Stephane Dupoux Shares his Guide to Miami

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