Miami’s newest hotels merge high design with elevated culinary experiences.
CARDOZO SOUTH BEACH
PHOTO: MAURIZIO LEONI
An Ocean Drive signature since 1939, the Cardozo South Beach has returned to its former glory through a loving redux. The revamped 41-guest-room boutique hotel maintained its historic Streamline Moderne exterior seen on the silver screen in several films, from ’59’s A Hole in the Head with Frank Sinatra to ’96’s The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.
Owners Emilio and Gloria Estefan worked with architect Aldo Ducci to refresh the interiors with contemporary white finishes that provide a canvas for artwork from their personal collection. A shimmering palette of materials adds subtle allure to the new rooms and suites, featuring mother of pearl and gold accents. Guests can also enjoy the streetside energy of South Beach from the hotel’s Italian eatery, Bice Cucina Miami.
RITZ-CARLTON COCONUT GROVE
PHOTO: COURTESY RITZ-CARLTON COCONUT GROVE
Bohemian flair reaches new levels of refinement in the recent renovation of the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove hotel. Influenced by the area’s legacy as a haven for artists, Bill Rooney Studio sought to stylishly bridge the gap between sleek city retreat and tropical enclave.
Taking cues from the property’s verdant surroundings, the team infused natural hues into the main lobby, with leather-wrapped columns and deep green velvet furniture. The reimagined guest rooms also showcase soft blue accents and a variety of organic textures, including raffia wallcovering, live-edge wood furniture, and modern rattan seating.
Full immersion into nature is complete at the new Isabelle’s Grill Room and Garden (a tribute to one of the Grove’s earliest settlers, Isabella Peacock) which boasts a trellised garden terrace that nestles diners among lush landscaping and rich wood details.
MR. C COCONUT GROVE
PHOTO: COURTESY MR. C COCONUT GROVE
Owned by Italy’s famed Cipriani family and inspired by lavish yachts, the new Mr. C Coconut Grove hotel distills the experience of cocktail hour on the high seas, featuring a streamlined, modern design by Arquitectonica. Floating on V-shaped pillars, the structure echoes luxury ocean liners of the past with porthole details and sweeping terraces that overlook Biscayne Bay and the Coconut Grove skyline.
Inside the lobby lounge, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio continues the nautical glamour with high-gloss timber paneling, terrazzo flooring and Murano glass chandeliers. And for the hotel’s 100 guest rooms, the studio employed lacquered teak and custom Tedeschi furnishings in shades of marine blue.
Hovering above the surrounding canopy on the top floor, the chic Bellini Restaurant and Bar (named for the drink created at Cipriani’s Harry’s Bar in Venice) boasts a modern Italian menu and classic cocktails.
