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Contact: Media Relations, (305) 539-3084
WHAT’S NEW IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES
MIAMI (February 22, 2005) – With the global media spotlight on Miami once again with mega events like Art Basel Miami Beach, Art Deco Weekend, Coconut Grove Arts Festival and the Miami International Boat Show, the destination kicked off its winter season with style. The 2004 year ended with growth from all regions, including a record 5.7 million visitors from the United States (3 percent increase), an 11 percent increase from Europe and a 6.8 percent increase from Latin America. This growth and worldwide publicity shows that Miami is hotter than ever, from new luxury venues to world class events like the upcoming Carnaval Miami, Winter Party, Winter Music Conference, Nasdaq 100 and the Ford Championship at Doral. Around every corner the city is thriving with new and upgraded hotels, attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, such as:
HOTEL HAPPENINGS
Opening in early 2005, The Acqualina, located in Sunny Isles Beach, is the first Rosewood Resort in Florida. The 51-story Renaissance-inspired tower will feature a 97-room luxury boutique resort and 188 lavish residences. The European-style interior is designed by Desjardins Design Group. The Acqualina features a luxurious two-story spa that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, providing guests and outside clients with a stimulating sanctuary. The resort’s signature restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the ocean. For more information, visit www.acqualinaresort.com.
In June 2005, The Biltmore Hotel will unveil a brand new, multi-million dollar destination spa, located on the 7th floor of the hotel. The 12,000 square-foot Biltmore Spa will offer state-of-the-art body treatments in a luxurious and sophisticated setting. Among the distinctive features will be connecting, specialty treatment suites for wedding parties and groups. Select treatments will also be available in the hotel’s soon-to-be refurbished, private poolside cabanas. Also, The Biltmore recently completed an expansion and total renovation of its Fitness Center. With over 10,000 square feet of workout space, the Biltmore Fitness Center is one of the largest hotel membership gyms in the country, offering brand new Precor equipment, including 31 cardio machines with Cardio Theatres, weight and resistance pieces and free weights. Members and guests can participate in more than 60 specialty exercise and aquatics classes weekly. For further information, visit www.biltmorehotel.com.
Mel Zuckerman, founder of Canyon Ranch, one of the world’s most celebrated health resorts, announced the development of Canyon Ranch’s first healthy living residential/hotel community, to be located in Miami Beach. Canyon Ranch Living, a seven-acre oceanfront property featuring 151 condo-hotel suites and 467 condominium residences, also includes traditional Canyon Ranch spa and cuisine facilities and services. The project is expected to be completed in late 2005. For more information visit 1-888-987-9876 or www.canyonranchliving.com.
The stylish Clinton Hotel in South Beach recently opened the Panico Salon & Spa on its rooftop patio. Panico Salon & Spa offers a full menu of spa services including body care, facials and massages. Signature treatments include Aqua Man Facial, Sublimely Golden Bath Treatment, Beauty on the Go Facial and Hot Stone Massage. For a more private setting, guests can also have massages and treatments in the comfort of their room. Panico’s full service salon has an internationally trained and award-wining staff to perform hair cuts, coloring, hair treatments, styling, as well as, body waxing and nail services. The salon also offers an array of hair and skin retail products by Aveda, Bumble & Bumble, Kerastase, Murad and others. For more information, visit the Clinton Hotel at www.clintonsouthbeach.com.
Conrad Miami in downtown Miami opened in July 2004 -- the first newly built, freestanding hotel in the U.S. -- to hold the coveted Conrad brand name. The hotel boasts 203 luxurious rooms, state-of-the-art technology, world-class architecture, sophisticated meeting facilities, a cutting edge restaurant- Atrio, the electric Noir bar and treatments at Spa Conrad. For more information, visit www.ConradHotels.com, or call 1-800-HILTONS from the U.S. and Canada.
Don Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club, located in Miami Lakes, is undergoing a $2 million facelift, including a “glimpse into the past” with nostalgic photos of Miami. In addition, Shula’s is opening a beautiful $2 million Aveda Spa in Spring 2005. For more information on the hotel call 1-800-24-SHULA or visit www.donshulahotel.com.
Marriott International, Inc. announced that it has assumed management of the legendary Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami. The 692-room property will officially be named the Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort and joins Marriott’s world-class portfolio of 60 resorts worldwide. CNL Hotels & Resorts Inc., the nation’s second largest hotel real estate investment trust, acquired the resort from KSL Recreation Corporation in April 2004. CNL plans to invest over $40 million over the next three years in capital improvements and expects to add a number of enhancements, including a 65,000 square-foot ballroom facility, renovations to the hotel’s restaurant, and additional meeting space. For more information or reservations, contact the Doral Golf & Spa Resort, A Marriott Resort directly at (800) 71-Doral or visit the hotel’s web site at www.doralresort.com.
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Inc. recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to manage Florida’s renowned Turnberry Isle Resort & Club under FHR’s Luxury Fairmont brand. The property is now called the The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, Miami, Florida. For more information visit www.Fairmont.com.
Four Points By Sheraton Miami Beach, is undergoing a $2 million renovation, which is scheduled to be completed by March 2005. Offers guests luxury and style with 216 rooms and suites located on the beach. The project includes room upgrades, such as the Four Comfort Bed and complimentary wireless internet access. The hotel features lush landscaping overlooking the ocean, a heated pool, a fitness center and extensive water sports activities. For more information call 800/525-6994 or visit www.charlesgrouphotels.net/fourpoints/index.html.
The Grove Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, formerly the Grove Isle Resort, has opened a 6,500 square foot SpaTerre. The spa is Indonesian-inspired and features rituals and services from around the world. SpaTerre is the signature spa brand of Noble House Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, The Grove Hotel & Spa, offering 49 waterside rooms and suites, is renovating lower level rooms into Lanai-style rooms, with open patios and plasma TV’s. All meeting space has been refreshed with new carpeting, wall covering and draperies, as well. For more information visit: www.groveisle.com.
Hotel Victor opened last week on Ocean Drive in South Beach, where internationally-renowned, Paris-based decorator Jacques Garcia is making his North American hotel debut. This ultra-luxurious retreat has 91 guest rooms offering panoramic views of either the ocean or South Beach. Adjacent to the “Versace Mansion” -- now known as Casa Casuarina -- the hotel, which was developed by ZOM and managed by Hyatt, will feature amenities such as the 6,000 square-foot Spa, V; a raised rimless pool overlooking the ocean, the Passage Bar and outdoor VIP lounge. The decadent V Bar and Lounge is designed to pay homage to the glamorous watering holes of the 40’s, featuring an illuminated jellyfish tank and Garcia-designed furniture, including oversized daybeds and cabana tents. The scene pulses at night, when the area is transformed into a VIP lounge with ambient music and sexy lighting amidst lust foliage. In addition, resident “Vibe Managers” will be on hand to tend to every need of the hotel’s discriminating clientele. For more information visit www.hotelvictorsouthbeach.com.
Le Méridien Sunny Isles Beach, located on the beach and near Bal Harbour Shops, is a luxury property set to open this May, featuring 210 hotel suites with balconies, as well as Le Spa – a full European spa including outdoor treatments, an infinity pool and beach facilities with private cabanas and beachside hammocks, and Florida’s newest BiCE restaurant with both indoor and outdoor (beachfront) dining. The property is operated by Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, a renowned global hotel group with over 135 upscale properties in 56 countries around the world. This new location marks Le Méridien’s first in Florida and its first beach resort property in the U.S. For more information on Le Méridien Sunny Isles Beach, call (305) 503-6000 or visit www.miami.lemeridien.com.
After an international search Azul, a 120-seat waterfront restaurant, at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami has selected Chef Clay Conley as Chef de Cuisine. Chef Conley officially took the helm on January 15, 2005 with his new menu debuting in February. The rising star chef honed his culinary reputation at Todd English’s acclaimed Olives restaurant, where he served as executive chef and culinary director for the last eight years. With Chef Conley’s creative flair, innovative style and passion for the craft, Azul will continue providing unparalleled dining experiences and cutting-edge cuisine. Chef Conley brings his sophisticated, eclectic cuisine of Mediterranean and Asian influences to the menu at Azul. For more information or reservations, call (305) 913-8254 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com.
The Nassau Suite Hotel is in the final stages of completing a $700, 000 renovation to its 22 suites and public areas including lobby and terrace. The project, which will be finished by June 2005, is being directed by young upcoming European architect Julien Bergier, who also designed the Beachcomber hotel among other projects. Later this year the management will renovate the business center, meeting rooms and the add new facilities. For more information please check www.nassausuite.com.
The Regent South Beach, the only hotel to span both Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, will be the pinnacle of world class elegance and refinement, opening third quarter 2005. Destined to become a landmark, this $76 million haven will feature 80 one-bedroom luxury suites and penthouses accentuated with spacious balconies and rooftop gardens replete with Roman hot tub, steam room, wet bar and al fresco dining area. The enriching experience of spa treatments will be offered in suites, as well as in the hotel’s private spa sanctuary; indulgences that can only be experienced at the Regent South Beach. From the contemporary Art Deco architecture and interior design, which celebrates the local culture, to the renowned Table 8 Restaurant, a favorite of celebrities and international jet-setters alike, The Regent South Beach will exemplify the ultimate in contemporary luxury while keeping with Regent’s legendary service. For more information contact 305-672-4554 or visit www.regenthotels.com/southbeach.
The Setai Hotel in South Beach is scheduled to complete phase two of its opening plan in the Spring of 2005 completing the entire inventory of 75 guest rooms, The Restaurant, and the Champagne, Crustacean and Caviar Bar all housed in a beautifully restored eight story Art Deco landmark building. The first phase of the hotel opened in December 2004 with 50 gorgeous suites with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami coastline along with The Spa at Setai which includes three outdoor swimming pools and a beach bar. The opening of phase two of this project marks the completion and grand opening of the entire hotel conveniently located at 2001 Collins Avenue near Miami Beach’s thriving cultural district, nightlife, fine dining, shopping, and other South Beach attractions. For more information visit www.setai.com or call 305-520-6000.
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, a Boston-based operator of upscale hotels, announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Miami-based Fortune International, to develop an ultra-luxury hotel on the beachfront site of the Sonesta Beach Resort, in Key Biscayne, Florida. The existing resort will continue to operate as a full-service property until at least August 2006. Development of the new ultra-luxury 350-room Sonesta resort will likely commence in the fall of 2006, offering oversized guest rooms, a full-service spa & fitness center, outdoor pools, beachfront water sports, meeting space, children’s program, restaurants and entertainment, as well as other facilities and services associated with the finest resorts in South Florida. The project is envisioned as a condominium hotel, where unit owners will have the opportunity to participate in a rental program. For more information about Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Nile Cruises, call 1-800-SONESTA (800-766-3782), or visit www.sonesta.com.
The Standard, Miami, the highly anticipated spa hotel located on Belle Isle, a lushly landscaped residential island on the waters of Biscayne Bay and situated on the eastern end of the Venetian Causeway near South Beach, is scheduled to open Spring 2005 with 105 rooms and suites. For more information call (305)673-1717 or visit www.standardhotel.com.
The 45-suite Tides Hotel on South Beach is being converted into a condo hotel.
The Kor Hotel Group, a boutique luxury operator, was recently signed to manage the hotel. Condominium hotel units are for sale with prices starting at $780,000. For more information call (305) 604-5070 or visit www.thetideshotel.com.
Turnberry Associates recently announced an agreement to purchase the famous 920-room Fontainebleau Resort on Miami Beach. The Aventura-based developer plans $150 million in renovations to the 1954 landmark hotel, designed by Morris Lapidus., including new restaurant operators and night entertainment. For more information call (305) 937-6200 or visit www.turnberry.com.
SHOPPING AND SPAS
Bal Harbour Shops continues to lead the luxury retail pack with new developments and extended hours. With sales figures up 18 percent, Bal Harbour Shops lives up to its 39-year tradition of setting standards and bucking trends: adding 13 new stores, redesigning and relocating an additional 11 existing boutiques, dramatically re-creating the second level and extending its hours of operation on Saturday until 9 p.m. New stores include: Addict, Calypso, Oscar de la Renta, David Yurman, Domenico Vacca, Intermix, Just Cavalli, Vera Baby and Vilebrequin. The expanded upper level now evokes an airy penthouse feeling, where visitors can stroll amidst new water fountains and sculpture gardens. The $4.5 million redesign project that began in May of 2003 required the complete demolition of a 200-foot stretch of stores, followed by an extensive reconstruction -- setting store fronts back 20-feet to enhance the common space. Call 305/866-0311 or visit www.balharbourshops.com for more information.
EliteSpa is now open in Coral Gables. Located on the corner of LeJeune Road and Aragon Avenue, the spa hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Come in for relaxing spa treatments, or if short on time visitors can unwind with 30-minute mini facials, 30-minute massages, and 20-minute deep conditioning treatments. Call 305/445-9300 or visit www.elitespamiami.com for more information.