Aventura’s real estate heavy hitters gathered at the Bellini William’s Island Sales Center on Tuesday, May 15th to see the construction progress of the project and enjoy Bellini cocktails with spectacular views of the island. The 6th floor amenities level was recently completed and now construction will gain momentum with one floor being built per week. The project is scheduled to be finished by next summer.

Bellini Williams Island Developer Martin Z. Margulies

During the sunset soiree, Bellini Williams Island developer Martin Z. Margulies, addressed over 100 guests and gave information on the building and the ultra-luxury amenities that each one of the 70 residences will offer. From Poggen-Pohl appliances to the most breathtaking waterfront views, the future residents of Bellini will be surrounded by the best of resort living in Aventura.

Jeannick Sebag & Shannon Selby

The Bellini Williams Island sales team was on hand to answer questions and inquiries from guests, and alsohelped explain the blueprints of the units. For more information about the development visit www.belliniwi.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/belliniwillamsisland.

PAX (Performing Arts Exchange) is about as underground as it gets for Miami. Sans sign (look for the black building with a garage door) and beneath the I-95 underpass near Brickell, this gem of an alternative art space books edgy live music, theater and dance, among other acts. Owners Roxanne Scalia and Danny Davila, a veteran band manager and Burn Notice’s art director respectively, know their stuff such as Monsieur Perine, Colombia’s next big thing; Vagabond Swing, a gypsy circus ensemble from Lafayette, La., and Palo!, tops in local Afro-Cuban funk.

337 SW Eighth Street, Miami

305.640.5847

paxmiami.com

Rebecca Kleinman

South Beach bunnies nibble at Carrot Express. The hidden, health-conscious luncheonette whips up white albacore tuna and chicken salads, hummus and brown rice veggie burgers daily for salads, spinach pies and pita sandwiches loaded with crisp veggies.  Patrons wolf them down with a trio of homemade sauces including carrot ginger, orange sesame and cilantro jalapeno, which took owner Mario Laufer nearly a year to perfect. Also made with love, smoothies contain fresh-squeezed juices and non-frozen fruit. His Cuban mom’s moist guava and mango cakes get rave reviews.

1840 Alton Road Miami Beach(inside the Texaco!)

305.535.1379

Rebecca Kleinman

305.531.0075

lbb75@bellsouth.net

Rebecca Kleinman

All eyes are on this grand dame for her history. The former Versace home is second only to the White House as the most photographed façade in the U.S.

World-famous Ocean Drive is always buzzing.   Fancy cars show off on the short stretch of road, while beach-going pedestrians, partygoers and joggers flock to the sidewalks to see and be seen among South Beach’s Art Deco architectural gems.

Another gem sits quietly among the rest — a refined grand dame among its more casual cousins. The former home of Italian designer Gianni Versace is today a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant and event space with a remarkable history.

ABOUT THE PROPERTY

The interior courtyard at The Villa by Barton G.

Alden Freeman, a Standard Oil heir, built Casa Casuarina in 1930.  The architect, author and philanthropist was inspired by the colonial design of the Alcazar de Colón, the former home of Diego Colón, son of explorer Christopher Columbus.  The 1510 original in Santo Domingo is the oldest known European dwelling in the Western Hemisphere.

Freeman didn’t get to enjoy his architectural re-creation for long.  After his death in 1937, Jacques Amsterdam brought the building. Over the decades, and with the downturn of local economy well into the 1980s, The Amsterdam Palace became a flophouse for artists.

In 1992, Italian couturier Gianni Versace purchased the property with the intention of restoring its splendor — and then some.  Versace also acquired the Revere Hotel next door, demolishing the Art Deco property to add a South Wing, pool and garden area.

Sadly, like Freeman, Versace himself didn’t enjoy the luxurious abode for long either.  In 1997, spree killer Andrew Cunanan murdered the acclaimed designer in cold blood at the footsteps of Casa Casuarina.  Cunanan shot himself later that day in a Miami Beach boathouse where he hid from law enforcement in hot pursuit.

In 2001, telecommunications magnate Peter Loftin purchased the property and turned it into a private club.  Lavish furnishings from the home sold for more at a Sotheby’s auction than the price tag on the property.

The mosaic pool patio area, with its signature Versace medusa floor, is available for events.

In December 2009, restaurateur Barton G. Weiss became the new owner of the historic Versace Mansion.

Today, The Villa by Barton G. offers 10 suites, cozy nooks and a rooftop lounge, complete with private butler service.  The 19,000 square-foot property pays homage to Versace’s style and flair, while remaining a luxurious oasis amid the hustle of Ocean Drive.

“Barton channeled his inner Versace when he took over the property,” General Manager Joe Gibialante told ONE | Sotheby’s during an interview. “Everything is Versace-inspired. Barton G. looked at Sotheby’s auction books to recreate the baroque feel, but it’s at an updated comfort level, with bigger beds, for example.”

No detail is overlooked. Versace’s signature Medusa is everywhere — even in the gold-stained drain covers on the patio floor.  A bronze statue of Aphrodite greets guests beyond the gates, evidence of Versace’s love for Greek mythology.

THE DINING ROOM

If you fall in love with the place setting, a limited number of items from "La Mer" collection are available for sale at The Villa by Barton G..

Locals don’t have to stay in the hotel to enjoy a taste of this unique property; gastronomic experiences are plentiful in the opulent The Dining Room, which is open to the public.  The intimate dining space is covered wall-to-wall with ornate mosaic in Spanish stone pebbles.  European craftsmen took about a year to complete the decor when Versace was master of his mansion.

Executive Chef Jeff O’Neil currently heads the kitchen.  Popular dishes include the Maple Glaze Barramundi, a light white fish available as an appetizer.  (A tip from the Gibialante:  you can also order it as a double portion for a main course.)  The Bread Crusted Diver’s Scallop and Anise Glazed Veal Cheek is another favorite. Dining under a frescoed ceiling, gourmands can expect silver service on Versace-designed, Rosenthal-cast china and a select wine list.  For those who can’t make up their minds, The Dining Room offers a Tasting Menu and two Pre-Set Menus.

The Dining Room also hosts seasonal brunches and food events during select holidays.  Classic English Tea, served by the butler team on pink Versace-designed china, is also available by request for parties of up to twelve guests.

In addition to weddings and other events, The Villa by Barton G. is able to accommodate private dining for groups of 2 to 42 guests in The Dining Room, the romantic Moroccan Room or the G. Lounge, a private bar overlooking the Atlantic.

One of The Villa's butlers told ONE | Sotheby's that a gentleman had once held a private dinner for two in this room. He proposed to his girlfriend. She said yes.

Visit The Villa By Barton G. or call 305-576-8003 for more information.  Reservations are required for The Dining Room.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.

The Delano has seen the light, as in the Light Group, the fantastically creative powerhouse behind several Las Vegas hospitality concepts. Their partnership reinvented the hotel’s iconic sushi and sake bar as Umi. A white, central communal table welcomes many a late-night feast, but chef Toshi Motoyama’s skills are best observed from a seat far in back. Popular items are the Delano, seaweed-wrapped, poached Maine lobster luxuriously topped with wagyu beef and shaved black truffles, and a hand roll bursting with baked snow crab in spicy Japanese mayonnaise. Quench soy palates with the house’s cucumber-infused vodka and white cranberry cocktail.

1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

305.674.5752

delano-hotel.com

Paradise Farms has been as busy as its bees. The five-acre, organic Garden of Eden an hour south of Miami, expanded hospitality operations. Its bed and breakfast features three room packages from a Zen bungalow among mango, avocado and citrus trees, to a grander guest suite overlooking a natural swimming lagoon. Betrothed couples have yet another venue as its reception area and open-air gazebo now accommodate weddings up to 100 people. Custom catering is available from inhouse chef Kira Volz, in addition to services such as edible floral arrangements, mixologists and music. The coolest perk? A farm tour with cocktails while the wedding party has its photos taken sure beats standing around a bar for an hour.

19801 SW 320^th Street, Homestead

305.248.4181

paradisefarms.net 

Rebecca Kleinman

Founder and CEO of ONE Sotheby’s Mayi de la Vega has been awarded the 2012 “Builder’s Award” by the FIU Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. This organization celebrates the FIU College of Business Administration’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship honoring successful entrepreneurs who have made a difference in the entrepreneurial business community. It was established in 1999 to recognize FIU’s alumni who have achieved distinction as founders and builder of new businesses (information via business.fiu.edu)

On May 3^rd, the FIU Entreprenuership Hall of Fame held its 2012 Induction Ceremony at the College of Business Administration. The “Builder’s” Award was presented to Mayi de la Vega for her dynamic entrepreneurial efforts in the real estate industry. During the presentation of her award a video highlighting her career accomplishments was screened, and she was congratulated by the President of the University Mark B. Rosenberg.

Congratulations Mayi, we look forward to  many more exciting achievements in the years to come!

Plant The Future

From yoga to juicing, Miamians are very in tune with their energy these days. Plant the Future founder Paloma Teppa applies that modern, healthy sensibility to floral design. Rather than cut flowers, the Argentinean’s Wynwood shop specializes in living plants for whimsical, low maintenance dish gardens, terrariums and animal figurines—you may have caught her incredible staghorn fern and unicorn displays at Elle Spa in Miami Beach. She introduces necklaces with red air plant blooms for spring, and orchid arrangements with real butterfly cocoons make an ideal Mother’s Day gift. An Aventura pop-up shop opens April.

2511 NW 2^nd Avenue,  Miami

305.571.7177

plantthefuture.com 

Rebecca Kleinman

The prestigious Volvo Ocean Race is making its only North American stop in Miami this week until May 20. The six sailing teams, which will have endured eight grueling months of sailing against the elements by the time it’s all over, are scheduled to arrive today at Bicentennial Park for a pit stop.

The race began in Alicante (Spain) and has so far made stops in Cape Town (South Africa), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Sanya (China), Auckland (New Zealand) and Itajai (Brazil).

After Miami, the world-class sailboats, engineered for maximum speed, efficiency and safety, will cross the Atlantic for three additional stops:  Lisbon (Portugal), Cap L’Orient (France) and the final leg to Galway (Ireland).

Downtown Miami, already bursting with international culture, reflects this global journey in the Volvo Race Village, a fair celebrating the intrepid adventures and courage of the Volvo sailors with over 27 acres of entertainment, interactive pavilions, rides, 3D-cinema and high-class sailing action bordering Biscayne Bay, including a Pro-Am Regatta.

Miami is the only North America stopover on the global journey.

Abu Dhabi is in Miami representing the capital of the United Arab Emirates as a tourism destination.

At the Abu Dhabi pavilion, guests may request a free portrait with this two-year old peregrin named Aset after the Goddess Iris. The majestic bird is tamed by Miami master falconer Frederick H. Ottoway.

The Volvo Ocean Race is conservation-minded. This fish sculpture is made from debris found in the ocean.

The Volvo pavilion offers fun, interactive games.

This extreme sailing simulated ride is not for the faint of heart. The informative, 10-minute 3D film next door is another option.

MORE THAN SAILING

Although the six professional race teams will compete for points toward the overall leader board during the In-Port Race, locals will also get to enjoy Biscayne Bay, one of Miami’s best natural and recreational resources.  The Downtown Miami Race Village has also partnered with local sailing associations to offer public sailing lessons. Other water sports include kite sailing, wake boarding, a canoe and paddle board race — all favorite activities for Miami’s water babies.

IF YOU GO

Puma and Camper are race sponsors, so if you’re in the market for fashionable sportswear and gear, plan on doing some shopping.

The fair is free and open daily to the public until May 20th.  Hours of operation are 10 am to 7 PM, Sunday through Thursday and 10 am to 10 PM, Friday through Saturday.  For more information, visit Volvo Ocean Race Miami.

– Maria de los Angeles is a freelance wordsmith based in Miami.