Step Inside Diesel Founder Renzo Rosso's Home Away from Home – The Exclusive Penthouse One at Pelican Hotel

PROFILEmiami brings an exclusive look inside Renzo Rosso’s home away from home—Pelican Hotel's exclusive Penthouse One, also known as the Owner’s Suite. As the founder of Diesel and President of OTB Group, Renzo Rosso is no stranger to transforming the ordinary into extraordinary, and this lavish suite is no exception. Just as Rosso revolutionized the fashion world with Diesel’s bold, rebellious designs, he has infused his signature style and creative vision into the heart of Miami Beach’s Pelican Hotel.

Stepping into the Penthouse One reveals a space adorned with signature Art Deco artifacts and modern amenities that capture the vibrant spirit of the Pelican Hotel. Every inch of this retreat has been designed with sophistication and relaxation in mind, reflecting Mr. Rosso's deep connection to the Pelican—his personal sanctuary whenever he's in Miami.

This luxurious presidential suite spans the entire width of the hotel, offering a private terrace with panoramic ocean views; even with a direct ocean view from the bedroom's alcove nestled in the living space. As one of Miami Beach's most exclusive penthouses, guests can experience over 1,200 sq. ft. + private terrace with oceanfront views. The penthouse features a built-in copper bar, private hot tub, 235-gallon tropical aquarium, sun beds on the private terrace and a dining table for 8 for private events.

Bookable exclusively through the hotel, this suite epitomizes the seamless blend of history and luxury that Renzo Rosso envisioned for the property. As Pelican Hotel celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, it continues to symbolize Ocean Drive’s vibrant resurgence and the timeless appeal of luxury hospitality.

Images via Pelican Hotel

Witkoff Set To Open The Belgrove, Autograph Collection Luxury Resort Including Renovated Dutchman's Pipe Golf Course in West Palm Beach This Fall

Witkoff, in collaboration with Access Industries, and Pyramid Global Hospitality, has signed an agreement with Marriott International to open The Belgrove, Autograph Collection in Palm Beach complete with a renovation of the Dutchman’s Pipe golf course. This modern oasis is set to open its doors by the end of 2024 and will offer a unique blend of polished elegance and laid-back luxury, celebrating the rich culture of Palm Beach.

The Belgrove will undergo a stunning property-wide transformation along Lake Mangonia, just 10 minutes from the heart of Palm Beach. The resort will feature 150 guest rooms, as well as public spaces such as the arrival experience, lobby, dining outlets, fitness and spa facilities, pools, outdoor patio areas, and meeting and function spaces. Additionally, twenty-two villas are expected to be constructed by 2025, offering additional inventory and investment opportunities.

With a mission to cultivate an ambiance of British Caribbean hospitality, The Belgrove’s accommodations will feature spacious interiors with refined island charm. Private balconies with expansive views of the surrounding natural beauty and neighboring golf course will be a highlight of the rooms and suites.

The resort will also introduce five distinct dining concepts, including Society48—an American brasserie with globally inspired dishes, Deep End—a full-service pool bar and kitchen, and Veranda—a space for daily teatimes and social gatherings. Guests of The Belgrove will have exclusive access to the newly renovated Dutchman’s Pipe golf course, a members-only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. The resort will offer a world-class golf experience without membership fees, allowing guests to book tee times, receive lessons, and participate in tournaments.

Among the resort’s amenities will be a family-friendly pool, an adults-only pool, 16 poolside cabanas, and a variety of engaging programming. The Belgrove Spa will offer expansive treatment rooms and wellness offerings, while the fitness center, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and padel court will cater to guests looking to stay active.

The Belgrove’s meeting and event venues will provide over 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for a variety of occasions, all with natural light and access to outdoor areas. The resort will also participate in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay.

Iconic Luxury Hotels Debuts First U.S. Property with Palm House Hotel in Palm Beach

Iconic Luxury Hotels (ILH), renowned for its prestigious portfolio of historic and luxurious accommodations, will unveil its first U.S. property, the Palm House Hotel, set to open in Palm Beach this November. This marks ILH's entry into the American hospitality market, expanding its celebrated collection that includes the famed Excelsior Venice, Cliveden House, and Mayfair Townhouse.

Nestled in the heart of Palm Beach, just a stone's throw from the golden sands and the upscale boutiques of Worth Avenue, the Palm House Hotel embodies a Mizner-inspired design that pays homage to the region's architectural heritage. This new addition will be the eighth property in ILH's portfolio and the first on American soil.

After a meticulous three year renovation, the Palm House Hotel will feature 79 elegantly appointed rooms, including 21 luxurious suites, all designed to offer some of the most spacious accommodations on the island. Guests can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows, arched doorways, and private terraces. Among the hotel's highlights are four expansive suites, including a grand Presidential Suite with a double-height living area that opens onto a balcony with panoramic views of the pool deck.

In addition to its lavish rooms and suites, the Palm House boasts a newly constructed ballroom complemented by a garden terrace and a poolside lawn, making it an exceptional venue for weddings, special events, and business meetings.

Andrew Stembridge, Executive Director of Iconic Luxury Hotels, commented, "The opening of Palm House Hotel represents a significant milestone for our brand as we extend our footprint into the U.S. market. We are thrilled to bring our distinctive blend of luxury and heritage to Palm Beach."

Founded in December 2016, Iconic Luxury Hotels is part of L+R Hotels, a global investment and management company with a portfolio exceeding 105 hotels and around 21,000 guestrooms. Each property in ILH’s collection is unique, yet they all share a dedication to delivering exceptional experiences. From Cliveden House in England to the Hotel Excelsior in Venice, ILH’s portfolio features some of the world’s most renowned hotels. The group also includes Chewton Glen, The Lygon Arms, 11 Cadogan Gardens, The Mayfair Townhouse, and The Chelsea Townhouse.

L+R Hotels, headquartered in London, has built a distinguished reputation through strategic investments and adaptability to market trends. The company manages a diverse portfolio of 23,519 rooms across the UK, Continental Europe, the U.S., and the Caribbean. This portfolio ranges from select service hotels to acclaimed five-star properties and luxurious resorts in exclusive destinations. L+R Hotels operates through four distinct groups: Iconic Luxury Hotels, Atlas Hotels, City Hotels, and Destination Hotels, each with its own unique character and focus.

With the introduction of the Palm House Hotel, Iconic Luxury Hotels is set to offer American travelers a taste of its renowned elegance and luxury, marking a new chapter in its storied history.

Gale Miami Hotel & Residences Receives TCO And Reaches Over 250 Closings in 60 Days

Gale Miami Hotel & Residences has been granted a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO), marking a major milestone for the project which was developed by hospitality entrepreneur Keith Menin and Marisa Galbut, through their development firm, Sixth Street Miami Partners LLC, backed by GFO Investments. Additionally, Gale Miami has surpassed 250 closings in less than 60 days, demonstrating significant progress in welcoming residents and introducing Gale Miami to the Downtown Miami community. This rapid sales momentum, alongside the issuance of the TCO, highlights the strong demand for short-term rental properties in Downtown Miami. The announcement follows the launch of their latest development, 14 ROC, in Downtown Miami on July 10. Cervera Real Estate is the exclusive sales and marketing team for Gale Miami.

"Since we began giving tours and officially opened, it's been incredible to see people fall in love with Gale Miami," says Alicia Cervera of Cervera Real Estate. "There's been a noticeable uptick in sales since our grand opening in May, and having buyers see the finished product firsthand has really driven that momentum,” she adds "We've been eagerly anticipating the success of Gale Miami, and it's incredibly rewarding to see it come to life.”

Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, located at 601 Northeast First Avenue in Downtown Miami, officially opened its doors in May 2024. This 51-story development offers move-in ready and fully furnished units, featuring a variety of studio, 1-, and 2-bedroom layouts spanning 410 to 910 square feet. Prices range from the mid $500s to over $1 million. Ideally situated near Miami Worldcenter and within walking distance of Downtown Miami, Gale Miami blends the amenities and hospitality of a traditional hotel with the flexibility to list residences on home-sharing platforms, meeting the rising demand for hotel and short-term rental options in the area.

"Receiving the TCO is a major milestone for us all," says Keith Menin. "Our immediate focus is now on welcoming buyers into their new homes and ensuring they fully experience all that Gale Miami has to offer. The positive reception from buyers confirms Gale Miami's appeal and exceeds expectations in the Downtown Miami market."

Gale Miami Hotel & Residences and 601 Miami collectively feature an expansive 70,000-square-foot amenity space spread across three floors. These amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a tranquil yoga lounge, an inviting terrace, and spa facilities like a steam room, sauna, and hammam. Residents and guests enjoy a welcoming 24-hour attended lobby with a comfortable lounge area and convenient 24-hour valet parking. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy diverse cuisines at three unique dining concepts: an Italian restaurant, an American steakhouse and lounge, and a Mediterranean-style eatery.

For business needs, located on the 8th floor, the Gale Miami Conference Center offers over 20,000 square feet of flexible space, featuring multiple conference rooms, breakout areas, and a grand ballroom. Additionally, the property includes three dedicated floors of exhibition space, each spanning 40,000 square feet. As one of Downtown Miami's premier conference venues, Gale Miami is a sought-after location for major events, from weddings to corporate functions. The center provides personalized concierge catering and services, ensuring every guest's needs are met with meticulous attention to detail.

Arquitectonica, collaborating with Urban Robot for interior design and landscape architecture, created Gale Miami Hotel & Residences to embody a vibrant, walkable urban oasis in Downtown Miami. With breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, the design seamlessly integrates urban sophistication with luxurious resort-style amenities, establishing a new benchmark for city living.

Images via Alex T Photo

For more information about Gale Miami Hotel & Residences or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Finvarb Group Sells Marriott Courtyard Palm Beach Jupiter Hotel

The South Florida real estate market continues to see a flurry of activity, with real estate developer and hotelier Ronny Finvarb of Finvarb Group recently completing the sale of the Courtyard Palm Beach Jupiter hotel for an undisclosed amount to an entity tied to JW Marriott Family Enterprises, led by CEO Robert Kalchik and Vice President Stephanie Loughlin.

Finvarb Group, based in Miami, originally developed the four-story, 128-key hotel in 2014 on a 1.5-acre lot. The company had initially purchased the development site for $3.94 million in 2008. The Courtyard Palm Beach Jupiter offers 2,500 SF of meeting space, making it an attractive option for business travelers and events.

Ronny Finvarb, Principal of the Finvarb Group, develops and owns award-winning hospitality projects, including multiple Marriott-branded hotels in Florida, Texas and Arizona, the Kimpton Palomar South Beach and the highly-anticipated, nearly complete Thompson South Beach, among others. Ronny also recently acquired the iconic Macy’s South Beach, the Landon Bay Harbor, including The Palm restaurant, and an assemblage in Deerfield Beach, including JB’s on the Beach, among others.

The sale of the Courtyard Palm Beach Jupiter is just the latest in a series of hospitality deals in South Florida, showcasing the continued strength of the region's real estate market. With demand for quality accommodations remaining high, this transaction is evidence of the ongoing allure of South Florida as a prime destination for investors in the hospitality sector.

The Wills Companies Acquires The Islands of Islamorada In The Florida Keys For $72 Million

The Wills Companies, a reputable real estate development firm, has recently completed the acquisition of The Islands of Islamorada luxury resort in Islamorada, Florida, from The Frisbie Group of Palm Beach. The transaction, which amounted to $72 million, was financed by City National Bank of Florida with strategic guidance and underwriting provided by Metropolis Capital Advisors.

“The Frisbie Group has created a truly special destination in Islamorada, and we are committed to continuing that legacy of excellence,” said Tim Wills of The Wills Companies. “The Islands of Islamorada presents an infinite array of opportunities for future homeowners. Imagine owning a piece of paradise, steps from the beach, with all the amenities of a world-class resort at your fingertips. It’s truly an unparalleled lifestyle.”

The Islands of Islamorada, a newly built resort in the Upper Keys, consists of 22 waterfront villas and an oceanfront eight-unit suite hotel. The Wills Companies, in partnership with Urgo Hotels, Indigo Hotel Group LLC, Badlands Hotel Capital, Dolben Company, and other prominent investors, intends to maintain the existing five-star luxury resort while introducing the 22 waterfront villas as luxury residential units available for purchase for the first time. Each residence boasts four bedrooms, full kitchens, and outdoor leisure spaces.

The distinctive ownership model of the resort homes will enable residents to relish a maintenance-free resort lifestyle while also enjoying passive income from the rental operation. Prospective buyers can benefit from significant tax advantages through 1031 exchanges. The gated property offers an array of amenities, including pools, a Tiki Bar, Pickle Ball courts, a private beach, a marina, watersports, and a driving range that launches biodegradable golf balls into the ocean.

Tim Wills of The Wills Companies expressed enthusiasm about continuing the tradition of excellence established by The Frisbie Group at The Islands of Islamorada. He highlighted the remarkable opportunities available for future homeowners, emphasizing the unparalleled lifestyle of owning a piece of paradise with resort amenities at their disposal.

Ocean Sotheby's International Realty, a key partner in the transaction, will oversee the sale of the single-family homes at the resort. With a wealth of experience and market knowledge, Ocean Sotheby's International Realty, led by Russell Post since 2010, played a crucial role in finalizing the deal.

Located in the esteemed Village of Islamorada, the resort is situated in a prime location within the "Sportfishing Capital of the World." Residents will have easy access to an array of outdoor activities, including fishing, diving, snorkeling, and boating, as well as nearby dining establishments, shops, and galleries.

The acquisition of The Islands of Islamorada by The Wills Companies marks a significant development in the real estate landscape of the Florida Keys, offering potential buyers a unique opportunity to own a luxurious waterfront residence with resort-style amenities in a sought-after destination.

Images via 1OAK Studios and Sargent Photography

Fabel Ibiza: The Ultimate Summer Pop-Up Experience by Fabel Hospitality Group

This summer, from July 3rd to July 20th, Fabel Hospitality Group will bring the allure of Fabel Miami to the sun-drenched island of Ibiza, unveiling Fabel Ibiza. The exclusive pop-up will blend the unparalleled sensory experience of Fabel Miami with the luxurious charm of the renowned boutique hotel, OKU Ibiza.

In a exciting collaboration, Fabel Ibiza has partnered with the illustrious Chef Dan Perretta, whose culinary prowess includes affiliations with prestigious Michelin-starred establishments such as Alinea Group (3 Michelin Stars), Roister (1 Michelin Star), and El Bulli (3 Michelin Stars). Chef Perretta and his esteemed team are set to dazzle guests with a bespoke à la carte menu and pre-fixe dining options crafted exclusively for Fabel Ibiza.

Fabel Ibiza is not just about dining; it is about curating an unparalleled luxury experience. The pop-up offers exclusive VIP packages that include:

• Direct Private Jet Transport: Seamless travel arrangements from Miami or NYC to Ibiza, ensuring a journey as luxurious as the destination.

• Luxury Accommodation: Guests will enjoy their stay in the lavish OKU Suites, known for their sophisticated ambiance and breathtaking views.

• Wellness Packages: Daily private training sessions and wellness experiences tailored to rejuvenate and invigorate.

• Yachting Excursions: Explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline with bespoke yachting adventures.

• Innovative Culinary and Cocktail Experiences: Immerse yourself in the culinary artistry and innovative cocktail creations that Fabel is renowned for.

• Seamless Concierge Service: Fabel’s concierge team will ensure every aspect of your stay is handled with the utmost precision and care.

At Fabel Ibiza, each sunset is a spectacle, and each moment is meticulously crafted to blend the day into a memorable night. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in culinary innovations while capturing exclusive sunset views from one of the Mediterranean's most picturesque properties.

Given the exclusivity and the bespoke nature of the Fabel Ibiza experience, space is limited. Prospective guests are encouraged to secure their participation by notifying Fabel’s VIP Concierge. For reservations and further details, please contact concierge@fabelmiami.com or reservations@fabelibiza.com.

Supertall Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami Locks Down Largest Construction Loan In Florida History at $668 Million

PMG, along with partners Canadian private equity firm Greybrook, global investment company Mohari Hospitality, S2 Development, and global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) have secured $668 million in construction financing for Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami. This monumental milestone marks the largest construction loan secured for a residential condominium development in Florida’s history. As the first supertall tower to break ground in Miami, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami will rise as the tallest residential building south of New York City and signify iconic hospitality brand Waldorf Astoria’s entry in Miami.

Bank OZK and Related Fund Management provided the financing with the transaction brokered by Christopher Peck, Chris Drew, Brian Gaswirth, Jimmy Calvo and Mateo Bolivar of Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL). Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP and Saul Ewing LLP represented PMG and Greybrook. PMG Residential leads sales with Christian Tupper, Aura Aragon, Daiana Quiceno, Alejandra Castillo and Karine Carvalho as the exclusive team. The property is currently over 90% sold.

“This project’s success cannot be credited to one person or firm, as it was nothing short of a herculean effort by a collective of so many individuals to bring Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami to fruition,” said Ryan Shear, Managing Partner at PMG. “Both the magnitude of financing we’ve secured for this project and its incredible buyer response is testament to the quality of product and strength of Miami’s real estate market, which remains one of the strongest markets in the country. We look forward to completing a record-breaking mat foundation pour this week and moving forward in the vertical construction of this iconic addition to Miami’s skyline.”

“PMG’s ability to secure financing for a project as significant and iconic as the Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences in today’s atmosphere once again underscores the confidence the capital markets has in our platform at large,” said Dan Kaplan, Managing Partner at PMG. “Recurring collaborations with institutions such as Bank of the Ozarks and Related Fund Management proves PMG’s both consistent and successful track record over the past three decades. We are excited to commence vertical construction and deliver what will ultimately be the defining building in the Miami skyline.”

Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami will complete a record-breaking foundation pour this week led by the development’s general contractor John Moriarty & Associates alongside CAPFORM. Over the course of 36 uninterrupted hours, a continuous rotation of 1,400 trucks will deliver over 13,500 cubic yards of concrete to the development site. This pour commences vertical construction of the property which is slated for completion in Q2 2028.

“Reaching this important milestone is a testament to the effort and dedication put forward by our respective development organizations,” said Peter Politis, CEO, Greybrook Realty Partners. “This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering this landmark project and as the project advances into the vertical construction phase, we look forward to bringing this impressive structure to life.”

“We are delighted to finance another project for a quality sponsor like PMG. The premier nature of this mixed-use development, strong unit pre-sales, substantial equity investment, low leverage and sole senior secured position are all consistent with our lending strategy,” said Brannon Hamblen, Bank OZK President. “Miami continues to be an attractive market given its strong economic fundamentals, and is now the largest market for our Real Estate Specialties Group, surpassing New York, as of this year’s first quarter.”

Located at 300 Biscayne Boulevard, the architecturally awe-inspiring Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami will feature nine spiraling, offset glass cubes designed to be evenly stacked and wrapped in what can be referred to as a “glass skin,” distinguishing the property’s architecture from anything else on the East Coast. With concept design led by Sieger Suarez Architects, in collaboration with renowned architect Carlos Ott, the 1,049 foot tower will consist of 387 private residences in addition to 205 guestrooms and suites within the luxury hotel, which will be in the first three cubes of the tower along with the hotel’s signature spaces and private amenities. The developers also partnered with award-winning interior design firm BAMO, which prides itself on creating captivating environments that flow, function and make people feel welcome, at ease and inspired to live and dream more fully.

Hotel guests and residents will have access to the Waldorf Astoria brand’s world-famous Peacock Alley; a specialty restaurant; indoor/outdoor pre-function and function event spaces; meetings and boardrooms; a resort-style pool deck with private cabanas; and a holistic wellness spa and fitness center. Private residential amenities will include an owners-only lobby and lounge; hospitality suite for chef’s tastings and intimate soirees; billiard room; kid’s club; and elevated pool deck. Each residence will include the latest smart-home technology with custom mobile app access to concierge services. The app will feature a full menu of available offerings, including dining reservations, 24/7 room service, spa, and fitness treatments, house car reservations, access to valet service, package delivery, and dog walking services. Waldorf Astoria Residences Miami will be managed by Hilton Management Services, providing residents and guests alike a truly refined haven through the brand’s relentless commitment to personalized service and best-in-class experiences.

For more information about Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami or to inquire about purchasing a unit please fill out the form below:

Gale Miami Hotel & Residences To Open in Downtown June 1st

Downtown Miami is welcoming a new addition to its hospitality scene with the opening of Gale Miami Hotel & Residences on June 1st. This highly anticipated development promises to enhance the vibrant urban landscape of Miami, offering a blend of luxury accommodations and high-end amenities.

The Gale Hospitality Group, known for its renowned Gale South Beach, has introduced this new property to celebrate the rich history and dynamic future of Miami. The Gale Miami Hotel & Residences pays tribute to the city's past and its landmarks, such as The Freedom Tower. Photography from the Miami History Museum will be featured throughout the rooms, honoring the opening of the original Gale location and inviting guests and residents alike the chance to explore the allure of Miami in this bygone era. 

The hotel features a variety of accommodation options, including studios and one to two-bedroom units, designed to meet the needs of both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Many of these units come equipped with full kitchens and washer-dryers, providing guests with all the comforts of home.

In celebration of its grand opening, Gale Miami is offering a special promotion with up to 25% off room rates, plus additional perks like waived destination fees and complimentary early check-in and late checkout. This offer is available for a limited time using the code 'GRANDPRO' when booking.

Keith Menin of Gale Hospitality Group expressed his vision for the new property: "With Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, we aim to redefine the benchmark for hospitality within Miami's urban landscape. We are excited to offer an unmatched guest experience that combines the energetic ambiance of Downtown Miami with carefully curated amenities and services."

Gale Miami stands out with its extensive amenities, including a 70,000-square-foot space spread over three floors that offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Guests can enjoy the Gale Wellness program, which features a co-ed hammam, steam room, sauna, fitness facility, yoga lounge, and spa services. The property also includes high-speed internet access, a 24-hour attended lobby, valet parking, and several dining options. Gale Miami is one of the only downtown hotels to offer its guests exclusive beach club access.

The hotel's dining facilities are particularly noteworthy, with 9,000 square feet of restaurant space on the ground floor, including an outdoor garden, an Italian concept, and a street-front restaurant. The 9th floor boasts an American steakhouse and lounge, as well as a Mediterranean-style restaurant with a retractable roof and an outdoor terrace.

For those planning events, the Gale Miami Conference Center on the 8th floor offers over 20,000 square feet of space, including conference rooms, breakout rooms, and a grand ballroom. The property also features three floors of exhibition space, making it one of Downtown Miami's largest conference venues.

Located just steps from the Kaseya Center, Port of Miami, and the Brightline, Gale Miami Hotel & Residences is set to become a key player in the city's hospitality and residential sectors.

This new addition to Downtown Miami's hospitality scene is poised to become a significant attraction, blending historical charm with modern luxury to create a unique and inviting experience for both residents and visitors.

Chef Erhan Özkaya Partners With Gale Miami Hotel & Residences To Bring 3 New Dining Concepts to Downtown Miami

Gale Miami Hotel & Residences and renowned chef Erhan Ozkaya have partnered to bring three new dining concepts to the hotel-condo tower which is nearing completion on Downtown Miami’s Biscayne Boulevard. The project’s grand opening is scheduled for May 2024. Chef Ozkaya brings his esteemed talents to Gale Miami for a variety of dining concepts ranging from an American-style steakhouse, an Italian concept, to a Mediterranean outpost featuring a menu inspired by his Turkish heritage; which will be complemented by concierge catering services tailored for both residents and outside guests.

Chef Erhan Ozkaya's culinary journey is a testament to his love of food and a celebration of his culture. Originally from Iskenderun, Turkey, his passion for cooking began in his grandparents' kitchen, where he first learned to experiment with ingredients and flavors of the local cuisine. Driven to pursue his culinary aspirations, Chef Ozkaya studied Tourism and Hotel Management before refining his skills at esteemed hotels such as Hilton Mersin and Hilton Istanbul. No stranger to Miami’s highly competitive culinary scene, he has worked at legendary hotspots The Bazaar by Jose Andres, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, and elevated the dining landscape as a Corporate Chef for Soho House in Miami and Istanbul. Chef Ozkaya's repertoire spans Italian, Spanish, and Turkish, and many world-wide cuisines. His exceptional talents earned him recognition as the executive chef at Wynwood Diner, which was named the "Best Diner of 2015." Most recently, he played a pivotal role at the world-renowned Joia Beach Club, collaborating with nightlife experts Chris Paciello and Mio Danilovic and further solidifying his ability to bring unique concepts to life.

"Joining forces with Gale Miami Hotel & Residences means adding my own touch to downtown Miami’s already flourishing restaurant scene," says Chef Erhan Ozkaya. “Miami is a melting pot of cultures and flavors, and together with Gale Miami, we will create a culinary destination that celebrates the rich tapestry of Miami's dining scene,” he adds. “The culinary world is all about storytelling, and I can't wait to share the tales of my Turkish heritage and global culinary adventures through the dishes at Gale Miami. This partnership is about more than just food—it's about cultivating something truly exceptional right in the heart of Downtown Miami.”

Chef Erhan Ozkaya's vision will manifest in three exquisite dining concepts at Gale Miami Hotel & Residences. The first restaurant to open in Summer 2024, an Italian concept located on the ground floor with expansive indoor-outdoor seating and a 360 bar. On the 9th floor, guests will have the pleasure of experiencing two unique dining options. The second will be an American steakhouse and lounge will deliver prime cuts and impeccable service in an elevated, timeless setting, followed by a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with nods to Erhan's Turkish heritage. The Mediterranean restaurant will also feature a retractable roof and an outdoor terrace, showcasing breathtaking views of downtown Miami. Chef Erhan Ozkaya's expertise will extend beyond the restaurants and include concierge catering services for the Gale Miami Conference Center, located on the 8th floor. With distinguished catering and over 20,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, the Conference Center is perfect for hosting a variety of events including corporate gatherings, weddings, and cocktail parties, ensuring memorable moments for every occasion.

“Welcoming Chef Erhan Ozkaya to this project ensures that Gale Miami will be at the forefront of the ever-expanding Downtown Miami culinary scene,” says Keith Menin of Sixth Street Miami Partners LLC. "His exceptional culinary talents and reputation made him the perfect choice to conceptualize unique dining concepts that align with our vision for Gale Miami Hotel & Residences,” he adds. “The three dining concepts are sure to be nothing short of spectacular, especially with Chef Ozkaya's passion for storytelling through food and his extensive expertise across various cuisines.”