Sophisticated Wine and Spirits Concept 'Maison Mura' Opens in Downtown Miami

Maison Mura, a sophisticated wine and spirits boutique and immersive experience, has opened at 333 SE 3rd Avenue in Downtown Miami. Maison MURA will serve and offer for sale an extensive selection of premium wine and spirits, as well as a refined food menu, all carefully curated by owners and long-time friends Matthieu Yamoum, the former Wine Director of New York's Baccarat Hotel, and Philippe Vasilescu, the former Brand Ambassador for the prestigious LOUIS XIII Cognac de Remy Martin. Both share extensive and complementary experiences in the fine wine and spirits industry and have been working for over 2 years on this project to bring this bespoke experience to Miami.

"At Maison MURA, we love what we do and are excited to offer our guests in Miami a comprehensive wine list and menu that is thoughtful and provides a tailored and memorable experience whatever the occasion is! We will always strive to offer a truly personalized service and consistently propose the finest expertise available to all of our clients," says Vasilescu.

"Our passion is meant to be shared every day and the only missing part of all our current ventures was to have our very own place instead of always hosting at different places! From the moment you enter Maison MURA, we want you to feel at home" said Yamoum.

Although open to all, Maison MURA also offers a membership limited to 150 clients who get priority access to exclusive events, tastings with the world's top winemakers and invitations to special events and experiences—not only in Miami but all over the world. Other perks include early access to pre-sold and "en primeur" wines that are nearly impossible to secure, priority reservations of the private room to host events and priority storage at their upcoming warehouse of any wines and spirits that you will buy through the shop. Membership can only be secured through Matthieu or Philippe. The concept is open from 11am-10pm every day.

Ryan Brodsky and Jonathan Carter of Colliers International represented Maison MURA while Lyle Stern and Kerry Newman of Koniver Stern represented the landlord in the 2,500 SF lease at Met Square 333 SE 3rd Avenue.

French Fashion House Moncler Opens New Boutique In Miami Design District

French/ Italian high-end luxury fashion house Moncler has opened a new Miami boutique at 132 NE 39th Street in the heart of the Miami Design District, a vibrant neighborhood where art, culture and fashion converge. The Miami Design District boutique is Moncler’s second in Florida, to go along with Bal Harbour Shops.

Following a design concept by globally renowned architects Gilles & Bossier, the boutique covers a total selling area of 3100 square feet (288 square meters), blend’s Moncler’s signature black marble with bold travertine and alpinus stones, along with LED walls. The façade is highlighted by a light cube-shaped installation that creates a moving image effect complimenting the vast, bright interior.

The boutique also offers a private styling suite for the ultimate luxury shopping experience hosted by expert Moncler client advisors.

Moncler is an Italian high-end luxury fashion house which specializes in ready-to-wear outerwear, known for its iconic down jackets. The company was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, France making quilted jackets and has since expanded to offer a full ready-to-wear line as well as collaborations with emerging designers including Italian luxury streetwear Palm Angels which was founded by former Moncler artistic director Francesco Ragazzi. Moncler is headquartered in Milan, Italy where it went public on the Milan Stock Exchange in 2013 and acquired Stone Island in 2020 for €1.15 billion.

FIVE PARK UNVEILS PLANS FOR FIRST RESIDENTS-ONLY MEMBERS CLUB

Terra and GFO Investment’s Five Park, the newest luxury residential tower rising in Miami Beach, reveals plans for the first residents-only, fully serviced social club within a luxury condominium. The Canopy Club features a social amenity package rooted in cultural programming, wellness and elevated culinary offerings.

“Five Park’s Canopy Club represents a new standard of luxury and exclusivity in Miami Beach,” says David Martin, CEO of Terra. “We developed a selection of amenities that enhance quality of life, wellness, culture and connectivity. Five Park residents will make their homes within a building that embodies a complete living, breathing ecosystem, offering dynamic spaces and creative programming to their doorsteps.”

Helmed by a world-renowned team of visionaries, Five Park sets a new precedent for Miami Beach lifestyle, unveiling 50,000 square feet of in-house amenities and a three-acre park outside. Perched on the 26th floor, the Canopy Club spans 40,000 square feet of social spaces, which include a private dining room, jewel box bar and lounge, living rooms, library, den, outdoor terraces, wellness and fitness areas. Additionally, residents have their own stretch of the beach just a couple of blocks away at the Five Park private beach club. Located on South of Fifth, the outdoor club unveils a branded, exclusive section with lounge chairs, umbrellas and food and beverage service.

“Miami has become a mecca for luxury,” says Cathy Strafaci, executive vice president and managing director of Douglas Elliman. “As the luxury condominium landscape continues to evolve, so are the buyer standards for elevated lifestyle and exclusivity.”

Canopy Club features a dedicated club-level concierge and robust programming. From white glove attention, to wellness, dynamic leisure areas and the finest dining, the Club allows residents to live, work, play and entertain their guests in a variety of spaces suited to every mood. Members will be able to take full advantage of the Canopy Club’s Specialty Dining and Beverage Program, a seasonal dining experience curated by renowned chefs, set in the exclusive jewel box bar and dining room. The Club also includes state-of-the-art wellness areas and a signature spa with in-house personal trainer and wellness coach, private training areas, amid spectacular bay and ocean views.

Two MICHELIN-Starred Chef And Restauranteur Ryan Ratino To Open New Restaurant In Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale

Fort Hospitality Group, owner of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, today announced that two Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, Ryan Ratino, of Hive Hospitality restaurant group’s Washington, DC-based concepts, two Michelin-starred JÔNT and Michelin-starred Bresca, will bring a new dining destination to the property’s beachfront.

Located along the prime northern end of the oceanside boulevard, in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s celebrated coastal community, the restaurant designed by London-based Tara Bernerd & Partners will bring a new inimitable culinary experience to Four Seasons guests and residents, as well as to the greater Fort Lauderdale community.

Led and managed by Executive Chef Ratino, Culinary Director Chef Brendan Mahon, and Director of Operations Jhonatan Cano, the restaurant, slated to open in 2023, will focus on pairing exceptional hospitality with flawless execution. Taking advantage of its oceanfront location and abundance of rich ingredients, the team will work in deep connections with those who grow, harvest, fish, forage, hunt, and farm.

The culinary team aims to tear down the walls between kitchen and patron and immerse guests in a progressive tasting menu where they will age, ferment, and pickle new paths in the pursuit of dynamic flavor profiles. Breaking with traditions, each taste is playful with process and tricky with techniques at the intersection of place and possibility.

Whether in the dining room or on the lush and intimate oceanfront outdoor garden, guests will have the opportunity to order a la carte or select the signature chef tasting menu consisting of six to eight courses. Nestled within the dining room will also be an intimate chef’s table offering eight to 10 prix fixe courses.

The restaurant will complete the dining experience at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, the newest addition to the city’s luxury landscape in the nation’s yachting capital. Earlier this year, the property opened with Honey Fitz, an inviting café and wine bar located in the lobby also designed by Tara Bernerd, and Evelyn’s Fort Lauderdale, an eastern Mediterranean restaurant located on the Ocean Sun Deck with elegant interior design by renowned hospitality designer Martin Brudnizki.

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale is also home to two oceanfront pools, a serene spa sanctuary, 189 accommodations including suites and hotel residences, and 83 two- to four-bedroom private residences with generous outdoor terraces with panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. There is currently one four-bedroom, six-bathroom penthouse residence, offering a private elevator, rooftop deck and phenomenal views, still available for purchase.

In addition to Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, the Fort Hospitality Group portfolio of Four Seasons in South Florida includes Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, and Four Seasons Hotel Miami.

Tour An Oceanfront Sky Residences at Turnberry Ocean Club Residences In Sunny Isles Beach Asking $22.5 Million

Located within one of South Florida’s finest luxury condominiums, the exclusive Sky Residence at Turnberry Ocean Club Residences in Sunny Isles Beach boasts luxury interiors through every inch of the 6,225-square-foot space. The residence offers sweeping views of the ocean and intracoastal from the 1,300-square-foot terraces, and unparalleled selection of exclusive perks to its buyers. It is currently listed for $22.5 million.

Designed by one of Miami’s top luxury interior design firms, Nick Luaces Design Associates (NLDA), the Sky Residence embodies a vision of sophistication and elegance. Featuring four bedrooms, six and a half baths, staff quarters, den and entry to Turnberry signature amenity areas. The listing offers an open floor plan with a triple-kitchen island, Snaidero cabinetry, floor-to-ceiling swiveling wooden panels, chevron flooring, tray ceilings and unobstructed views of the Atlantic. 

NLDA opted for a contemporary, yet soft and warm palette to accentuate the luxurious natural materials found on the walls and floors. The design studio sought to appeal to the quiet elegance, comfort and livability that multi-generational families, look for in a home.

Taking the level of luxury design and detail into the bedrooms, the NLDA team brought on Ornare to customize the primary bedroom millwork, closet, desk and vanity, adding the highest level of sophistication to the most intimate and private of spaces. Reflective materials, including bronze glass doors, platinum metallic lacquer shelves, glass tops and floating drawers, expand the space, while continuing to highlight the ocean views.

“We loved working with the Nick Luaces team on this project,” says Claudio Faria, CEO of Ornare Miami. “The Ornare systems used in the bedroom make the space the ultimate sanctuary for its future owners, combining the highest level of craftsmanship and detail with functionality. We’re extremely proud of this project.”

In addition to the luxurious finishes found in each unit, the Sky Residence also grants buyers access to exclusive amenities, including Turnberry’s signature golf course, tennis court, marina, resort and waterpark, as well as exclusive Fontainebleau Aviation privileges.

Chicago White Sox Outfielder Louis Robert Breaks Weston Record With $12.3 Million Mansion Purchase

Chicago White Sox outfielder, Luis Robert Moiran has purchased a waterfront mansion at 3030 Meadow Lane in Weston for a record $12.3 million. Moiran, who is professionally known as Luis Robert, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago White Sox as an outfielder in 2020. The Cuban-born 25-year-old signed a six-year, $50 million contract with the team that year, according to published reports. The sale of the waterfront property far outscores any other current listings in Weston. The next highest listing is $8 million.

Senada Adzem of Douglas Elliman had the listing, and Sara Bartman with 643 Realty Group LLC brought the buyers.

Touted as the “Monarch Estate” was listed with Senada Adzem of Douglas Elliman, the sprawling estate encompasses nearly 1.5 acres, the grounds at 3030 Meadow Lane in Weston, Florida are as well thought-out and cared for as the home itself.

Cast upon more than an acre and a half within The Windmill Ranch Estates community, the impeccable landscaping of this property has been both thoughtfully designed and meticulously maintained. The verdant outdoor living space features a stunning butterfly sanctuary, many Floridian flowering plants, as well as sheltering bushes and shrubs, have been carefully chosen to create an ideal environment for all types of butterflies to flourish, including the homes namesake: Firebush, Lantanas, Firecracker plant, Texas Sage, Pentas, Mexican Heather, and Jatropha.

The exterior is an oasis unto itself anchored by a striking 93-foot-long heated infinity edge pool, as well as an in-ground spa with room for 12 people. The multipurpose sports court features a glass-backboard basketball hoop, but it’s also designed for pickleball and other activities. The spacious outdoor setting also boasts a summer kitchen and dining area; a separate entertainment space, with a fireplace and flat-screen TV; and a dramatic fountain just off the pool with three stone-filled square fire bowls.

Windmill Ranch Estates, constructed around the waterways that distinguish the landscape in this coveted part of west Broward County, provides an idyllic setting for this beautifully rendered seven-bedroom sanctuary by renowned architect Randall Stofft. Designed on a canvas bathed in brilliant, invigorating whites—like the custom cabinetry in the chef’s kitchen and master bathroom, or the Turkish Carrara marble flooring in the dining area and formal living room—and complemented by rustic earth tones, the layout carries a thread of clean sophistication throughout its two floors. The home is being sold fully furnished and is built for entertaining as evidenced by the 2,000 square feet of family room/kitchen living space—part of a sprawling interior that encompasses nearly 12,000 square feet.

Other indoor highlights include Savant Smart Home technology (with automated control of everything from lighting and audio to fans, security, and the thermostat); a commercial grade elevator; a butler’s pantry; a multitiered cinema room; authentic Jerusalem stone; state-of-the-art appliances in the double-island kitchen; a home gym; and a surround-sound system comprised of some 100 combined indoor/outdoor speakers

Images via Douglas Elliman

Check Out This Lavish Condo With Custom Wave Ceilings Asking $37 Million At Four Seasons at The Surf Club In Surfside

A completely custom turnkey oceanfront residence at Four Seasons at The Surf Club, which offers old world charm matched with modern day Tulum vibes, is seeking a Surfside record $37 million. The lavish residence spans four bedrooms and four bathrooms with 5,321-sq ft of interiors and over 2,000-sq.ft. of balcony space, the home’s essence is unparalleled. With architectural design by Richard Meier and interiors by Greenauer Design Group, the space carefully utilizes imported materials from around the world mixed with thoughtfully placed artwork and botanical accents.

A curvaceous pattern emulating the waves of the ocean flows across the ceilings in the common spaces accentuating the breezy and sophisticated atmosphere that opens up to stunning wraparound views of the water. Find a full service, custom hand poured concrete wave shaped bar with glass shelves that are backlit for the resort-style vibe. The Eggersmann German kitchen with Taj Mahal stone features all the latest appliances and touch to open technology.

The residence features dual master bedrooms with one offering a private access path back to the home office. The bathroom suite has heated stone floors and is ensconced in floor to ceiling stone tile with a full stone clad vanity. A free standing tub is cut from a block of stone imported from Portugal and features a walk-in closet with accent lighting.

The second master suite is a sanctuary with hand textured plaster walls from Kiev, Ukraine and stone accents from Eggersmann German. The bathroom dawns heated floors and stone with a freestanding stone tub cut from a block of stone in Portugal. The walk-in shower is tailor made for two with accent lighting and double shower heads with a rain shower above and relaxation lighting.

A hidden door found behind a botanical themed powder room leads to a full shower suite to wash away the sand before entry to the main living space. A study features hand forged steel shelves and a unique desk designed by a Brazilian furniture maker, with an added perk of a king size fold down bed.

Complete with a temperature controlled tandem 2 car garage space. Owners enjoy unparalleled services and amenities connected to your condo at The Four Seasons Surf Club– concierge, housekeeping services and more. The building amenities include a private beach club, cabanas, multiple pools, spa, restaurants.

Four Seasons at the Surf Club is 9111 Collins Ave N721 is listed for $37 million by Jaclyn Bild and Joyce Gato with Douglas Elliman and comes fully furnished.

Images via Legendary Productions @become_legendary/ @legendaryproductions

Is The Watch Market in a Bubble? Will it Burst Anytime Soon?

Article by Thierry Richard, Watch Expert

Something in the watch market has changed. Many say that this change is due to a “bubble” generating a surprising increase in price. The price of luxury items, more specifically pre-owned watches, has skyrocketed in the past 20 months leaving all buyers perplex on what is going on. But can it really be said that this market is in a bubble? 

Let start by saying that a bubble is generally characterized by an unjustified or rather irrational increase in prices fueled by scarcity, speculation and greed. Of course, this is a sensitive topic as it creates strong feelings, as value is so often subjective. That said, those who are participating in a certain way whether from passion, profit or both will always have something to say about if a bubble is forming or not and when it might burst.

Like the real estate and stock market, luxury goods such as watches can have correction and often reflect the sentiment of the market but on smaller scale. Fear of a recession, a global event such as war, inflation and supply chain distortion can all have a consequence on the watch market. 

Because I am a watch guy, we will discuss how a bubble could transform the watch industry and when it might burst and why. 

The Recipe of a Bubble

First, let me walk you through how a bubble is formed. 

You will recognize a bubble by its’ five phases. First, we witness a Dwindling Availability when you see inventory and availability of a specific item shrinking or gone altogether. Then comes The Boom Phase, when price increases and gathers momentum as more participants enter the market. The media then takes over and the fear of missing out on what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity spurs more speculation from an increasing number of buyers. Then derives The Euphoria phase, when watch buyers throw both logic and caution out of the window. Prices are out of control. New valuation metrics are created to justify the price increase, the phenomenon is all over social media and buyers believe no matter how high prices go, there will be always other willing to pay more. Slowly comes The Price Top Out, when prices reach their peak and sellers start dumping. Profits narrow as prices fall. But this irrational bubble can last longer than we imagine as emotions are involved. Finally, The Burst occurs, and the market falls apart. Panic sets in for the speculators and they liquidate at any price flooding the market with merchandise. 

What happened?

Before we jump the gun, let’s back track and see what happened during the past 24 months and where we stand today. 

During the pandemic, as the world stood still, money was printed and sent away, some people accumulated more disposable income and money floated into the real estate, stock, crypto and watch market boosting the consumer confidence and creating more millionaire than ever. The investor who didn’t care about luxury watches before suddenly saw an opportunity to make money. Flippers entered the game; popstars wrote song about their timepieces and social media became the vehicle of choice to share this unique opportunity.

At the same time, brands chose to tighten their inventory production on purpose or not, creating a perfect recipe for scarcity. Therefore, with close to no watches in store available for purchase or with 2-6 years long waiting list, the boom has been driven mostly by online platforms. With players like Watchfinder or Watchbox and Chrono24 which remain the world’s leading online marketplace for luxury watches with over $2.4 billion in transactions in 2020. This represents almost $1 billion increase compared to 2019. 

So, thanks to internet and social media, the second-hand luxury watch market has become not only acceptable but now, trending and cool. Clients have larger access to information and watch brands can no longer ignore the phenomenon. The pre-owned watch market is an opportunity to influence the long-term value of products, increase brand equity and most importantly, to recruit new customers. Some brands are taking initiative such as H.Moser & Cie and FP Journe with tailored Certified Pre-Owned offers, or more recently Zenith. For Julien Tornare, CEO of Zenith the brand’s Zenith icons program is the opportunity to “provide, via a trusted channel, a supply of second or third-hand Zenith watches that are authenticated, checked and maintained by the brand, so that we are sure that our end-users are getting the quality we want, and they deserve”.  That said, pre-owned watches from the big four such Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille and even some Hublot were selling 5X on the secondary market for all the reasons above. 

Will the Bubble burst?

What you see in today’s watch market is a balancing act between inflation and customer confidence. Two opposites, both high. Confident consumers spending money is the key. However, if inflation continues to stay high and shows no signs of falling soon, choosing between wants and needs becomes a bit easier. After a while, the cost of living won’t leave room for even a “sure bet” on a watch. 

Subsequently, with the world opening again, the opportunistic trader and flippers who over-leveraged themselves now find themselves in a bit of a pickle. They need to get rid of their acquired watches to meet financial obligations and/or to minimize their losses. The result will be lower prices on the gray market and eventually high stock at the official dealers. It’s also worth noting that because of various reasons, watch buyers are now so frustrated with gray market prices and the unavailability of steel sports watches from Rolex or Audemars Piguet that they have changed their behavior. It’s becoming a matter of “enough is enough,” you could say. Still, it took consumers long enough to reach that point and prices recently dropped -40% on certain pre-owned models. 

However, as we discovered, it can be almost impossible to correctly spot a bubble every time, although there are certain signs of which to be wary.

As I said, consumer confidence is high despite a high inflation rate. And one way to protect yourself against inflation is by buying a luxury timepiece, one with a stable level of demand like a Submariner Rolex. Unlike other assets, watches are goods that in addition to having potential investment value and the possibility of being used. Even the younger generations have come to understand this.

Consequently, despite the uncharacteristic market spike and the potential correction in price, I believe watches are still a good alternative investment. The demand will continue to grow because apart from an object that shows status, or the more refined idea that wearing a mechanical timepiece shows knowledge and appreciation of traditional craftsmanship, watches represent an alternative asset class that is collectible, highly portable, and scarce considering growing market demand and limited production. From a certain point of view, this could protect the timepiece market from a dizzying and rapid fall. Thus, I believe that even though we might be in a bubble, watches are still a promising market, and that We might even see new brands gaining in popularity. Time will tell…