Luxury Travel Magazine Names Miami Beach One of the Best Beaches in the U.S.

According to Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, dubbed Miami Beach as one of the best beaches in the United States. Miami Beach stands next to three other beaches in Florida including; Grayton Beach State Park, Dunedin, and Sanibel Island.

The magazine stated, “The siren song of Miami’s South Beach is undeniable…beautiful people, flashy cars, Art Deco architecture: It’s all here.” Condé Nast Traveler highlights that Miami Beach is one of the popular and liveliest areas for tourists in Miami.

The magazine also states that the most touristy areas run parallel to Ocean Drive and locals tend to hang around the South of Fifth neighborhood. “But we say those famous white sands are worth bumping elbows with a few fellows,” according to Condé Nast Traveler.

About Miami Beach

It is no debate that Miami Beach does offer some of the most beautiful properties and beaches in the world. Situated on a barrier island, the coastal city is between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay.

The Bass Museum of Art and the New World Symphony are both located in Miami Beach. Other options to visit include a cultural center called the Faena Forum. This cultural center hosts an array of events including; lectures, performances, and large-scale events. Miami Beach is also home to the largest art fair along the east coast.

Miami Beach also has some of the most luxurious condo developments in Miami. Faena House is a 47-unit ultra-luxury condominium tower located at 2901 Collins Avenue. The condos at Faena House are some of the most prized pieces of real estate in South Florida.

Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach located at 4701 N. Merdian Avenue features 15 stand-alone villas comprised of 8 waterfront villas with private boat docks and 7 landside villas surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping. Each of the villas has its own private pool and an air-conditioned two-car garage. Ritz-Carlton Residences features 125 total units.

Other luxury towers in Miami Beach include; Eighty Seven Park, L’Atelier Miami Beach, and 57 Ocean.

The lifestyle of Miami Beach is like no other. With its fabulous art and cultural options, luxury condominium buildings, and its vibrant nightlife, there are so many options for every visitor as well as a potential buyer.

Champlain Towers South Building Collapse- A Timeline of Events

October 2018: Structural Engineering Report

In October 2018, a structural engineering report with Morabito Consultants notes in a nine-page report numerous problems and major structural damage at Champlain Towers. The report included that the structural concrete slab is flat instead of sloped, which causes water to pool (with the hope that the water evaporates) instead of draining off. The parking garage also showed significant cracking in concrete beams. The report states that failure to repair the damages could “cause the extent of the concrete deterioration to expand exponentially.”

November 2018: Champlain Towers Condo Association Board Meeting

After the initial engineering report was released, a Surfside official during a November 15, 2018 board meeting stated that the condo tower was in good condition. According to the minutes of this board meeting, “Structural engineer report was reviewed by Mr. Ross Prieto. It appears the building is in very good shape.” *Ross Prieto was an official for the town of Surfside but is no longer employed for the town.

April 2021: A Letter to Residents

The President of the Condo Association board of directors sent out a letter to the residents of Champlain Towers South. The letter stated that the building had worsened since the original inspection in 2018, and that “the concrete deterioration is accelerating. Observable damage such as in the garage has gotten significantly worse since the initial inspection. When you can visually see the concrete spalling, that means that the rebar holding it together is rusting and deteriorating beneath the surface.” An estimate of $15 million special assessment was proposed to pay for the structural repairs.

June 24, 2021: The Collapse

Around 1:19 am, the condo tower starts to shake and partially collapses destroying around 55 units. Rescue crews immediately raced to the site to search for survivors. The same day, Florida Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Miami-Dade County.

June 25, 2021: Emergency Declaration for Florida

President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Flordia that allowed FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to send federal resources to aid in the search and rescue efforts.

June 26, 2021: Residential Audits

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Cava announced an audit on all properties that are 5+ stories high and at least 40 years old.

June 27, 2021: Search and Rescue

The search continues for those missing in the condo collapse. Miami Fire Search and Rescue are working around the clock to locate those missing. The process has been strategic because they have to assure the safety of the teams as well as limit any additional damage to the building that could cause further harm to survivors.

July 1, 2021: A Community in Mourning

As of today, the Surfside and Miami communities have been coming together with daily vigils to pray and mourn for those lost in the devastating condo collapse. Outside of the destruction, a fence with missing residents’ pictures hangs solemnly. Local restaurants have come together and are feeding the rescue and volunteer teams. Hotels are also housing residents of Champlain Towers. According to authorities, 18 people have died with 140 still missing. President Biden also visited the site to discuss the rescue efforts and to offer condolences to the community.

Future: A Change in Procedure

We do not know the exact cause of the condo collapse but we do know that an investigation into the destruction will take months to complete. With this collapse, we are already seeing a much-needed change in procedure, including the Mayor’s condominium audit memorandum now in place. It is also important that associations, engineers, and officials take the warnings more seriously in the future. And we’re hopeful that with new rules and regulations in place, a devastating event like this can be prevented in the future.

Inside Miami’s High-Security Billionaire Bunker – Indian Creek Island

Located on a barrier island on the outskirts of Biscayne Bay, sits a gorgeous Island shrouded in exclusivity and extreme wealth. Indian Creek Island is filed with billion dollar views, Brazilian teak docks, 100+ foot yachts, and extreme security.

This fortress of an island features 41 waterfront properties strategically arranged around an exclusive 18 hole golf-course stretched across 294 acres.

The average home value is $20 million with each lot featuring a minimum of 1.25 acres. In February 2010, one of the luxury estates sold for $50 million, breaking the record for the most expensive single family home sold in Miami.

Security is so tight that the entrance is heavily guarded with a 13 person private police force who patrol the island via boat, jeeps and jet skis 24 hours a day.

According to the 2019 census, the population for Indian Creek Island is 87 and in year 2000 it was considered the 8th highest income area in the United States.

History of Indian Creek Island

In the early 1900’s, Indian Creek Island was created as a result of excavation for drainage in Biscayne Bay. Although the golf course was created a few years later, the Village of Indian Creek Island officially established in 1939. The first homes built on the land were vacation homes for the Miami’s rich and famous. Although there are none of the original remaining homes, there are a handful that date back to the 1950’s.

In more recent years, instead of residents using their homes for vacationing, they are living in the community year-round, shifting the typical profile of the residents. The village are seeing more families with children and a recent council meeting approved sidewalks and streetlights for play.

Notables on the Island

With the exclusivity of Indian Creek Island, it brings on many notables who want the privacy and security this island has to offer. Past residents include Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Current notables include:

• Norman Braman- car dealership billionaire
  • Purchased 1 Indian Creek Drive in 1991 for $3.9 million
• Russian (anonymous) buyer
  • Purchased 3 Indian Creek Drive in 2012 for $47 million
• Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner
  • Purchased a vacant lot for Julio Iglesias (Enrique Iglesias’ father) in 2020 for $30 million
• Adriana Lima -Victoria Secret Supermodel
  • Purchased 22 Indian Creek Drive in 2009 for $9 million
• Don Shula -Retired headcoach for the Miami Dolphins
  • Purchased 16 Indian Creek Drive with a price unknown due to divorce
• Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen
  • Purchased a tear-down at 26 Indian Creek Drive in 2020 for $17 million.

There is only one property currently on the market on Indian Creek Island. The property located at 29 Indian Creek Drive is listed for rent at $100,000 monthly and features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms with gorgeous southern exposure of Biscayne Bay. For more information on this property or about Indian Creek Island, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Buys Miami Mansion for $14 Million

If you’re not familiar with Barstool Sports, then you have definitely seen their videos circulating the internet. What started off as a sport’s blog in 2003, Barstool Sports quickly turned into a multi-million dollar digital media company with focuses on videos, podcasts, and blogs.

Founder of Barstool, Dave Portnoy, has recently been using his massive social media platform to travel the United States and taste test pizza on his vlog called ‘One Bite’. These posts are featured on Barstool Sports as well as his blogs. Within the past month, Portnoy has been exclusively in South Florida documenting pizza joints.

It was rumored that during his visits he started renting Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s Miami beach front property for $200,000 a month. Now, it has officially been confirmed that he purchased a bay-front Miami mansion for $14 million.

The property located at 5811 North Bayshore Drive in the Morningside neighborhood was purchased in April under the name StellaBean Holdings, LLC., named after Portnoy’s dog Stella, who passed in 2019.

Featuring 6,100 square feet of living space with nine bedrooms, eight and a half bathrooms sited on 1 acre, including a pool.

Broker-Owner of Luxe Living Realty, Dora Puig, listed the property in November 2020. Property records show that the home previously sold in 2010 for $2.2 million.

Top 5 Spots to Celebrate Cinco De May in Miami 2021

Cinco De Mayo is finally here and we have found the best spots in Miami to celebrate! So bring your friends and/or family and lets try them all!

La Tiendita Taqueria

La Tiendita of Wynwood features authentic Mexican foods inspired by recipes passed down from the La Tiendita ancestors. For Cinco De Mayo, they will have beer specials, margaritas specials, food specials, as well as a live DJ from 12pm-3am. Click here for their full menu.

• $5 Monopolio Clara
• $30 Bottle Margaritas with Don Julio
• $10 Pierde Almas Mezcal Gin
• $199 Bottle of Don Julio Blanco

Toro Toro

Toro Toro is one of Chef Richard Sandoval’s ‘Pan-Latin’ steakhouses. This Cinco De Mayo, get ready for a tequila tasting with Casamigos hosted food parings. The fun starts at 5pm with a four-course tasting! Click here for more information.

Four-Course Meal Features

• Pan-Latin inspired Cocktail
• Casamigos mezcal served with fundido de queso a la tequila and Casamigos blanco paired with cobia tiradito
• Casamigos reposado paired with smoked al pastor ribs with pineapple and chayote salsa
• Coffee-rubbed lamb barbacoa, patacones and avocado crema paired with Casamigos anejo
• Chocolate petits fours

Pisco Y Nazca

Pisco Y Nazca is celebrating this year’s Cinco de mayo with $7 margarita specials all day long paired with their classic menu! Click here for the full menu and Cinco De Mayo celebrations!

Chica

Chica is Miami will feature a live DJ starting and 5 p.m. going until midnight. Specialty cocktails and classic food menus will make Chica a one stop for all of your Cinco De Mayo needs. Click here for the full menu.

• Feature Cocktail “Tomas Estes” made with reposado tequila, rasberry liqueur, cranberry juice, agave syrup, and lime $16
• Baha fish dinner special for two
• Whole duck carnitas special
• Tres Leches $15

Boia De & Jaguar Sun

This exclusive collaboration are teaming up for Cinco de Mayo and serving you specialty foods, drinks, and an awesome DJ. This even will take place at 7357 NW Miami Court (Lot 6) and reservations are needed. Click here for more information.

• Cocktails by Jaguar Sun
• Food by La Pollita By Boia De
• Choco Tacos by Frice Cream

The Rooftop Penthouse at 57 Ocean – Asking $38M

The difficult thing about selling pre-construction real estate is that it’s difficult for most buyers to envision what the property will look like once it’s completed. Well, thanks to advancements in computer technology, that may no longer be a concern. Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management, the developer of 57 Ocean in Miami Beach, recently unveiled a 90-second CG rendered video of its crown-jewel penthouse. The video, which took 1,100 hours to make, was produced by award-winning creative agency DBOX at a cost of $180,000. It showcases the five-bedroom penthouse in all of its splendor. The penthouse features 7,800 square feet of living space, a remarkable 7,100 square feet of terrace including a rooftop pool, 360-degree views, a den, and six full bathrooms.

57 Ocean, an ultra-luxury, oceanfront condominium building located in Miami Beach’s “Millionaire’s Row”, is slated to be completed later this year.

Just Sold – Penthouse 12 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach – Sold for $15M

Lucas Lechuga of the Miami Condo Investments Team at Luxe Living Realty is proud to announce the sale of Penthouse 12 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach. At $15,000,000 and $2,369 per square foot, the sale is (1) a record-breaking sale for the building, (2) the highest-priced sale for a bayfront condo on Miami Beach since 2013, and (3) the highest-priced sale on a per square foot basis for a bayfront condo on Miami Beach since 2012. With an astounding 8,600 square feet of OUTDOOR space (including a 40-foot-long rooftop pool and whirlpool spa), 13.5-foot-high ceilings, and some of the best views in Miami Beach, Penthouse 12 is truly a one-of-a-kind property.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach Penthouse 12 Residence Features

• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 5.5
• Ceiling Height: 13.5 feet high
• Living Area Sq Ft: 6,332
• Terrace Sq Ft: 8,578
• Rooftop pool deck with 40-foot-long pool and whirlpool spa
• Hot tub
• Private elevator foyer
• Boffi-designed kitchen by Piero Lissoni
• Gaggenau kitchen appliances
• Zucchetti plumbing fixtures
• Boffi-designed bathrooms by Piero Lissoni
• Jetted soaking tub in the master bathroom
• Private, air-conditioned parking garage
• Boat slip

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach Amenities

• Legendary 5-star Ritz-Carlton services
• Half-acre rooftop pool deck
• Private captained day yacht
• House car
• Beach concierge services for beach club access
• Two 24-hour attended lobbies
• 24-hour valet parking service
• Waterfront social room with bar, catering kitchen and
• state-of-the-art entertainment system
• Expansive infinity-edge pool with waterfall
• Spacious private poolside cabanas
• Poolside grille restaurant
• Private BBQ/dining area
• Meditation garden
• Clubroom with bar, virtual golf, and pool table
• Cinema-style screening room
• On-site spa with Steam room, sauna, and treatment suite
• Whirlpool Spa
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Indoor & outdoor yoga studios
• Boardroom/Library
• Art studio
• Kids room
• Sharing room
• Carwash facilities
• Dog walk
• Pet grooming room

The Liaigre-Designed 3-Bedroom Condo at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach – Asking $5.61M

Some properties sell themselves. LPH-20 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is one such property. The Liaigre-designed, 3-bedroom condo is an absolute jaw-dropper. From the moment you walk into the residence, you’re welcomed to sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami skyline. The great thing about The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is that it is surrounded by single-family homes, so the views from it are completely unobstructed from higher floors. Current zoning laws in that neighborhood prohibit structures from being built as high as The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach, but the developer, Lionheart Capital, developed the property from an existing 1,000,000-square-foot hospital that had been grandfathered in. Had the developer demolished the hospital and started anew, the new structure would have been required to abide by current zoning regulations. The end result…a condominium development boasting some of the most amazing, 360-degree views of the bay, city, and ocean.

Lower Penthouse 20 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is a sprawling 3-bedroom residence with 3.5 bathrooms, a family room, 3,431 interior square feet, and 420 square feet of terrace space (see LPH-20 floor plan). It features a Piero Lissoni-designed Boffi kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, stone countertops, and a gas cooktop as well as a Piero Lissoni-designed master bathroom with stone floors and walls, a jetted soaking tub, Zucchetti fixtures, an over-sized glass-enclosed shower with a rainfall showerhead, and His and Hers vanities. And those unfamiliar with Liaigre furnishings, they’re nothing short of spectacular. Founder, Christian Liaigre, an iconic French interior and furniture designer who passed away this past September, is renowned for his minimalist design and emblematic use of wood and leather.

As mentioned in a previous post, I truly feel that The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is Miami Beach’s best-kept secret. The 7.5-acre site houses some of the best amenities and services that can be found in a South Florida residential development. But don’t take my word for it. I urge you to check it out for yourself. If you or anyone you know has an interest in touring LPH-20 and/or other options at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach, contact me (Lucas Lechuga) at [email protected]. I may also be contacted by phone at 786-247-6332.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach – Miami Beach’s Best-kept Secret

After visiting The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach several times over the past ten months, I can honestly say that I’m absolutely in love with the building and property. In fact, coupled with the iconic service one comes to expect from The Ritz-Carlton brand, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach sells itself! The floor plans are very spacious and well-thought-out, the finishes (which were designed by the late Piero Lissoni) are refined and sumptuous, and the views are truly breathtaking. But perhaps the best thing about The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is its location; it is centrally located in Miami Beach at 4701 North Meridian Avenue. Its location allows residents of the building to be close to the action but not right smack in the middle of it. Over the years, living in the heart of Miami Beach (in South Beach on Ocean Drive or Collins Avenue) has lost its appeal; it is no longer the tranquil place to live it once was. On the other hand, living at the Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach is as serene as living in a waterfront house on North Bay Road.

Some of you may be thinking, “That’s great and all, but I wouldn’t want to live in a building that has a hotel component to it”. Well, that’s the beauty of The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach; it is only 1 of 12 standalone Ritz-Carlton properties in the world without a hotel component. Residents of The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach enjoy the same Ritz-Carlton service enjoyed by guests of its hotels around the world but without sacrificing any peace or privacy.

Despite being a boutique residential development with only 110 condominium residences and 15 two-story villas, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach offers a laundry list of amenities one would expect from a development three times its size, including a private captained day yacht; a house chef; a house car; beach club memberships at Nobu Eden Roc Resort; a pet grooming room; a private theater; a rooftop pool deck with an infinity-edge pool, poolside cabanas, and poolside grille; an on-site spa with steam rooms, sauna, and treatment suite; an art studio; a kids room; and more. Below, you’ll find a full list of the amenities and services provided by The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach:

Ritz Carlton Residences Mia… by Lucas Lechuga

With prices ranging from $1.8M to $14M, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach offers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom residences ranging in size from 1,969 to 5,936 interior square feet.

I’ve included below a full photo tour of the amenities and common area spaces at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach. As beautiful as the property looks in the photos, I promise that you’d be even more blown away when seeing it in person. If you or anyone you know has an interest in touring The Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach, please contact me (Lucas Lechuga) at [email protected]. I may also be contacted by phone at 786-247-6332.