commissioned by Ruinart, the world's oldest champagne House, established in 1729. The exhibition kicks off today highlighting a commitment to the arts from both organizations. Ruinart, the official champagne of Art Basel Miami Beach, combed the country seeking talent for the exhibition and selected ten artists considered among the most creative and innovative in their mediums. Their works were produced using classic and avant-garde techniques, in a variety of mediums, including photography, painting and sculpture. Artists were inspired by many facets of the famed champagne, from Ruinart's unique bottle shape to the history of its creator Dom Ruinart. The series of unique works will ultimately be auctioned in New York to benefit the non-profit organization The Art of Elysium.

Tags: Art Basel, Betsey Hotel, champagne, exhibition, Miami, Ruinart, South Beach, The Art of Elysium, The Betsy

Beach Chic: Babalu Opens in South Beach

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) —

Babalu, Miami's latest hotspot, aims to redefine the concept of beach chic with a "luxury convenience store" in the heart of South Beach. Inspired by the allure, power and beauty of beach culture in destinations from Bali to St. Barth's, Babalu offers a fresh interpretation of elegant, unisex beach jewelry in semi-precious stones and 18K gold and silver, in harmony with nature and very personal, individual style statements.

"Our travels absolutely inspire us!," says Greg Melvin, owner and designer. "The collection instantly invokes the beach mind-set...whether one is lapping up the ocean vibe or navigating the urban grid, the collection pieces remind one of the beach's soothing and powerful energy."

"As designers living the quintessential beach life on Bali for a combined 25 years, and a life of travel to exotic beaches and cities worldwide, we know how the nomadic urbanites express their connection with the beach and style," relates Paolo Ambu, owner and designer.

Miami-based, Ambu and Melvin are known for consistently delivering freshly designed Asian-sourced products for US retail consumer markets. Greg Melvin's product development and export experience includes the creation of Palanquin Bali, named "the hottest shopping destination in Bali," according to the Asian Wall Street Journal. Paolo Ambu, Creative Director, was trained in Milan and London, and is an internationally renowned Product Designer and artist.

The store's signature jewelery collection masterfully mixes sculpted sea motif and talismanic symbol charms with hand-knotted semi-precious stone bead cords with stones including black onyx, fossilized ivory, African turquoise, white, brown and blue agates, blue Hemimorphite, Labradorite and Amazonite beads.

The urbanite will be drawn to the Babalu peace symbol and dog tag, each of which dances from artful arrangements of semi-precious bead strands. Bamboo-shaped wooden bracelets accented by gold or silver sections. For pure fun and ideal for layering, casual beaded bracelets come in four sun-saturated color combinations: Reef, Ocean, Deco Drive and Delano, all white The iconic yet simple pieces complement many personal styles.

The flagship location's building was designed by acclaimed firm Herzog + de Meuron (interior by John Rawlins and Devinn Bruce). The store also carries perfume, candles, home accessories and travel goods, with prices from $24 and up.

The store is now open at 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami, and most goods are available online at www.babalumiami.com.

Tags: babalu, boutique, miami, south beach

Miami DJ To Launch Jewelry Line

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

I cover plenty of celebrity jewelry lines but not too many featuring DJs. DJ Irie is the the Miami Heat's official DJ and a party fixture in South Florida. National Jeweler reports that he will be working with South Florida retail jeweler Levinson Jewelers on a new partnership that includes promoting the Levinson brand as its ambassador as well as designing a line of jewelry that will bear his name. Proceeds from the pieces will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. A VIP kick-off event will be held at Levinson Jewelers later this year.

Tags: dj irie, levinson jewelers, miami, south beach

South Beach Bar Serves Up Jersey Shore's Ron Ron Juice

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

You drink mint juleps to watch the Kentucky Derby, what drink celebrates the second season of MTV's "Jersey Shore?" That would be Ron Ron Juice, the red and sweet cocktail that cast member Ronnie Ortiz-Magro likes to whip up before a night on the town. The new season takes place in South Beach and one of the places that the cast partied, Ocean's Ten, will feature a version of the drink called Abuelo's Ron Ron Juice using Ron Abuelo Añejo, a blend of aged Panamanian rums, in place of the drink's usual vodka. It's available through August 26 and costs $15 for a 36-ounce version during the day, when the bar only serves oversized cocktails. The same size drink is $30 at night or $10 for a 12-ounce version.

Want to make your own version? Check out this MTV video. According to Ronnie himself "you've got the watermelon, the cherries, some ice, cranberry juice" and of course plenty of vodka to start off what often becomes a "filthy night." Housemate Pauly D refers to the drink as the "root of all evil" because of its tendency to sneak up on you.

[via SunSentinel.com]

For more "Jersey Shore" merriment check out Vanity Fair's George Wayne interiewing the cast after the jump.

Tags: jersey shore, Jersey Shore season 2, ocean 10, oceans ten, ron ron juice, ronnie ortiz-magro, south beach

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Will Miami Beach Polo Finally Make Money?

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports, Wealth, Video

With the Miami Beach Polo World Cup having recently wrapped up, organizers are finally hoping to turn a profit from the sport of kings in the glitzy locale, the Miami Herald reports. A seven goal performance by Argentinean Matias Magrini lead the way for the Hublot team as it scored an exciting 11-9 victory over the previously undefeated AMG side in the finals of this year's exciting championship. After taking a loss on their first few seasons – despite the seemingly perfect convergence of sexy polo matches and the money-worshipping enclaves of South Beach – the event's producers say they'll finally be in the black when the accounting is done this time around.

The only locale in the U.S. where polo is played on sand, spectators can watch for free from the sidelines while those wanting champagne, open bar and a catered lunch pay $150 for VIP tickets in the beachside tents. Helping things along this year was Mercedes-Benz – AMG, which signed on as a sponsor and set up a track by the arena for test drives of the new SLS AMG in addition to fielding a team. With a fashion show in the VIP tent and after-parties at the Delano and Shore Club hotels, the event is designed to appeal even to those who aren't that into the sport itself. If all goes well, organizers hope to bring a polo tournament to Chicago this fall. Check out the video footage and gallery for beautiful babes, thoroughbreds, and cocktails galore.

Gallery: Miami Beach Polo

Source

Tags: AMG, beach, beach polo, equestrian, Hublot, Mercedes-Benz, Miami, Miami Beach, polo, South Beach

Taschen Opens in South Beach

by Deb West (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Books

The legendary publisher Taschen is opening a brand new store in the heart of South Beach, Miami. For those of you who either live in the area or just can't get enough on the literary world even while on vacation the new space should be a welcome edition to a town not known for the pursuit of intellectual goals. That being said, Taschen is known for being not only hip and contemporary but a publisher with a long list of books that more staid institutions would be afraid to print.

As always the company is concerned with not only the design of their books but the atmosphere and space where their clients can explore their merchandise. The South Beach store is no exception to this rule. The store is one of only thirteen high-end storefronts located in a brand new building designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Maeuron. Customers can turn the pages of their favorite art books in a space created by Philippe Stark, the legendary Frenchman who has designed all the Taschen stores worldwide. The company commissioned British artist Toby Ziegler to design interior murals and a hand-poured terrazzo floor. In a nod to the location the floors of the space are composed of stones native to the area of South Florida.

The inventory at this store will include the publisher's art, photography, design, architecture, sex, travel , cinema and pop culture as well as a good selection of Portuguese and Spanish language titles. Like all things South Beach the store is planning to be open late until 10pm Sundays through Thursdays and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. If you'd like to celebrate the opening please join the store's celebration at 1111 Lincoln Road on Saturday March 20th from 4-6pm . The event will include drinks and music from DJ Faux Real and of course lots of books.

Tags: books, bookstore, Miami, south beach, Taschen

The Tanning Butlers of the South Beach Ritz-Carlton

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Services

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has created an unusual profession: The Tanning Butler.

Affectionately known as the "world's greatest job," tanning butler duties include strolling around the luxury hotel pool and rubbing attractive people (and presumably unattractive people, but let's not think about that) with complimentary Hampton Sun products from 12pm to 4pm.

The tanning butlers wear signature "Tanning Butler" t-shirts -- so don't believe that guy in a Speedo who's pretending to be a hotel employee -- and are armed with various SPFs, Evian spritzers and sunglasses cleaner in a custom-made holster.

"Good afternoon, I'm the Tanning Butler," they've been instructed to say. "Can I offer you some complimentary sunscreen? If you like, I can apply it to your back and shoulders that might burn easily, as well."

In my fantasy, that line is delivered with a very sexy accent. I hope the Ritz-Carlton's HR department is reading this.

"This modern twist on the English butler is beyond guests' expectations," says Michelle Payer, creator of The Tanning Butler. "It's a light-hearted service we created to cater to our guests as they sunbathe by providing an unexpected, luxury service they won't see anywhere else in the world."

An added perk of the profession? Celebrity rubbing. Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey, Johnny Knoxville and Vivica A. Fox are just a few names the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach claims to have tanned.

If you're interested in staying at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Miami's newest oceanfront hotel -- "a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark hotel in the city's historic Art Deco district" -- visit the website to book.

Alternatively, click here for job openings.

Tags: butler, miami, ritz-carlton, south beach, tanning, tanning butler

Versace's Mansion Rebranded As The Villa By Barton G.

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

The South Beach home of the still-missed Gianni Versace is being be relaunched as an elegant restaurant. In the years since Versace's death the lavish mansion has been used as a private club, boutique hotel and restaurant. Recently the home known as Casa Casuarina was caught in the crossfire of the Scott Rothstein scandal. Rothstein, who is part owner of the property, was accused of swindling investors in a Ponzi scheme which took in hundreds of millions of dollars.

Now there's a new man at the helm. Barton G. Weiss, a flamboyant Florida foodie with several restaurants running under his Barton G. brand. Weiss has signed a 10-year lease to take over the property and as he tells the Sun-Sentinel he wants to bring a new era of elegance back to the mansion as well as adding some excitement. After all, this is a man who used a live giraffe to open his restaurant, Prelude and serves macaroni and cheese in a mousetrap at another restaurant.

Tags: barton g, barton g weiss, casa casuarina, gianni versace, scott rothstein, south beach, versace, versace mansion

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Ice Box Cafe: Award-Winning Cakes

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

The Ice Box Cafe has been nominated for a Readers' Choice Award for Best Cake.

Owner Robert Siegmann, is a former New York caterer who was discovered by Martha Stewart after he prepared a celebatory luncheon for 100 people at her home in East Hampton. Born in New York, but raised in Mexico,

The South Beach (Miami, Fla.)-based cafe features a massive bakery counter and a minimally decorated, informal dining room. From its old-fashioned pink coconut layer cake to its signature Ice Box Cake, all of its hand-made baked goods are natural and contain no artificial colors or artificial flavorings.

Gallery: More from the Ice Box Cafe

Oprah Winfrey said the Ice Box Cafe bakes the best cakes in the country. Her favorite? The Bomb, which is a decadent symphony of chocolate with two layers of rich chocolate cake filled with melt-in-your-mouth bittersweet chocolate mousse and a layer of cheesecake brownies. The Bomb is topped off with a bittersweet chocolate ganache.

Tags: awards-main, best bakery, best cake, BestBakery, BestCake, ice box cafe, IceBoxCafe, luxist-awards, oprah winfrey, oprahs favorites, OprahsFavorites, OprahWinfrey, south beach, SouthBeach, sweets-main

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Hot Tickets at the SoBe Wine & Food Festival

by Carrie N. Culpepper (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Events

Just as the winter chill is setting in, food lovers everywhere will take to the sun for a four-day respite from moderation at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Some of the world's biggest culinary personalities will be in Miami Feb. 25-28 for the festivities, including Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Rachel Ray and more.

The weekend's filled with dinners, seminars, parties, tastings and more. We've combed through the calendar and pulled out the festival's top events. Here are the hottest tickets of the weekend:

Tags: daniel boulud, emril lagasse, food events, Gourmand, rachel ray, south beach, south beach wine and food festival, wine food festival

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Art Basel Is Fun Again

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Art

Art Basel was fun again this year. After a recession-stained climate last year led to toned down partying, collectors and dealers (and everyone else) was back in style this time around. According to the Wall Street Journal, it seemed like everyone was throwing a party this year, with the likes of Larry Gagosian and Lance Armstrong getting in on the action. And, the parties didn't suck. Hosts went all out -- with live music and other attractions -- to separate themselves from the competition. Some even tried something new, with the words "Everybody has a Damien Hirst" uttered.

Of course, there were enough celebrities in supply to ensure that every host had one to boast about. Scott Stapp, lead singer of Creed, and Russell Simmons, for example, were present at the Mondrian South Beach Hotel. Simmons is a committed collector of works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Barbara Krueger and was in town to raise money for his charity, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.

An after-party hosted by Julian Schnabel's art dealer son, Vito, attracted some big names, as well. Peter Brant, an art collector who recently tried to move "Brother Sausage" by Basquiat at auction, was there, along with Abby Rosen.

Yet, there were more intimate dinners and cocktail parties than in past years, according to Art Basel regulars. A few corporate sponsors still made the plunge, including UBS, NetJets and Cartier.

Source

Tags: art, art collecting, art collection, art collector, art dealer, art exhibit, art exhibits, art fair, art show, ArtCollecting, ArtCollection, ArtCollector, ArtDealer, ArtExhibit, ArtExhibits, ArtFair, ArtShow, basquiat, cartier, damien hirst, DamienHirst, jean-michel basquiat, Jean-michelBasquiat, julian schnabel, JulianSchnabel, Lance Armstrong, LanceArmstrong, Larry Gagosian, LarryGagosian, miami, miami beach, MiamiBeach, NetJets, Parties, peter brant, PeterBrant, russell simmons, RussellSimmons, Scott Stapp, ScottStapp, south beach, SouthBeach, ubs, UbsAg

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