LIVE THE JOY
EYEWEAR COLLECTION
Bernie Oberlender
Oberle Opticians was established in 1977. Our reputation for quality and service is unparalleled due to our expert licensed optical staff and incredibly unique selection of eyewear. Oberle Opticians has the fortitude to take your vision and your look to another level.
9552 Harding Ave Surfside, Florida 33154
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Phone: 305-861-1010 | www.oberleopticians.com
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Where It’s The Lens & The Look
The Elegance of the Impeccable Men’s Wardrobe The STEFANO RICCI Company, leader in high-quality luxury menswear, was founded in 1972 by Florentine designer Stefano Ricci with a true 100% Made in Italy philosophy. Present in over 65 mono-brand boutiques and over 20 shop-in-shops in international capitals worldwide, the brand’s DNA is deeply intertwined with the charm of a luxury lifestyle. A man’s elegance is formed in the selection of a dedicated wardrobe, one that preserves the values of artisanal production through items imbued with absolute quality and sophistication in every detail. That is why designer Stefano Ricci founded his eponymous Florentine company in 1972, with an unwavering 100% Made in Italy philosophy. Founded on luxurious silk ties and unique hand-sewn shirts, the SR World now ranges to garments crafted by Master Tailors in exclusive fabrics and a dedicated sportswear selection made for those who love to feel refined even in informal moments. A drive for the highest quality and comfort in all details is asserted through quality materials, careful construction, and original finishes. In essence, this expression of masculine luxury promotes feeling good in the clothes that make you look good. Check out the latest collection at stefanoricci.com
MAJESTIC ESCAPES To be majestic, is to show impressive beauty or
dignity. For the House of Harry Winston, majestic is the word that perfectly embodies and captures the spirit of its latest high jewelry offering. An unparalleled collection that explores some of the most awe-inspiring and breathtaking places Mother Nature has to offer. Entitled, Majestic Escapes, the collection transports fine jewelry connoisseurs to magnificent locales across the globe, through one of-a-kind jewels that celebrate the unique allure of the destinations they serve. From one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic destinations, St. Barts, to the blue domed structures of Santorini, and The Pacific Ocean island escape of Okinawa; the sunset hues of the great canyons to the lush greens of the rainforest; and pink sand beaches to turquoise waters – Majestic Escapes is a bejeweled getaway for the senses.
Bal Harbour Shops | Miami Design District
AMALFI COAST Bougainvillea
F
ragrant florals reimagined through fuchsia gemstones and turquoise-tinted waters. An extraordinary necklace and earring suite that features an enchanting melody of rubellites, Paraiba, turquoise and diamonds, illustrates the charm and inherent beauty of the Mediterranean’s coastal landscape.
FIJI
Turquoise Waters
T
he crown jewel of the islands captured in a suite of jewels beyond compare. The Turquoise Waters series, comprised of a necklace and earrings, features rows of cabochon turquoise interspersed with diamonds and sapphires to capture Fiji’s vibrant blue waters and golden sand beaches.
“
A collection that explores some of the most awe-inspiring
and breathtaking places
”
Mother Nature has to offer.
RAINFOREST
T
he magical essence of nature brought to life with gems as lush as its landscape. The Rainforest Suite of jewels – necklace, earrings and ring – features green tsavorites in varying shades to capture the rich forestry of its namesake.
“
To be majestic, is to show impressive
beauty or dignity
”
Bal Harbour Shops | Miami Design District
EXCELLENCE
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami
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Braman Nowhere Else But
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Mah Jong. Modular sofa with elements, designed by Hans Hopfer. , Constellation collection. Upholstered in Stained wooden bases, Alezan finish. In-store interior design & 3D modeling services.1 Quick Ship program available.2
This year, Roche Bobois is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mah Jong sofa, designed in 1971 by Hans Hopfer. To celebrate this milestone, the Mah Jong is dressed in new designer fabrics and set on elegant platforms that enhance its silhouette and comfort. True to the Mah Jong’s original identity, this new design makes the piece more modern than ever.
Fabrics by
French Art de Vivre Photos by Michel Gibert and Baptiste Le Quiniou, for advertising purposes only. Zulma Editions. 1Conditions apply, contact store for details. 2Program available on select items, subject to availability.
BELIEVE Solange as Mother Earth
T H I N K A C E N T U RY A H E A D ©2022 E. RÉMY MARTIN & C ®., LOUIS XIII ® COGNAC GRANDE CHAMPAGNE, 40% ALC. VOL. IMPORTED BY RÉMY COINTREAU USA, INC., NEW YORK, NY
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
IN TIME Magnified by Guo Pei
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PUBLISHED BY Freecom Luxury Art Book, LLC. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Frederic Fournel CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Charlene Laskin CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ludmila Lacerda Barros FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER Jackie Knabben FEMALE MODEL Anastasia Murphy - Elite Model Management Miami MALE MODEL Gabe Sadowsky - Elite Model Management Miami St ylist Anna Ruiz - Agency Gerard Artists St ylist Assistant Vanessa Porras - Agency Gerard Artists HAIR & MAKE UP Virginia Le Fay - Agency Gerard Artists
Freecom Luxury Art Book, LLC 9550 Bay Harbor Terrace, Suite 203 Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 786.216.7007 charlene@luxuryartbook.com Luxuryartbook.com Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach 17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 305.918.8000 AcqualinaResort.com EstatesAtAcqualina.com
© Reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher.
Disrupting Diamonds
Aventura Mall•305-974-2530
GILLES DYAN Founder and Chairman of Opera Gallery Group The Opera Gallery adventure began over 25 years ago, in 1994, when our two first exhibition spaces opened simultaneously in Paris and in Singapore with the aim of showing international emerging artists alongside masters of contemporary and modern art. Thanks to an incredible community of collectors, artists, supporters and my outstanding Opera Gallery staff, we have, along the years, expanded to include twelve further spaces in prime locations around the world: in New York, Miami, Miami Bal Harbour, Aspen, London, Monaco, Geneva, Dubai, Beirut, Hong Kong and Seoul. We present work across all media including painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, photography and video and we seek to cultivate the lineages that run between emerging and established artists. We represent over twenty international young and emerging artists such as Andy Denzler, Fred Eerdeckens or Lita Cabellut and mid-career more established artists such as Manolo Valdés, André Brasilier or Hermann Nitsch. We also deal in private sales on the secondary market informed by decades of connoisseurship and we are proud to have placed historically- significant works by artists such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Pierre Soulages, Alexander Calder, Jean Dubuffet, Fernando Botero and many more. Since our inception, we have strived to offer museums, foundations and art collectors unique access to an incredible selection of Modern and Contemporary artists through an exciting programme of curated exhibitions in each of our locations and in high profile art fairs. In addition to the exhibitions, we are fully dedicated in working closely with our collectors to build their collections, locating works of art, and providing art advisory services. The gallery also facilitates museum exhibitions, special projects, and commissions of largescale, site-specific sculptures for both public and private collections. We are fully dedicated to bringing with integrity and discretion only the best of modern and contemporary works to each of our collectors.
“
We have fourteen galleries, and are in great demand for other locations. – GILLES DYAN
”
151 NE 41St Street Suite 131, Miami, FL 33137 | +1 305 868 3337 | miami@operagallery.com | operagallery.com New York Miami Bal Harbour Aspen London Paris Monaco Geneva Dubai Beirut Hong Kong Singapore Seoul
OPERA GALLERY MIAMI Opera Gallery is located in the heart of Miami’s Design District, on the level two of the Palm Court. Miami’s Design District reflects the energy of a city in the midst of a vibrant cultural and urban transformation. The gallery has become an integral part of the flourishing and trendy Miami Design District - dedicated to Fine Art, luxury fashion, design, architecture and gastronomy. Each year, the gallery’s exhibition program strikes the perfect balance between Grand Masters and promising emerging artists. It is furthermore committed to developing a wider vision of Latin American art thanks to a dynamic international network, reflecting Miami’s vibrant economic and social energy. The gallery exhibits works by Masters of Modern Art such as Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Jean Dubuffet, Lucio Fontana, Alexander Calder and Andy Warhol amongst others and immense Contemporary talents such as Keith Haring, Pierre Soulages, Yue Minjun, Zhang Xiaogang and Yayoi Kusama. Opera Gallery offers constant support to international contemporary artists and has developed several specialised departments such as Asian Art, Street Art, Photography, Design and Latin American. The group notably launched and supports Spanish painter Lita Cabellut, sculptor Mauro Corda and photographer Gérard Rancinan. It has also played a major role in enhancing the international recognition of Bernard Buffet lifework. Thanks to Gilles Dyan’s innovative approach and unique insight, the gallery has become an incubator where emerging and established artists coexist. Under his direction, the collection has grown to include over 100 international artists, turning Opera Gallery into one of the world's most diverse and eclectic collections.
Keith Haring, Art in Action, November - December 2021
151 NE 41St Street Suite 131, Miami, FL 33137 | +1 305 868 3337 | miami@operagallery.com | operagallery.com New York Miami Bal Harbour Aspen London Paris Monaco Geneva Dubai Beirut Hong Kong Singapore Seoul
Alexander Calder, Double Humpbacked Crinkly, 1970, standing mobile, shett metal, wire
KAREL APPEL RON ARAD PABLO ATCHUGARRY GEORG BASELITZ JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT MEL BOCHNER FERNANDO BOTERO ANDRÉ BRASILIER BERNARD BUFFET ALEXANDER CALDER ENRICO CASTELLANI MARC CHAGALL GEORGE CONDO TONY CRAGG NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE ANDY DENZLER JEAN DUBUFFET SHEPARD FAIREY LUCIO FONTANA SAM FRANCIS ALBERTO GIACOMETTI ALFRED HABERPOINTNER KEITH HARING HANS HARTUNG RAN HWANG ROBERT INDIANA ANTHONY JAMES ANISH KAPOOR ALEX KATZ YVES KLEIN CHUN KWANG YOUNG FERNAND LÉGER
MARCELLO LO GIUDICE PINO MANOS GEORGES MATHIEU HENRI MATISSE ROBERTO MATTA YUE MINJUN JOAN MIRÓ AMEDEO MODIGLIANI GEORGE MORTON-CLARK HERMANN NITSCH JULIAN OPIE A.R. PENCK PABLO PICASSO JEAN-PAUL RIOPELLE KENNY SCHARF ANTONIO SEGUI KAZUO SHIRAGA TURI SIMETI PIERRE SOULAGES FRANK STELLA CHO SUNG-HEE CHU TEH-CHUN MANOLO VALDÉS BERNAR VENET ELLEN VON UNWERTH ANDY WARHOL TOM WESSELMANN DAVID KIM WHITTAKER ZAO WOU-KI FENG XIAO-MIN ZHANG XIAOGANG SEO YOUNG-DEOK
151 NE 41St Street Suite 131, Miami, FL 33137 | +1 305 868 3337 | miami@operagallery.com | operagallery.com New York Miami Bal Harbour Aspen London Paris Monaco Geneva Dubai Beirut Hong Kong Singapore Seoul
We are proud to announce the new arrivals from most luxurious crystal brands in the world - Daum, Lalique and St. Louis.
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EAST COAST JEWELRY IS KNOWN NOT ONLY FOR THE EXQUISITE WATCHES AND JEWELRY COLLECTION.
table of contents
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AMENITIES Poolside Luxury The Great Outdoors
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fashion forward The Perfect Escape
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gastronomy New Flavors At The Beachfront Costa Grill New Chef Q&A
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team Resort Team Mansions Team Estates Team Les Clefs d’Or Concierges
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beaut y & wellness Bathrooms That Spark Joy Spa Services
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FAMILY & KIDS A Family Haven Like No Other
ON THE COVER Photographed by Jackie Knabben
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events The Estates At Acqualina Inaugurates Sunny Isles Beach Art Fountain
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AWARDS Shine Bright Like a Diamond
Jewelry and Watch by Harry Winston, Bal Harbour Shops Top and Pants by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops
Welcome
To your luxurious oceanfront playground
O
ne of my most cherished traditions is welcoming new guests and the many families who make annual sojourns to Acqualina Resort.
Within our Mediterranean villa-style oasis, we delight in keeping the experience fresh for every guest, whether it’s their first visit or 50th. In the following pages, we’ll introduce you to family getaways and how our dedicated team creates new activities that excite and engage multigenerational travelers. You’ll meet some of the talented individuals whose years of experience make them hospitality treasures: our new hotel manager Marcos Rodriguez, Les Clefs d’Or concierges Randy Ross and Reuben Trane and our Pool and Beach Director, Reginald Menard. We’ll take you into Costa Grill, where new, talented Head Chef, Enrique Villardefrancos has infused personal recipes into a new, exciting Mediterranean/Floridian menu. We’ll venture to the Mansions to introduce you to Director of Residences Anthony Rostock, as well as The Estates to meet Assistant Residence Manager Vanna Cabana. You’ll be among the first to read about Dr. Matthew Cooper’s new aesthetic treatments and services at Acqualina’s Forbes Five Star Spa, we’ll introduce you to luxurious new guestroom bathrooms, and you’ll take a tour of the entirely refreshed – and most decadent - Adult Pool with its new daybeds and luxurious poolside cabanas. Finally, we’re honored once again that AAA has bestowed a Five Diamond rating upon Acqualina Resort for 14 consecutive years, while for 10 consecutive years, Forbes has awarded us its prestigious Five Star rating. These awards are a result of the hard work of every Acqualina team member; the amazing group of people who year after year deliver exceptional service and always go above and beyond. Guests write – or tell me – how lovely they make them feel and how looked after they are; it’s something that continuously brings them back. Whether you are visiting for the first time, or Acqualina is part of your annual tradition, we look forward to welcoming you into your home. Deborah Yager Fleming | CEO and Partner Acqualina Resort & Residences
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AMENITIES
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Luxury
Poolside
From pool butlers to hourly amenity offerings and four new luxurious cabanas, acqualina’s adult pool has a cool new vibe. By Michelle Payer
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AMENITIES
A
cqualina’s luxurious oceanfront Adult Pool has
long been a sublime sanctuary for those 18 and over, where chill lounge music wafts over a serene setting. This season, with a refreshed poolside aesthetic, a Pool Butler presenting amenities every hour and four opulent, custom-designed cabanas, it’s become an elevated experience. Beautifully redesigned and refreshed in a sea of signature red, the Adult Pool is dotted with love seats, custom day beds, modern chaise lounges with side tables and wide umbrellas. A dedicated Pool Butler circulates every hour to present frozen delicacies including grapes, flavored ice and watermelon balls, a selection of crudité and fresh-squeezed juices, cold-scented towelettes, sunglass cleaner and aloe gel.
This season, with a refreshed poolside aesthetic, a Pool Butler presenting amenities every hour and four opulent, custom-designed cabanas, it’s become an elevated experience.
To catch up on summer reading, guests can access the Acqualina App for an enormous array of eBooks through the resort’s complimentary Bedside Reading program or stay current with digital copies of the largest U.S. daily papers. Bottle service and the Costa Grill menu are available to satiate cravings, as is an exclusive cocktail, the Acqualina Spritz, created by bartender Franco Amendola. A native of the Amalfi Coast, he channeled its beauty to create a refreshing elixir with St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, prosecco, fresh mint and club soda, garnished with a mint sprig.
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For extra elevated luxury, guests can choose from four newly designed and expansive cabanas as their opulent daytime sanctuaries. Each sumptuous and private red-hued haven has two chaise lounges, a sectional sofa and tables, a refrigerator, television with mainstream channels, privacy curtains, an outdoor portable fan and an umbrella. Guests can recline and snack on fresh tropical fruits and international cheeses with local honeycomb, while sipping their choice of Rosé champagne, Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence rosé wine or unlimited iced tea and lemonade. Lest guests get dehydrated or sunburned, the cabanas are outfitted with sparkling or still water, two Acqualina hats and Hampton Sun sunscreen.
Prices range from $350 to $500 per day. For more information and cabana reservations, contact the concierge at 305.918.6860 or download the Acqualina App.
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AMENITIES
The Great
Outdoors The outdoor amenities at Acqualina Resort offer guests far more than just sun and sand. By Sherry Balefsky Hanson
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With 400 feet of uninterrupted beachfront, three postcard-perfect oceanfront pools, a perfectly manicured great lawn, and plenty of areas to lounge under the resort’s signature red umbrellas, every day spent amid Acqualina Resort’s outdoor amenities is a new adventure.
F
or guests who wish to do nothing more than relax, there’s not a bad seat in the house: Stretch out on a chaise lounge in front of one of the pools, find solitude
within a private cabana, or laze away in comfortable lounge seating on the lawn. “If I were a hotel guest, I would head to the beach and get a queen-size bed close to the water,” says Reginald Menard, Acqualina’s Pool & Beach Director, who oversees the daily operations for the resort’s pool and beach areas. “You’ll have an unobstructed ocean view for the entire day! Plus, it comes with a complimentary fruit bowl, bottles of water, two umbrellas, and a cabana cover.”
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AMENITIES
For those who prefer more active days, the resort offers various recreational activities such as soccer, basketball, ping-pong, and giant chess. Interactive programs like outdoor painting classes and Scuba lessons are also available.
Every hour, we have various programming for our guests, It’s what makes us different from every other resort. – Reginald Menard Acqualina’s Pool & Beach Director
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I push my team to exceed expectations by surprising guests in ways they didn’t expect.” – Reginald Menard Acqualina’s Pool & Beach Director
But it’s not just the plentiful amenities and activities that make Acqualina’s pool and beach areas so enjoyable; it’s the five-star service that employees extend to each and every guest. “I push my team to exceed expectations by surprising guests in ways they didn’t expect,” Menard says. “For example, a guest whose room wasn’t ready on time came down to the pool. After he explained his situation, I reserved him a cabana for the day. After that, I consistently checked in to see how he was doing. It made him so happy! Going above and beyond for guests is not just my job. It is something I truly enjoy.”
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fa s h i o n f o r wa r d
PHOTOS JACKIE KNABBEN STYLING ANNA RUIZ HAIR & MAKE UP VIRGINIA LE FAY MODELS ANASTASIA MURPHY GABE SADOWSKY
Both Sunglasses by Fred at Oberlé Opticians, Surfside Watch and Jewelry by Bvlgari at Mayors, Aventura Mall Her Swim by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops His Swim by Frescobol Carioca at Acqualina Spa Boutique
Escape The
Perfect
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Jewelry and Watch by Harry Winston, Bal Harbour Shops Top and Pants by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops
Watch by Harry Winston, Bal Harbour Shops Shirt, Pants and Hat by Frescobol Carioca, Acqualina Spa Boutique
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Jewelry by Messika, Aventura Mall Swim and Coverup by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops
Jewelry by Messika, Aventura Mall Swim by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops
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Jewelry by Harry Winston, Bal Harbour Shops Dress and Shoes by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops
Jewelry by Harry Winston, Bal Harbour Shops
Both Sunglasses by Maybach at Oberlé Opticians, Surfside Jewelry by Buccellati, Bal Harbour Shops Her Swim by Acqualina Red Swim, Acqualina Spa Boutique His Swim by Vilebrequin, Acqualina Spa Boutique
Jewelry by Buccellati, Bal Harbour Shops
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Both Watches and Jewelry by Bvlgari at Mayors, Aventura Mall Her Swim by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops His Swim by Frescobol Carioca, Acqualina Spa Boutique
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Jewelry by Bvlgari at Mayors, Aventura Mall Her Dress, Hat and Bag by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops
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Jewelry by Buccellati, Bal Harbour Shops
Both Sunglasses by Maybach at Oberlé Opticians, Surfside Watch and Jewelry by Bvlgari at Mayors, Aventura Mall Her Dress by Ermanno Scervino, Bal Harbour Shops His Shirt and Pants by Stefano Ricci, Miami Design District
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Jewelry by Harry Winston, Bal Harbour Shops fabysErmanno hion f o Bal r wa rd Short Set Scervino, Harbour Shops
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Jewelry by Messika, Aventura Mall Her Swim Set by Acqualina Spa Boutique His Shirt and Shorts by Acqualina Spa Boutique
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GastRonomy
New Flavors
at the Beachfront
COSTA GRILL By Juliana Accioly
Acqualina Resort’s lush outdoor backyard is home to Costa Grill, the perfect spot to lounge by the pristine beachfront. Diners enjoy the easygoing pace of life under elegant palms and the shade of red umbrellas in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
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GastRonomy
Costa Grill is open daily for lunch service with a new a la carte menu masterfully curated by Cuban Executive Chef Enrique Villardefrancos, who took the helm of the restaurant last year and has put his own stamp on the offerings. The varied array of dishes delivers the spirit of Florida enhanced by unique Mediterranean flavors through special cooking techniques. Delivered with impeccable execution, the fresh-tasting fare is a bevy of inventive creations, where a tropical guava glaze adds a hint of sweet to barbecued chicken wings grilled over open flame, and a touch of local mangrove honey is added to flavorful mahi-mahi fish tacos topped with cotija cheese and chipotle. Chef Villardefrancos’ creativity also shows in options constructed with special dietary needs in mind, like a vegan main course of whole roasted chipotle cauliflower bathed with a coconut milkbased peppery dill ranch that works wonders on the palate.
Meet Chef Enrique Villardefrancos Also served against the backdrop of Acqualina’s poolside and outdoor terrace, the restaurant’s new menu is complemented by Chef Villardefrancos’ rotating list of specials based on seasonal ingredients. A unique cocktail and wine list complements the bright dining experience, available for hotel guests, Acqualina residents, and Beach Club members.
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When did you begin helming the kitchen at Costa Grill and where did you work before? I started working at Costa Grill in December 2021. Before the COVID pandemic, I was the culinary director at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
What inspired you to become a chef?
How does the new Costa Grill menu complement the offerings of the hotel? The new menu showcases the classic offerings that
Growing up, I was inspired by my mother’s cooking and decided
our hotel guests and residents love, while combining
to attend Culinary School in Havana, Cuba at the age of 18. I have
local ingredients to please a variety of palates. One of
worked in different restaurants and cruise lines since then, and have
the dishes that exemplifies this unique combination
traveled and tried food all over the world. Through these experiences,
of flavors is our Galician Octopus, which is marinated
I have learned what I consider a great skill: to discern the flavors and
in Spanish smoked paprika with our signature aioli
the authenticity of ingredients when tasting food.
prepared with Florida honey, cilantro and curry.
What are some of the elements of Costa Grill that appealed to you? The restaurant’s location is stellar - Costa Grill is situated in a unique, beautiful spot in Miami, and it resembles a Mediterranean terrace by the sea. I also enjoyed creating a menu that satisfies both residents and hotel guests alike.
How was the process of devising the new menu for the restaurant? It took us several months to develop Costa Grill’s new menu, taking into consideration elements from the Floridian cuisine and Mediterranean influences.
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TEAM
At Acqualina, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional personalized service and unforgettable experiences.
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Sweet HOME
HOME
VANNA CABANA, ASSISTANT RESIDENCE MANAGER AT THE ESTATES AT ACQUALINA, JOINED THE BRAND-NEW LUXURY PROPERTY’S TEAM JUST A FEW MONTHS BEFORE IT OFFICIALLY WELCOMED IT’S FIRST RESIDENTS. SHE HAS SINCE BEEN DEVOTED TO DELIVERING UNMATCHED SERVICE TO RESIDENTS. By Sherri Balefsky Hanson
Where are you from? Lima, Peru. What drew you to working at The Estates? Acqualina’s properties have a certain charm and beauty that immediately makes you fall in love! What were you most excited for residents to experience at The Estates? The Estates is the most modern and luxurious oceanfront property in South Florida. I am most excited for residents to experience the Formula 1 simulator (with a real F1 car), the ice-skating rink, the full-size boxing ring, and the FlowRider Surf Simulator. If you moved into The Estates, where would you most likely be found among the luxurious amenities? I’d be enjoying the spectacular views of the ocean from the pool and beach area where the FlowRider and waterslide are located. Tell us something about The Estates that people may not know. The property was sold out prior to opening. Vanna Cabana
Acqualina’s properties have a certain charm and beauty that immediately makes you fall in love!
Where is the best spot at The Estates for a photo op? In front of the infinity pool with a perfect view of the ocean. What is your favorite thing about working at The Estates? The people. Our team is made up of individuals from around the world who love working in hospitality. We have the best talent who deeply care about the people who live here. We show residents what true luxury service is all about!
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team
The Art of
Hospitality
IN MARCH 2022, ACQUALINA RESORT & RESIDENCES WELCOMED ITS NEW HOTEL MANAGER, MARCOS RODRIGUEZ, WHO JOINED THE TEAM WITH MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN THE LUXURY HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. HE IS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT HE AND HIS TEAM CONSTANTLY MEET AND EXCEED GUESTS’ EXPECTATIONS. By Sherri Balefsky Hanson
Where are you from? Ponce, Puerto Rico. What would you say guests are most impressed by during their stay at Acqualina? The most rewarding feedback I get is related to our unparalleled customer service and our team members’ ability to anticipate and fulfill guests’ needs.
I love our multicultural staff and team environment that encourages creativity, free-flowing communication, and innovation.
How do you make sure you are always exceeding guest expectations? When engaging with guests, I genuinely listen and ask questions to understand their needs. I also ensure all team members have the proper tools and training so that they can do the same. What do you tell guests is a must-do during their stay at Acqualina? Our guests must head to our beach to experience the warm waters and blues skies. They should also relax at Acqualina Spa and enjoy a memorable meal at Costa Grill. Where is the best spot at Acqualina for a photo op? On our beautiful lower-level balcony with the stunning backdrop of the beach clup pool and ocean. What is your favorite thing about working at Acqualina? I love our multicultural staff and team environment that encourages creativity, free-flowing communication, and innovation. You are a certified sommelier; do you have a go-to wine recommendation at Acqualina? With our year-long summer weather, I recommend sipping on some rosé, which has a distinguished elegance, fullness, lovely taut character, and savory herbs. Cheers!
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Marcos Rodriguez
Home
FEELS LIKE
ANTHONY ROSTOCK IS THE DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCES AT THE MANSIONS AT ACQUALINA AND HAS NEARLY TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH HIGH-END RESTAURANTS AND LUXURY HOTELS. HE IS DEVOTED TO ENSURING THE SERVICES, FACILITIES, AND STAFF REFLECT THE FIVE-STAR STANDARDS FOR WHICH ACQUALINA IS KNOWN. By Sherri Balefsky Hanson
Where are you from? I am originally from New Jersey; I’ve also lived in NYC and Portland, Oregon. Describe your role at The Mansions. As Director of Residences, I am responsible for managing the daily operations of all departments at The Mansions. I engage and spend time with residents as they enjoy our amenities, and I ensure we are fiscally responsible by overseeing the board’s finances and building maintenance. What would you say is residents’ favorite thing about living at The Mansions? Our service and hospitality. There are numerous luxury high-rises in Sunny Isles and Miami, but our residents choose to live here because of how we make them feel. There are only 79 residences, so our team has the time to engage with each resident, know their preferences, and personalize their time at home or on vacation. If you lived at The Mansions, where would you most likely be found among the luxurious amenities? I would be in one of our cabanas by the pool or swimming in the ocean. Anthony Rostock
I engage and spend time with residents as they enjoy our amenities,
Tell us something not a lot of people know about The Mansions. There are only two apartment options: full or half-floor. Where is the best spot at The Mansions for a photo op? Our garage; there are countless exotic cars that would look great on anyone’s Insta! What is your favorite thing about working at The Mansions? The staff. They are truly engaged in providing five-star service. They want to make our residents happy and really exceed their expectations!
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team
AT YOUR
Service
THERE’S CONCIERGE SERVICE – AND THEN THERE’S EXCEPTIONAL CONCIERGE SERVICE LED BY MEMBERS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS LES CLEFS D’OR. ACQUALINA RESORT & RESIDENCES IS PROUD TO OFFER JUST THAT. By Sherri Balefsky Hanson
Acqualina Resort & Residences isn’t just known for its unmatched location, world-class dining, and luxury spa; it is known for its five-star service at every turn. That service begins with the hotel’s extraordinary concierge team, where no request is too big or too small to be accommodated. The team is led by Chief Concierge Randy Ross, who holds the prestigious distinction of being a member of Les Clefs d’Or, an international association of professional concierges with desks in some of the world’s most exclusive hotels.
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Identified by the crossed keys logo on their lapels, Les Clefs d’Or concierges attain their distinction via a rigorous application and screening process that involves letters of recommendation, shop calls, and tests similar to Forbes and AAA inspections. “Well-traveled guests recognize the logo and immediately expect five-star service,” says concierge Reuben Trane, also a member. “It quickly heightens their experience.”
“The role of a concierge reaches all across the board,” explains Trane. It usually begins with a simple request, like transportation or dining reservations. It can soon blossom into a yacht charter or a luxury vehicle rental. “I’ve helped arrange multiple marriage proposals,” adds Trane. “There are no boundaries. As long as it is legal and ethical, I’m up for the challenge!”
“G
uests are always impressed by our commitment to service and that we are always striving to go the extra mile,” says Ross, adding that his team is constantly staying up to date on special events, attractions, and restaurants to share with guests. “We also strive to create “WOW” moments by engaging our guests and looking for opportunities to surprise and delight them. For example, if it’s a guest’s birthday, we will send an amenity to their room or inform the restaurant. By listening and asking questions, we can even find out their favorite wine or dessert.”
“Recently, a guest forgot their laptop and needed it shipped internationally,” says Ross. I took the laptop to FedEx after work to have it professionally packed and insured, then I followed up to ensure it arrived on time and in perfect condition. Reuben Trane
Randy Ross
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BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Joy
BATHROOMS THAT SPARK
ACQUALINA’S EXQUISITELY RENOVATED BATHROOMS
By Michelle Payer
GLEAM WITH A RICH WHITE COLORWAY AND
ELEVATED OPULENCE
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BEAUTY & WELLNESS
W
e know that one of travel’s greatest pleasures
is walking down a hotel corridor into a guestroom and discovering the holy grail: a decked-out bathroom. It’s like opening a beautifully wrapped present swathed in silken bows. We’ve all been there: stepping into a room, turning on the light and peeking into that side door is a moment of anticipation that can make one’s heart flutter. Hotel bathrooms are a major joy factor. One hospitality study went as far as saying, “The bathroom is more important than the room itself.”
Though Acqualina guestrooms have always been exquisite bastions of comfort, their newly renovated bathrooms are a study in rich detail and Italian luxury, with white marble and vanities gleaming in the tropical South Florida sun. “Our DNA is classic furnishings with modern elements,” says Acqualina CEO and Partner, Deborah Yager Fleming. “The bathrooms adhere to this philosophy with curated finishes that are either custom-made or from high-end designers that manufactured everything for us. White Vena Oro marble is fresh and translucent and brightens the entire bathroom space,” she says.
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Every element within the white colorway was curated by
Though Acqualina guestrooms have always been exquisite bastions of comfort,
Their newly renovated bathrooms are a study in rich detail and Italian luxury, with white marble floors and vanities gleaming in the tropical South Florida sun.
Isabel Tragash of STA Architectural Group, who refreshed the guestrooms, lobby and condominium galleries for opulent continuity.
Italian marble floors and bathtub
decks and separate glass-enclosed showers are surrounded by textured white custom wallpaper. LED-lit Italian sconces frame custom, modern wall-to-wall edge-lit silver mirrors that gleam above richly veined Vena Oro marble vanities, while oceanfront suite bathrooms have wallto-wall Molteni vanities in an ivory gloss lacquer finish with decorative stainless-steel trim. New plush bathrobes and slippers are white, as are the amenity kits. ESPA bath products and Lady Primrose After Sun products sit atop marble trays, with either a Baci counter make-up mirror or mounted Nameeks wall makeup mirrors adding a final touch to bathroom elegance.
To add contrast, Tragash incorporated a natural fabric bench with black satin legs and black Via Motif laundry hampers. “It’s a beautifully cohesive look and the contrasting black hampers are designed to feel residential,” says Yager Fleming. “You’re meant to feel you can stay as long as you want.”
With these opulent bathrooms, one may never want to leave.
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
FILLER UP
South Florida’s most coveted aesthetics and holistic medicine doctorS come to Acqualina.
F
By Samantha Brooks
rom memory loss to loss of taste, many of the Covid side effects came as a surprise, including what those hours of staring at ourselves in Zoom meetings have done to us. “People are more concerned than ever about how they look,” says Dr. Matthew Cooper, a renowned sports medicine and enzyme therapy specialist who has also incorporated anti-aging medicine into his practice. “But it’s not just about how we look as we age. It’s also about how we feel.”
To that end, Dr. Cooper has opened an outpost, Apprize Beauty, within Acqualina Spa to offer his coveted high-end treatments that target a range of beauty and wellness woes. “Many people offer Botox, fillers, and IVs, but ours are truly customized and sourced from the best possible ingredients,” he says.
Starting with IVs, Dr. Cooper and his clinical director of aesthetics, Briege Marie Azadi, create customized concoctions to target a range of needs to assist everything from sleep, energy, overall cardiac health, asthma, allergies, and of course, those Saturday morning hangovers. “There’s a beauty component, too,” says Dr. Cooper. “You need nutrients on the inside to help the skin on the outside.” Also helping the outside are the most elite and beneficial fillers and Botox. “We have the cleanest, most natural fillers and we are experts at how they’re placed,” says Briege Marie Azadi. “It’s not your average filler. A lot of fillers will clump up, but ours looks natural and moves with you. Unfortunately, there’s a shortage in supply of this kind of filler, and most places in South Florida can’t
Dr. Cooper
get it. But we can.” The complete treatment list of aesthetic offerings includes chemical peels, anti-wrinkle treatments (Botox, Dysport), facial fillers, regenerative aesthetics including micro-needling with PRP and stem cells, hair restoration with stem cells and stem cell facelift, while IV treatments include elixirs for hair, skin, and nails, immunity, fat loss/muscle growth, NAD+, and ozone therapy.
PEOPLE ARE MORE CONCERNED THAN EVER
about how they look – Dr. Matthew Cooper
While guests are always welcome at Acqualina Spa, Dr. Cooper says that Acqualina residents will also have the added benefit of receiving routine, proactive and preventative holistic medical care at Apprize Medical, a concierge health service. “We can do blood tests and go through medical histories to get a comprehensive look at each patient,” he says.
Acqualina residents and hotel guests will be looking a lot younger and feeling better. We’ll have the bestlooking crowd in South Florida. For more information, visit apprizebeauty.com.
Family & KIDS
A Family Haven
Like No Other & There are resorts that are kids’ havens then there’s Acqualina. By David Kaufman
It’s a haven for sure, but so much more. From its numerous swimming pools to endless beach activities - along with its beloved kids club and non-stop Acqua experiences - Acqualina is a place where kids don’t just have fun, but thrive and learn in the process.
But beyond these exciting amenities, what makes Acqualina so ideal for families and children is its location - on the beach. the resort is like a fully-enclosed wonderland – with everything kids could want paired with the safety and security parents need.
Which means kids at Acqualina are free to run and play and swim and…well just be kids. At the center of Acqualina life are those pools – a trio of outdoor beauties directly facing the azure Atlantic, two of which are dedicated for families and little ones. Floaties and swim toys are available for all – while more adventurous families can sign-up for scuba lessons with Squalo Divers, a PADI Five Star Dive operation. And all around, are pool team members who look after each child if they were their own. Back on dry land, Acqualina’s activity roster is almost too long – and fun! – to handle. There’s pingpong and cornhole – along with kite-flying and soccer and basketball games along the beach. Inside, the aptly-named AcquaMarine Children’s Club is like an all-in-one classroom, fun-center and learning lab. The space embraces both art and technology to teach kids about everything from sea storms to sea turtles in a secure and supervised environment. While every day is special at Acqualina, holidays take on particular excitement for children, with unique themed events that celebrate the season. Science days might include make-your-own binoculars for nature walks; animal afternoons might see kids making mosaic seahorses or cork sea turtles, while magic shows and dragon-crafting are the highlights of magical mornings. Festive periods build upon the everyday family fun found at Acqualina – a true kid’s haven unlike any other.
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events
THE ESTATES AT ACQUALINA INAUGURATES SUNNY ISLES BEACH
Art Fountain
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J
ules and Stephanie Trump, owners and developers of the Estates at Acqualina,
hosted a festive inaugural ceremony at the Art Fountain on Collins Ave, fronting Tower One of the Estates at Acqualina.
Deborah Yager Fleming & Jules & Stephanie Trump
Eddie, Jules, Nicola & Stephanie Trump
events
Deborah Yager Fleming, Fabiola Stuyvesant, Mayor Dana Goldman, Jules Trump, Jerry Joseph & Susan Simpson
Vanna Cabana, Alex Mendel, Deborah Yager Fleming, Maja Jovanovska & Jeff Giasson
About 50 guests, including Acqualina Resort & Residences CEO & Partner Deborah Yager Fleming, Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Dana Goldman and Suffolk Construction South Region President Peter Tuffo gathered under blue skies and sipped champagne passed on silver trays. As Jules Trump, president of the Trump Group said, “By our very name, Acqualina, it’s obvious that water should be celebrated and this fountain epitomizes what we’ve done in celebrating the glory of water. Partly inspired by Karl Lagerfeld and some of the Estates designers, this fountain came together beautifully as did the lobby with the Karl Lagerfeld art and the other fountains on the property.
“The fountain and property are magnificent and elevate all the levels of class, sophistication and elegance in our city.” - Mayor Goldman
Before cutting a red ribbon, Mayor Goldman, who was joined by her colleagues, Assistant City Manager Susan Simpson and Commissioners Fabiola Stuyvesant and Jerry Joseph, remarked that “the fountain and property are magnificent and elevate all the levels of class, sophistication and elegance in our city.”
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Jules Trump
Mayor Dana Goldman & Jules & Stephanie Trump
In the time-honored tradition of grand Italian fountains, Jules Trump invited guests to toss pennies in the fountain and make a wish. He closed his remarks by saying, “We hope all your wishes come true.”
Marla Cohen, Michael Goldstein & Adriana Vargas Hernandez
Stephanie Schweitzer & Jules Trump
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AWARDS
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A
Diamond ACQUALINA RESORT & RESIDENCES CELEBRATES ANOTHER YEAR OF AWARDS AND ACCOLADES By Erica Corsano
T
hey say the greatest award one can receive is the appreciation of people. Perhaps that is why on this sweet sixteen year, Acqualina has much to celebrate. As the luxurious beach resort in beautiful Sunny Isles, Florida enters another year of transporting guests to a world of unmistakable, refined luxury, the European-inspired property celebrates receiving the Forbes Five Star Award for its tenth consecutive year, and the AAA Five Diamond Award for the fourteenth consecutive year. These distinguished accolades are the result of a long-time vision realized, paired with a Dream Maker culture and a level of service many would call unprecedented. A beautiful blend of old world charm and modern elegance were seamlessly woven together to create this architectural icon and dream vacation destination.
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Acqualina’s CEO and Partner, Deborah Yager Fleming explains: “In addition to this beautiful facility, we have a host of team members who are genuinely caring, and that comes across to those who visit from the moment they set foot on our property. We have a set of standards that we abide by, but it’s the personalization provided by the caring personalities of our team members, that really goes over well with our residents and guests.” Acqualina’s Dream Maker Culture of inspired team members who deliver daily “WOW” moments to guests is the foundation for the property’s success. Through vigorous training programs, team members are prepared and have the tools they need to be successful. This involves continuously investing in a quality employee experience empowering, entrusting each team member to be a dream maker and providing a place where team members can be confident and effectively communicate and enthusiastically deliver the highest level of service. This includes dedicated GEMs (guest experience managers) for each guest, as well as technology platforms to share information quickly and fulfill our guest requests.
We hire people who are capable of performing at the highest standards and when we bring in new people, we look for people with great hearts who care and are passionate, and who want to serve and be part of a team that works together to deliver personalized experiences for each of our guests. says Deborah Yager Fleming
Acqualina is the only hotel in Sunny Isles, and one of two hotels in Miami, to earn the hospitality industry’s distinguished American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Five Diamond award for quality and service. To earn the AAA Five Diamond designation, hotels must pass a rigorous evaluation that includes unannounced, in-person inspections, anonymous overnight stays for hotels and a review by a panel of experts. All AAA Diamond Program hotels are re-evaluated annually to ensure they provide the best experience for travelers and diners.
WE ARE THRILLED TO HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED AS A FIVE DIAMOND HOTEL FOR 14 YEARS IN A ROW AND A FIVE STAR HOTEL FOR 10 YEARS. We are constantly improving our programs, décor, dining and spa offerings and user technology to deliver a luxurious experience. - Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO and Partner
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BOLDER IN BLACK
Black Badge is for those who reject conformity and live on their own terms. It’s for the innovators, trailblazers, rule-breakers — and above all — those who dare.
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aventura mall A DESTI NAT ION FOR LUXURY
the nexus of Miami’s thriving fashion scene, Aventura Mall reigns as the ultimate destination for luxury. The shopping center represents the diverse style and culture of South Florida, making it a mustvisit destination for residents and tourists alike. Bespoke experiences, a world-class art collection, chef-driven dining, more than 300 boutiques and cutting-edge architecture are just a few elements that make Aventura Mall an oasis for culture-seekers and trendsetters alike.
At
A true paradise for shoppers, Aventura Mall is one of the most visited malls in the U.S., cultivating a lineup of the world’s most coveted brands. Designer devotees can find both legacy fashion houses and cuttingedge designers all within the mall’s expanse. The opulent roster of luxury boutiques includes Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Cartier, Givenchy, Tiffany & Co and Saint Laurent. Additionally, recent openings and boutique expansions continue to solidify the shopping center as the premier harbor for high fashion, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Hermès, Gucci, as well as Burberry, BVLGARI, Balenciaga and Ferragamo are the latest retailers to debut or expand at the shopping center. Hermès, known best for its coveted Birkin bag, has found a new 7,400-square-foot home at Aventura Mall. Drawing inspiration from Miami Beach, the boutique’s design incorporates a palette of coastal hues with a French twist. As if suspended in a seaside paradise, the Hermès boutique provides a stunning ambiance to showcase its
signature handbags, accessories, jewelry, and beauty products. Gucci is another leading fashion house bringing runway fashion, accessories and quality leather goods to Aventura. The Italian atelier’s 100-year-long heritage of chic creations and fine craftsmanship is embodied in the sumptuous, expansive boutique, which features women’s ready-to-wear, women’s shoes, handbags, luggage, small leather goods, fashion and silver jewelry, watches, eyewear, fragrances, decor and the newly launched Gucci Lifestyle collection.
Gucci recently expanded to a 6,000-square-foot Aventura Mall space, adding new shopping areas dedicated to menswear and childrenswear.
Gorillas in the Mist The Haas Brothers In addition, the shopping center is anchored by five department stores, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, and is highlighted by 300 of the world’s most popular retailers, including Adidas, Anthropologie, Aritzia, H&M, Ralph Lauren, Sephora, and a two-level Zara. After exploring the straight-from-the-runway styles, visitors can continue the decadence. Complementing Miami’s rich and diverse culture, Aventura Mall’s dining experience enables visitors to experience cuisine from globally-renowned chefs. Guests enjoy a multitude of classics and newcomers, many offering indoor and outdoor seating, including Estiatorio
Ornos by Chef Michael Mina, Ladurée, CVI.CHE 105, Pubbelly Sushi, PANI, Tap 42 Craft Kitchen + Bar, Pollos & Jarras, Serafina Miami, Sugar Factory, Toku (opening 2022), Bella Luna, Trattoria Rosalia, The Cheesecake Factory, and Divieto Ristorante. A taste of culture is also on the menu, with The Arts Aventura Mall program. The curated collection includes more than two dozen world-class contemporary art installations by globally renowned and local artists. One of the most thrilling pieces is Aventura Slide Tower, a nearly 93-foot-tall spiral structure by Belgian artist Carsten Höller. The sky-high design is more than a magnificent piece of art; it’s also a slide for visitors to ride. Höller, known for his largerthan-life installations, created the awe-inspiring piece to evoke joy and exhilaration. “The slide can be experienced both by sliding down it or by viewing it from the outside with people coming down in it—which are different, but both powerful, experiences,” said the artist. The Arts Aventura Mall program also includes pieces by The Haas Brothers, Louise Bourgeois, Ugo Rondinone, Julian Opie and Jorge Pardo, and features an 8-foot tall by 8-foot-long by 4-foot-wide LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, one of the preeminent figures in American Pop art. Conceived in 1966 and executed in 1998, LOVE can be found outdoors on the upper level next to Tap 42 Craft Kitchen + Bar. For more than 20 years, The Aventura Market has shown #locallove to South Florida farmers and artisans. Shoppers enjoy the perfect indoor setting to explore a variety of unique and thoughtfully created products. Representing the region’s talented cultural melting pot. The Aventura Market showcases a diverse array of exotic foods, fresh produce, desserts, handmade goods and home décor from dozens of local vendors. The Market is open every Saturday and Sunday during mall hours.
Aventura Mall not only epitomizes style but is also constantly innovating the way South Florida residents and visitors interact with it.