Stephane Dupoux is a visionary of the highest caliber. A Frenchman turned Miamian, the hospitality designer has cemented his name in the hospitality design industry most notably through Dupoux Design, a firm he founded over 15 years ago. With his modern, nautical designs, Dupoux finishes each of his projects with an airy, fresh twist. While his firm has created upscale hot spots like Nikki Beach and Buddha Bar, their latest project, River Yacht Club, veers from the ordinary. Transporting members into a realm of relaxation, upscale dining and entertainment, the posh complex is representative of Dupoux’s creative ethos: distinct and transformative. Here, the designer shares his haute Miami secrets:
Where were you born: Marseille, France
How long in Miami: I arrived in Miami Beach on December 24, 1990, therefore 27 years ago
Neighborhood: Nautilus
Occupation: Hospitality designer and developer
Best Sushi: Dashi
Best Italian: Cipriani
Best dessert: Any cookies at OTL
Best place for a romantic date: Casa Tua
Best Sunday brunch: River Yacht Club
Best place for a power business meeting: DB Bistro
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend: 1 Hotel South Beach or the Vagabond Hotel depending on the budget
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Christian Dior, Fabrice Tardieu, Del toro
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Hublot, Bulgari
Best Spa: Standard
Favorite Charity Event: National Young Arts Foundation
Favorite Cultural Event: SoBe Food and Wine Festival
Favorite Cultural Institution: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Best Steakhouse: Smith & Wollensky
Best Pizza: Lucali
Best Lunch: Milos
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Virginia Key Mountain Bike Park
Best Massage: Soothe.com
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber luxe
Best Museum/Exhibit: Pérez Art Museum Miami
Describe your city in three words: Beautiful, cosmopolitan, caliente
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Biscayne Bay and Stiltsville on a VanDutch yacht
All-around favorite spot in Miami: South Pointe Park
Best Aspect of Miami: Full of potential
