Miami Beach, the place to be
Built in 1915 and then named "Ocean Beach", Miami Beach is just a few kilometres from downtown Miami. This year, the most glamorous of America's seaside resorts is celebrating its centenary.
Together with Venice beach in California, Miami Beach is indisputably the most well-known in the USA. Immortalized by many movies, TV series, and endless photos of impeccable bronzed bodies, it symbolizes a carefree life-style and dreams of wonderful holidays. Lined on Ocean Drive by small Art Deco buildings with windows in geometric shapes, Miami Beach has a strong personality. It is hard to imagine that it was originally a mangrove swamp, uninhabitable until its founders, John S. Collins and Carl Fisher, decided to build luxury hotels here. One hundred years later, one has to admit that the magic still weaves its spell. The international jet-set and esthetes the world over meet up here for stays expertly blending sumptuousness, glitter, gastronomy and well-being. A (not so artificial) paradise…
Les bonnes Tables :
Zuma
On Ocean Drive, just a few metres from the beach, the Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by architect Alden Freeman. It was acquired and extended by Gianni Versace who invested 33 million dollars in embellishment work in 1992. Five years later, the famous fashion designer was shot dead in front of his mansion, which has since become a legendary address. It now plays host to the luxury hotel, the Villa Casa Vasuarina, with sumptous rococo decor featuring fountains, mosaics, stained glass windows, murals, sculptures, and a pool of 180 m2 inlaid with 24-carat gold tiles. Its fabulous suites and Mediterranean restaurant make it a unique address for a rare hotel experience. www.vmmiamibeach.com
On Ocean Drive, just a few metres from the beach, the Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by architect Alden Freeman. It was acquired and extended by Gianni Versace who invested 33 million dollars in embellishment work in 1992. Five years later, the famous fashion designer was shot dead in front of his mansion, which has since become a legendary address. It now plays host to the luxury hotel, the Villa Casa Vasuarina, with sumptous rococo decor featuring fountains, mosaics, stained glass windows, murals, sculptures, and a pool of 180 m2 inlaid with 24-carat gold tiles. Its fabulous suites and Mediterranean restaurant make it a unique address for a rare hotel experience. www.vmmiamibeach.com
Right on the ocean, the 1 South Beach Hotel is the perfect model of tranquillity. Its chic minimalist decor in natural mineral tones fits beautifully into the surrounding azure blue. Four pools, a spa, five restaurants,
six bars, a club and a sublime roof-terrace make this resort one
of the most luxurious hotels on the coast. As a bonus, each room comes with a bathtub with jets and a digital tablet.
www.1hotels.com/south-beach
Right on the ocean, the 1 South Beach Hotel is the perfect model of tranquillity. Its chic minimalist decor in natural mineral tones fits beautifully into the surrounding azure blue. Four pools, a spa, five restaurants,
six bars, a club and a sublime roof-terrace make this resort one
of the most luxurious hotels on the coast. As a bonus, each room comes with a bathtub with jets and a digital tablet.
www.1hotels.com/south-beach
Five years after its inauguration, the Zuma Miami is reaping prizes and awards. Its chef, Rainer Becker, has won the hearts of the Florida jet-set and many stars passing through, thanks to his cuisine giving a fresh take on Japanese dishes, and impeccable decor signed by Tokyo-based designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu. www.zumarestaurant.com
Katsuya
Decorated by the Philippe Starck design studio, the Katsuya restaurant in the SLS Hotel proposes an ingenious blend
of classic Japanese cuisine and high-quality sushis in a delightfully artsy atmosphere. www.katsuyarestaurant.com
