WALL
A throwback to carefree decadence, boutique lounge WALL, at W South Beach, has proven to be an impenetrably exclusive boite in the heart of South Beach. The hotspot is the latest project in Miami for restaurateurs and nightlife impresarios Karim Masri and Nicola Siervo, the masterminds behind KNR Group. Straying from the traditional concepts of South Florida nightlife, the venue provides an intimate hideaway where celebrities and locals alike can relax and escape from the mayhem of South Beach.
Get past the velvet ropes, walk through the beveled bronze doors, breeze past the champagne-swilling fashionable types and gaze upon the iconic interior design of Studio B’s, Anna Busta. The gold-and-black motif oozes glamour and edge, captivating and seducing with dark and textured walls, a lacquered bar, Cappellini stools and a ceiling of fine copper mesh. The focal point of the space is the vintage x-shaped gold sofa inspired by Le Corbusier, which has been re-imagined for South Beach. The space is illuminated with a sensual lighting scheme and eye-popping, Tron-inspired beams of color dramatize the setting.
Since opening in July 2009, WALL has been the choice venue for Miami’s most coveted events such as the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Super Bowl XLIV party, hosting top athletes and A-list celebrities. Vito Schnabel, Stavros Niarchos and Alex Dellal’s Art Basel Miami fete placed WALL at the center of the art and design world. WALL also hosted the after party for HBO’s “Entourage” Bungalow premiere at W South Beach and consistently draws top DJ’s such as Q-Tip, who most recently celebrated his birthday at the famed lounge.
2201 Collins Ave,, Miami Beach; 305.938.3130; www.wallmiami.com
Plunge Rooftop Pool and Bar
Who has stayed, played and partied at Gansevoort Miami Beach? Who hasn’t? Many high profile figures, from Hollywood’s elite to professional athletes, choose this seductive South Beach staple as their Florida headquarters. Complete with a 26,ooo-square-foot rooftop lounge, exclusive nightclub, Louis, featuring a hidden entrance for hotel guests and Coco Deville, where world class DJ’s spin beats, this art deco enclave beckons VIPs and celebrity jet-setters. After a late night, luxurious, oversized guestrooms outfitted in modern décor and vibrant colors provide the ultimate sanctuary for pampered personalities to rejuvenate. Celebrities who’ve chosen Gansevoort Miami Beach for revelry and relaxation include Nikki Hilton, Swayne Wade, Mickey Rourke, Jordan Knight, TI, Chris Brown, Joey Macintyre, Busta Rhymes, A Rod, Bill Maher, Lance Bass, Bethany Frankel, Pharrell, Akon and Brooke Hogan, just to name a few.
Part pool, part lifestyle. Plunge rooftop pool and bar at Gansevoort Miami Beach stages the best vantage point over Miami, acting as a sun-drenched paradise by day and VIP lounge by night. A110-ft long pool serves as the seductive focal point of this adults-only playground, encompassed by 360 degree views of the ocean, Miami Beach and downtown. Soaring palm trees tower over the 26,000 sq ft space, adorned with gleaming Brazilian Ipe decking, oversized Gandia Blasco pods, outdoor rain showers and tented alcoves all overlooking the Atlantic. Poolside cabanas are outfitted with flat screen TVs, crystal chandeliers and speakers that stream music spun by live DJs throughout the rooftop to keep spirits high throughout the day. Plunge, a marble bar stretching 20 seats long, affords intimate seating areas with white-cushion couches, sprawling umbrellas and poolside dining served by The ONE Group.
2377 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305.604.1000;http://www.gansevoortmiamibeach.com/
STEAK 954
Located on the ground floor of W Fort Lauderdale, the 4,000 sq ft restaurant is situated oceanfront and offers an invigorating and eclectic dining experience complete with genuine hospitality. Celebs who love Steak 954 include Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber, Dwayne Wade, Michael Buble, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, and Emmit Smith. With quality cuisine and a chic atmosphere, Steak 954 is a favored dining spot for locals and tourists alike. Stephen Starr provides something for everyone with his delectable masterpiece, Ft Lauderdale’s own Steak 954.
401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale; 954.414.8333; opentable.com.
Macaluso’s
Macaluso’s is the only restaurant in South Florida that prepares home cooked Italian food from Staten Island, New York. Chef and owner Michael D’Andrea prepares his family recipes from 75 years based on family’s traditions and recipes from his beloved grandmother Gacomina Macaluso and mother Josephine D’Andrea. Macaluso’s uses only the finest and freshest local and Italian ingredients and does not offer substitutions. Macaluso’s has become known for their famous homemade Macaluso’s meatballs, Staten Island style sausage and peppers, pasta and seafood and has been frequented by celebs like Ryan Seacrest.
1747 Alton Road, Miami Beach; 305.604.8411; www.macalusosmiami.com
LIV
LIV is THE celeb-driven nightclub in Miami. The quintessential hotspot fuses the appeal of an ultra exclusive lounge and a high-energy nightclub.LIV™ is home to celebrities, VIPs and Miami’s local party crowd. Within over 18,000 square feet of striking architectural design and lavish decor, DJs spin everything from rock to hip hop to house.
For guests seeking ultra-VIP treatment, the nightclub offers six private skyboxes, each featuring European bottle service, a mini-bar and banquettes with secured purse drawers. A voyeuristic design throughout the nightclub allows people to see the entire venue from almost every point in the room, while edgy performance vignettes heat up the night with the nightclub scene’s sexiest dancers.
4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; www.fontainebleau.com; 866.940.4512
