The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay Hits $240 Million In Sales

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay sales velocity has continued to propel through the month of April, achieving $240 million in sales to date, as it sails toward the next benchmark of beginning construction this summer. The property, led by visionary London Bay Development Group, will feature 224 distinguished residences within two elegant 22-story towers on nearly a mile of waterfront. With purchases now under contract, this surge of activity is the result of interest from buyers drawn to the property’s unrivaled offerings and the rare opportunity to live among nature, on the shore of the thriving Estero Bay aquatic preserve.

"The overwhelming demand for these residences attests to the long-term value and unparalleled lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay and the tremendous appeal of living in the brand new coastal village of Saltleaf on Estero Bay. Here, residents will have at their doorstep a world-class marina with a five-star waterfront restaurant, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Raymond Floyd, a nine-hole short course for all ages and levels, and hundreds of acres of natural beauty,” said Mark Wilson, CEO of London Bay Development Group. “There is truly nothing else like this in Southwest Florida and our Owners recognize that."

The 5,000-square-foot sales gallery, located at 5000 Coconut Road in Bonita Springs, features an immersive setting features a 3D scale model of the 30-acre property, along with a full-size residence kitchen, wet bar with wine storage, master bathroom and master closet made from custom millwork, featuring all finishes and appliances. There is also a technology-driven conference room, presentation areas, an on-site selection studio and virtual reality experiences.

Priced from $3 million, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay range from 2,628 to 3,885 square feet and include two, three- and four-bedrooms with a den. Dedicated private elevator entry, unobstructed sunset views of the bay and spacious balconies up to 2,200 square feet enhance enjoyment of daily life. Storage will be abundant, with generous bedroom closets and a personal private storage unit located on the resident’s floor. Owners will have a choice of three finish packages assembled by Meyer Davis, the award-winning New York design studio behind the property’s stunning interiors and impressive shared spaces.

Nestled beside the natural beauty of the state’s oldest aquatic preserve of Estero Bay, the residences present a rare opportunity for the legendary brand in a sheltered oasis. Imagined by globally acclaimed design firm Arquitectonica, the cascading façades of the buildings are inspired by the tranquil waterfront setting, integrating harmoniously into the surrounding topography. Allowing for maximized vistas, each condominium frames the sky to capture natural light, from sunrise to sunset.

Legendary Ritz-Carlton service and personal connections will be apparent in all facets of ownership through The Experience Studio, whether seeking a private training session or spa treatment. A rich program of amenities spans five acres, with 36,000 square feet of indoor offerings. This includes a Wellness Center with garden views offering fitness, a yoga and Pilates studio, a private training section, and locker rooms with steam and sauna. A centrally located, 8,000-square-foot space will present a Sunset Lounge, private dining room, Sports & News Café, Wine & Whiskey room, card room, and demonstration and catering kitchen.

The property’s outdoor oasis stimulates wellness, surrounded by enchanting gardens by landscape architect EDSA. Residents can enjoy three pools and floating-like pavilions at an expansive lagoon water feature. Bocce courts, multiple fire pits and barbeque stations also promote group gatherings.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay is set within the new coastal village of Saltleaf on Estero Bay, a reimagined, master-planned community that connects residents to over 500 acres of nature preserve. A short walk leads to the 72-slip Saltleaf Marina, which recently broke ground, and Saltleaf Golf Preserve, a reimagined 18-hole championship course with a brand new nine-hole short course, currently underway and opening for play later this year.

Minutes away is the friendly town of Bonita Springs, home to dining, boutiques, and galleries, and Barefoot Beach, named one of the top 10 beaches in the U.S. Getting to The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay is easy, only 20 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport.

Bruce Koniver Set To Lead Odyssey Retail Advisors Expansion Into South Florida

Odyssey Retail Advisors LLC, a leading real estate advisory firm, announced its partnership with retail real estate veteran and icon Bruce Koniver. He will lead the opening of Odyssey’s expansion into Florida and its new Miami office. This partnership allows for continued support of Odyssey’s growing national client base. Headquartered in New York, Odyssey represents premier global retailers, major developers and landlords within the luxury and contemporary fashion sector.

“This expansion will further enable the Odyssey team to partner with prominent landlords and retailers in a highly competitive and diverse market,” stated Principal and Co-founder Richard Johnson at Odyssey Retail Advisors. “We will continue to offer Odyssey’s signature insight, analytics, network and full suite of advisory services within the luxury retail environment of Miami.”

Bruce Koniver, Principal, and Lee Koniver are poised to lead Odyssey’s new Miami location, both joining from Koniver Stern Group.

Bruce Koniver has been a trusted name and advisor to a multitude of prominent regional and national retailers. Mr. Koniver has represented a large number of developers where he was responsible for leasing a significant amount of their upscale retail centers such as Forum Development Group, Forum at Carlsbad, Sunnyvale Town Center (Sunnyvale, CA) and Forum at Prospect Park (Alpharetta, Ga.); Cousins Properties’ The Avenue East Cobb (Atlanta, Ga.), The Avenue at Palos Verdes (Palos Verdes, CA) and Taubco’s Vero Fashion Outlets (Vero Beach, FL). In addition, Bruce has been intimately involved in two of the most successful outdoor multi-use projects: North American Properties’ Avalon (Alpharetta, Ga.), and Columbia Development’s Fenton (Raleigh, NC). He has also represented a collection of prestigious tenants for which he was an integral part of their real estate expansion including Wolford, Montblanc, AllBirds, William Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Glossier, Louis Vuitton, Outdoor Voices, Tesla, and Rivian.

Prior to leasing, Bruce Koniver held senior management positions with Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Palm Springs and Washington, DC, as well as serving as general manager of Jordan Marsh at the Omni Mall. Mr. Koniver continues to be called upon to moderate and participate on panels for numerous ICSC events and is a board member for First Serve Miami.

Bruce Koniver commented, “We look forward to enabling our clients to expand their presence in sought-after, exclusive retail environments throughout Florida. This fuels my passion as does the clear growth of Odyssey. I truly look forward to bringing the firm’s culture and ability to excel in multi-faceted fashion environments to the Florida marketplace. The opportunity to work closely with my two sons in this new partnership is an added bonus.”

Lee Koniver has extensive knowledge in the South Florida market representing landlords and tenants across various service lines at the luxury level and beyond. His background has been focused on the South Florida market, where he is known to provide the highest level of service to his retail and restaurant industry clients. Some of his clients include Bodega Streetwear, Veja, Shake Shack, Alexander Wang, Le Chick, Heyday Skincare, The King Street Food Company, and Adidas.

Mr. Johnson added, “Expansion of our clients’ portfolios in the Miami area while helping ensure they achieve their business and financial objectives, will be led by this extremely capable new team. Their reputations and experience in this highly desirable market will further enable us to offer compelling shopping environments to clientele.”

Charlie Koniver, Principal and Co-founder, Odyssey, concluded, “With the additions we are making to the Odyssey team, we are celebrating decades of deep knowledge and experience to continue our growth in prominent retail markets.”

About Odyssey Retail Advisors

Odyssey Retail Advisors LLC (www.odysseyretailadvisors.com), headquartered in New York, with offices in Chicago and Miami, is a leading retail real estate advisory firm that represents premier global retailers as well as major developers and landlords. Services encompass strategic planning, site identification, in-depth market analysis and project planning, financial evaluation, negotiation, construction and design facilitation, portfolio optimization, and restructuring.

Swire Properties and Related Companies Commence Demolition On Future Site of One Brickell City Centre Supertall Office Tower

Swire Properties Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of global developer Swire Properties Limited, and Related Companies, one of the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States, have officially commenced demolition on the site of the future One Brickell City Centre, an approximately 1,000-foot supertall tower that will be the tallest commercial building in Florida. Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez, Henry Bott, the President of Swire Properties and Stephen M. Ross, the Chairman and Founder of Related Companies, were in attendance at the event today to celebrate moving forward with this premier office development that validates the tremendous strength of the Miami office market. As part of the program, one of the buildings currently on the site was partially demolished through a stunning display where multiple floors of glass and concrete were carved out of the structure.

One Brickell City Centre will feature 1.4 million total square feet of office space and the largest floorplates ever approved for a commercial office building by the City of Miami. Located in the heart of Miami’s financial district, at the corner of Brickell Avenue and SE 8th Street, it will overlook the Miami skyline offering 360-degree views of Biscayne Bay, Miami River, and Downtown Miami. One Brickell City Centre is the second phase of Brickell City Centre, a $1.05-billion, 4.9-million-square-foot, mixed‐use development that opened in 2016 and was developed by Swire Properties.

“This will be an iconic building that will reshape the Miami skyline, the third-largest skyline in America. It will attract the world’s best talent to Miami. Thank you to Related and Swire, who have doubled down with confidence in the future of our city,” said Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez.

“One Brickell City Centre is a transformative development that sets the standard for the future of office buildings and showcases to the world’s leading companies that Miami is the new destination to call home. Swire Properties and Related Companies take great pride in collaborating on a truly innovative office development that features thoughtful design, cutting-edge technology and amenities and features that aren't available elsewhere in Miami’s office market,” said Henry Bott, President of Swire Properties Inc.

“Today marks an inflection point in the Miami office market as the workplace of yesterday is torn down to make way for future,” said Stephen M. Ross, Chairman and Founder of Related Companies. “One Brickell City Center combines the best-practices of luxury hospitality and wellness projects with the latest workplace insights to create the flexible, amenity-driven, lifestyle workspace that leading companies, many of them already Related tenants in other markets, are increasingly looking for to fuel collaboration, engagement and retention of top talent.”

Internationally renowned architecture firm Arquitectonica designed the building with the office of the future in mind, with features and amenities ideal for tenants in Miami’s fastest growing sectors including financial services and technology. One Brickell City Centre features thoughtfully envisioned and spacious floor plans, outdoor terraces on nearly every floor, column free interiors, numerous indoor/outdoor spaces for meetings and gatherings, and state-of-the-art technology features to meet the needs of the most discerning office tenants.

One Brickell City Centre marks the first time Swire Properties has collaborated with Related Companies. Both companies share a vision for creating vibrant neighborhoods that change the urban landscape with innovative developments that positively impact communities for generations to come.

Related Companies has extensive experience in Florida and has redeveloped Downtown West Palm into one of the nation’s fastest growing commercial, retail, culinary, art and tourism destinations. Related Southeast leads the market in Class AA office with 360 Rosemary, CityPlace Tower, Esperanté, Phillips Point and the forthcoming 1 Flagler, as well as the celebrated destinations of Rosemary Square, Hilton West Palm Beach, and RH West Palm. Swire Properties has spearheaded the transformation of Miami as well as Brickell’s history and skyline by instilling its core values of quality, integrity, originality and long-term focus to each of its developments, which include Brickell City Centre, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, EAST Miami hotel and restaurants, as well as the entire island community of Brickell Key.

One Brickell City Centre is situated at the entrance to Brickell City Centre, which is LEED Gold Certified and includes: 500,000 square feet of shopping, culinary and entertainment offerings; the 352 key EAST Miami hotel; the condominium towers Reach & Rise; two additional office towers providing 260,000 square feet of space; the $30 million Climate Ribbon, which promotes sustainability through water conservation and energy efficiency; and a 2,600-space underground parking garage. It can be accessed directly from the I-95 at SW 8th and is in close proximity to many city transit options.

Other supertalls coming to Miami include Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami which was recently issued the first vertical construction permit for a supertall in Florida. The tower is nearly sold-out and is being developed by PMG and Grey brook Realty Partners, Mohari Hospitality, S2 Development and global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT). Another is 888 Brickell, a luxury condo tower at 888 Brickell Avenue being developed by JDS Development which was previously branded as MAJOR in partnership with Major Food Group. Most recently billionaire hedge fund magnate Ken Griffin and his firm Citadel are planning a supertall bayfront mixed use office tower at 1201 Brickell Bay. Related Companies has also been quite active in the Palm Beach office market.

Look Inside This Lavish Waterfront Star Island Estate Which Just Hit The Market For $37.5 Million

37 Star Island Drive, a lavish waterfront estate on Miami Beach’s exclusive and ritzy Star Island, has hit the market for $37.5 million. The 12,374 square foot residence is situated on a manicured 40,000-square-foot lot, featuring 100 feet of water frontage facing Biscayne Bay and offers direct bay and ocean access. The home spans six bedrooms plus an office space, eight full bathrooms and one-half bathroom. Elegant design and linear architectural details are featured throughout the home, plus custom millwork and use of rich woods, octagon-shaped ceiling accents with custom lighting, and oversized “Plaza Deck” terraces.

The home is owned by Yale R. Brown, the president of IMS Ventures and the managing partner of Columbus Ventures. Jill Eber, Jill Hertzberg, Felise Eber, and Fabio Lopes of The Jills Zeder Group are listing the property.

The security gated entrance leads to a long, grand stone paved driveway lined with soaring royal palms and lush gardens. A flowing water feature with fountains lines both sides of the entrance to the front door.

This impressive entry foyer greets with soaring 30-foot ceilings with a rotunda ceiling accent, while surrounding glass walls encase the foyer appearing to bring the outside water feature into the home. A custom hand-crafted winding mahogany-travertine staircase leads to a second-floor landing and seating area that overlooks the living room below and provides direct views to the pool and bay.

The oversized formal living room also features 30-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows streaming natural light, a custom-built fireplace with mahogany and burled wood accents, and direct access to a covered terrace with views to the pool and bay.

The chef’s kitchen offers granite countertops, a cooking and prep center island, top-of-the-line appliances and a large food pantry. A large butler’s pantry, a separate breakfast room and a spacious private dining room are adjacent to the kitchen.

Also on the first floor is an expansive entertainment/media room, an office den with rich mahogany paneled walls and beautiful custom detailed millwork, staff quarters with full bathroom, and full laundry room. There is three-phase power and a back stairwell/elevator shaft provisioned to add an interior elevator.

The spacious, first-floor principal suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with direct bay views and access to the pool deck, remote controlled black out/hurricane shutters, midnight wet bar, and spacious dual walk-in closets with custom built-ins. The gentlemen’s bathroom features travertine marble floors, a mahogany wood vanity and a large shared walk-in rain shower with steam that can be accessed from either side; the ladies’ bathroom boasts large slab marble floors, a bird’s eye maple vanity and mirror with inset lighting, mirrored ceiling and a Jacuzzi sunken spa tub.

On the second floor are four spacious guest suites, each featuring a full en-suite bathroom, high ceilings, walk-in closets and oversized “Plaza Deck” terraces. Two are east-facing and overlook the pool deck with direct views to the bay and South Beach; two are west-facing and overlook the front of the home and Downtown Miami.

Outdoor highlights include a large, covered terrace with al fresco dining tables leading to the pool; large heated pool featuring an automated pool cleaning system; covered summer kitchen/bar with TV, sink, BBQ; fountain, and Jacuzzi, surrounded by lush palms, tropical flowers, plants, and a Japanese Zen garden. A full cabana bathroom is located next to the pool. A private 40-foot dock with an electric and water pedestal can accommodate a large vessel.

Images via The Jills Zeder Group /1 Oak Studios

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples Reaches 50% Pre-Construction Sell-Out With $250 Million in Sales in 90 Days

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples, one of the most widely-anticipated signature enclave to be unveiled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, is now 50% sold with half of the project’s residences now under contract, realized in about three months since the official January 2023 launch. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Naples is being developed by Naples-based STOCK Residences, the luxury condominium division of STOCK Development.

In total, the development comprises just 128 homes and penthouses, spread throughout five boutique buildings, giving the lush, six-acre property an inimitable abundance of privacy, space, and exclusivity. The initial release consisted of 108 dwellings within the project’s Bay and Tower properties.

Pre-construction sales at The Residences, which currently exceed $250 million, have outpaced the surrounding area’s ultra-luxury condominium market. The nationally recognized, award-winning STOCK attributes the unprecedented demand to the boutique-style community’s idyllic waterfront setting and adjacency to Vanderbilt Beach, bespoke concierge services and 50,000+ square feet of state-of-the-art amenities managed by The Ritz-Carlton, private full-service marina and amenity-rich park, and generously sized designer homes.

“To reach the 50% sold milestone in a matter of three months speaks volumes about this development and the confidence our Owners have in our product and the matchless excellence of The Ritz-Carlton,” said Brian Stock, CEO of STOCK Development. “This is brand-new construction in one of Naples’ most sought-after waterfront locations -- a neighborhood where there is virtually no opportunity to buy new or even build new. In addition to these estate-like homes and high-end amenities, which are hallmarks of STOCK’s 20+ years of industry success, our buyers, who span the globe, know that a myriad of high-touch comforts and conveniences will be at their beck-and-call.”

Well-sited at the intersection of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Gulf Shore Drive, The Residences are flanked by Vanderbilt Beach and the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Vanderbilt Lagoon to the north, offering Owners direct access to unparalleled waterfront amenities and services. Highlights in each of the homes and penthouses, which currently start at $3.7 million, include expansive terraces, contemporary European-style kitchens and baths, Cambria quartz countertops, 10 to 12-foot ceilings, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, porcelain and wood floors, and private elevator entrances.

The Residences’ architecture and designs have been uniquely inspired by the unspoiled beauty that surrounds them.  Under STOCK’s direction, a trio of visionaries has crafted the haven-like retreat: Curts Gaines Hall Jones (CGHJ) Architects, internationally renowned interior designer Cristian Pinedo of SUSURRUS, and landscape architectural firm Booth Design Group. 

In addition to an exclusive concierge, a 22-slip marina, and verdant park with walking trails, a putting green, and covered pavilions, amenities at The Residences will include The Vanderbilt Club -- a 28,000-square-foot club with a Grand Owner’s atrium and lobby lounge, private restaurant, business center and coffee lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a full-service spa -- a kids’ room, a teen room with a Formula 1 simulator, and a club lounge with a golf simulator and private theater, among other features.   The project will also have 22,000 square feet of outdoor amenities, including a resort-style pool, lap pool, cabana suites, and fire pits. The Residences are furthermore located directly between Naples’ two existing Ritz-Carlton hotels -- both of which are approximately three miles apart.

“No one knows luxury lifestyle amenities better than STOCK, so our collaboration with this exceptional brand could not be a better pairing,” added Claudine Leger-Wetzel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for STOCK Development. “Our team has spent years painstakingly developing this project, ensuring that it is the premier homestead for those seeking extraordinary, resort-style living in a private coastal setting.”

Suffolk Construction is the general contractor, while engineering is being overseen by J.R. Evans Engineering. The pre-construction phase of the community is already underway at the site, with delivery anticipated for 2026.    

The Residences’ lavish sales gallery is located at 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Suite 106.

Newgard Development Group Partners With YUPIX To Bring Immersive Meta-Reality Tours to LOFTY Brickell

Forward-thinking real estate developer Newgard Development Group continues to innovate and enhance the luxury residential preconstruction experience. In the latest example, Newgard is partnering with immersive technology platform YUPIX to offer meta-reality tours of its LOFTY Brickell.

LOFTY is a 44-story waterfront luxury condominium high-rise under development on the Miami River in the heart of Miami’s financial district. The most elevated offering in Newgard’s flexible ownership concept, LOFTY is already one of the Miami condo market’s most successfully sold buildings. This new collaboration with YUPIX promises to take interest in LOFTY to even greater heights.

Through the partnership, a representative from Cervera Real Estate – the exclusive sales and marketing partner for LOFTY – will be on-site at YUPIX’s Wynwood facility to guide real estate agents and prospective buyers through the surreal multisensory experience.

“The term gamechanger is overused, but YUPIX is truly changing the game when it comes to preconstruction sales,” said Cervera Real Estate Managing Partner Alicia Cervera Lamadrid. “Buyers are increasingly more discerning when considering where to purchase in Miami. Having the ability to take someone inside a luxury building long before its completion is a major competitive advantage for a project like LOFTY.”

YUPIX’s disruptive technology gives participants a palpable feeling of walking through LOFTY’s penthouses and luxurious amenity areas, while taking in the building’s incredible views from different vantage points.

“We always strive to push boundaries and redefine what is possible through our developments,” said Newgard Development Group CEO Harvey Hernandez. “Partnering with YUPIX accomplishes that and showcases LOFTY in a new and innovative way. The LOFTY team cannot wait to welcome our buyers to the LOFTY metaverse.”

To schedule a meta-reality tour of LOFTY, call (786) 461-9221 or email info@LOFTYBrickell.com.

Designed by Arquitectonica, the 362-unit LOFTY features 309 tower residences including studio, one- and two-bedroom units alongside 40,000 square feet of thoughtfully curated amenities, including a private marina, a members-only social club, resort pool deck and fitness center, indoor/outdoor cigar lounge, co-working lounge and meeting rooms.

LOFTY’s 53-unit Penthouse Collection offers spacious two, three and three-bedroom plus den residences that are curated and will be furnished by revered design firm Artefacto. Penthouse prices range from $1.95 million to over $3.5 million.

Located directly across from Brickell City Centre, LOFTY is the next evolution of condo ownership, conceived to bring a 5-star alternative for the owner and traveler that might prefer to stay and own differently – yet does not want to compromise on the services and amenities of a hotel. Each residence will be delivered fully finished and furnished and, with professional management, will permit short-term rentals.

The tower will feature the first-ever NFT art collection designed for condo owners, integrating digital art into the DNA of the new residential building, while transferring ownership of a custom NFT to each unit owner at closing.

INC, the multi-disciplinary INC Studio responsible for LOFTY’s 44 stories of swanky interiors. Urban Robot Associates is the landscape architect.

LOFTY Brickell is located at 99 SW Seventh St., Miami, FL 33130. You can visit LOFTY Brickell’s website here.

Michelin Starred Chef Shingo Akikuni to Open His First Restaurant, Shingo

Critically-acclaimed Chef Shingo Akikuni will open his very first restaurant, SHINGO, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 inside the historic La Palma building in Coral Gables. SHINGO is an intimate, 14-seat, omakase restaurant that will offer an 18-course dining experience featuring traditional Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi and Yakimono dishes with premium sake pairings. Chef Akikuni brings his years of experience and accolades to SHINGO. Most recently, he served as executive chef at Miami’s Japanese fine-dining restaurant Hiden. Under his helm as executive chef, Hiden was one of the first restaurants in Miami to be awarded one star from the MICHELIN Guide in 2022.

The 850-square-foot space has been entirely designed and constructed by expert woodworkers in Kyoto, Japan before being de-constructed, transported and reassembled in Miami. Upon entering SHINGO, guests will feel as though they have been transported to Japan’s classic omakase dens. The restaurant features traditional Japanese design elements and vintage materials, including the use of Hinoki and Sugi woods on the counter, ceiling and grand entrance, which doubles as an art gallery. The dining room features an intimate “L-shaped” 14-seat counter made of a rare 10 meter slab of Hinoki wood. Special touches and details are found in every moment at SHINGO, from the unique silver chopstick holders, crafted to resemble food shapes, to an array of custom-made ceramic plateware created by Kyoto-based ceramics maker Shin Murata.

Passionate about sharing Japanese culture through food in America, Chef/Owner Akikuni is excited to add to the thriving dining scene in Miami and seeks to provide diners with an individualized experience based on their personalities and preferences.

“I first moved to Miami five years ago, and I feel that the restaurant scene has been booming year by year, featuring so many passionate and talented chefs whom I call my colleagues and friends,” says Chef Shingo Akikuni. I'm overjoyed to be able to open my first restaurant in Coral Gables using the experience and skills I've learned working in restaurants in Tokyo, New York and Miami. I’m looking forward to serving our guests dishes that change with the seasons and to continue to add value to the culinary landscape in Miami.”

The 18-course menu at SHINGO will change seasonally, with a rotating selection of fresh sushi variations and Yakimono dishes which are prepared through traditional grilling practices. Guests can expect dishes such as Japanese Binchotan Charcoal Grilled Eel topped with caviar and fresh wasabi served with premium sake. Personally sourced and selected by Akikuni himself, SHINGO'S fresh ingredients are imported from Japan and found locally in Florida.

Shingo Akikuni is a third-generation sushi chef originally from Osaka, Japan, and is recognized as one of the best sushi chefs in Florida. Growing up making sushi at his family-owned restaurant in Osaka, Chef Akikuni was taught and trained by both his father and grandfather before coming to America in 2017. Previously, Akikuni served as Sushi Chef at an award-winning sushi restaurant in Tokyo, before moving to Miami and taking on positions as Sous Chef at Sushi Azabu, and, finally, as Executive Chef at Hiden, where the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star.

SHINGO is located at the La Palma building at 112 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134. SHINGO will be open for dinner five days a week (Tuesday – Saturday) with two seating options at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The 18-course omakase experience is $180 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. An optional wine and sake pairing is available for $95 per person.

Tibor Hollo and Family Celebrate Grand Opening Of 'Tibor and Sheila Hollo Park" in Brickell

Tibor and Sheila Hollo have celebrated the opening of the coveted 35,500 square foot park that so many urban Miamians have grown to love and enjoy with their families. Located at 1814 Brickell Avenue, the heavily landscaped park includes enhanced playground equipment, shade structures, beautiful views, decorative fencing, modern lighting, meditation benches, and a dog park. The park also features a memorial created from one of the last remaining steel beams unearthed from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

A ceremony took place on Monday, May 1st at 11 a.m., including the Hollo family, friends, and team members. Dignitaries from the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County officially honored Tibor and Sheila Hollo as another example of the vast amount of time and resources that they have invested in the redevelopment of the Brickell corridor. Representative Carlos Gimenez recognized Mr. and Mrs. Hollo with a key to the city and a proclamation, stating that May 1st is now “Tibor and Sheila Hollo Day” in Brickell.

“We love the vibrant Brickell area and the hustle-bustle of its live-work-play environment, but there is always room for a restful, quiet greenspace for the public to enjoy,” said Sheila Hollo, philanthropist, community leader, mother, and grandmother.

In 2014, the Tibor and Sheila Hollo Charitable Foundation donated the funds necessary to acquire the land and pay for park improvements. Former City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff pushed to get the park redesigned and constructed for the Brickell community at the time.

The Hollo family, founders of Florida East Coast Realty (FECR), were early visionaries of the redevelopment of Brickell, Downtown Miami, and the Omni District. Founded over 60 years ago by Tibor Hollo, Florida East Coast Realty (FECR) has built more than 60 million square feet of construction, consisting of landmark residential and commercial high-rises, single-family homes, government buildings, marinas, high-end retail centers, warehouse complexes, and telecommunications centers. The company has developed, owned, and managed a wide array of properties, with sustained growth in multiple real estate sectors. With new ideas and ambitious projects on the drawing board, the Hollo family and the entire FECR team are eager and ready to continue innovating, pushing boundaries, and reshaping the Miami skyline for many years to come.

The Perigon Reveals Exclusive $37 Million Ultra-Lavish Penthouse West In Miami Beach

Miami Beach’s most anticipated oceanfront condominium towers, The Perigon, designed by OMA, has revealed its crowned jewel Penthouse West, an exceptional new listing priced at $37 million offering panoramic views of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The two-story Penthouse West, featuring a dynamic composition of gracious interiors offering uninterrupted ocean views as well as sweeping outdoor spaces, represents Miami Beach’s highest level of luxury coastal living.

The ultra-lavish Penthouse West fulfills the demand for a modern residence, teeming with the rarest touches of finishes and materiality. As one of the only new developments with a prized location directly on the sand, rising 17 stories tall, The Perigon exclusively offers a premium amenity suite, Michelin-starred chef curations and dining services, cutting-edge architecture and the ultimate luxury of privacy and exclusivity.

“Catering to the most discerning buyers, we curated every detail of The Perigon with their lifestyle in mind, from architectural design, to interiors, to the food and beverage programs, always offering a refined yet approachable style of luxury,” said Camilo Miguel Jr., CEO of Mast Capital. “Penthouse West is the epitome of this offering, appealing to those seeking sophisticated design, seclusion and privacy, unparalleled views of the ocean and Biscayne Bay, and the pinnacle of indoor-outdoor luxury living.”

Situated at 5333 Collins Avenue between Indian Creek and the Atlantic Ocean, The Perigon’s Penthouse West will invite its residents to enjoy an enriched lifestyle atop Miami Beach’s most celebrated architectural marvel. Residents will enter their residence through their private elevator landing, leading directly to the grandiose abode spanning two stories, four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a powder room. Its expansive 5,685 square feet of interior living space complements the 6,487 square feet of exterior space spread over multiple outdoor terraces and a private landscaped rooftop. This private, wraparound oasis with sweeping ocean and Miami-city views includes a 30-foot, infinity edge swimming pool, sundeck, lounge area, full outdoor summer kitchen, complete with a grill for outdoor dining.

Enviable interiors and high-end finishes integrated throughout the open-concept floor plan by designer Tara Bernerd, best known for her hotel and private yacht properties, distinguishes the Penthouse from any other offering in the market. A double-height great room with soaring 22-foot ceilings leaves a lasting impression and is accentuated by a wraparound terrace. The unique combination of hand selected organic fabrics, refined materiality and tailored weaves creates dimension throughout the space with the juxtaposition of stone, glass, and wood, as seen with the dramatic yet modern floating staircase.

Envisioning the penthouse with the essence of a five-star resort, Bernerd selected materials that subtly nod to the city’s iconic beach. Thus, color palette choices for the home include a warmer Italian Walnut or a lighter, European White Oak, a material also found in the dual primary bathroom’s vanities. The design of the bathroom captures the serenity of a spa featuring 10-inch thick, honed white marble countertops, dual rain showers, two enclosed water closets, and a white marble soaking tub with bronze accents opening to private outdoor terrace space. These bronze fixtures appear again in the Chef’s kitchen alongside custom Italian cabinetry, stone face drawers, honed marble countertops and backsplash, custom fluted marble island with a gas cooktop, walk-in pantry, and integrated Sub Zero and Wolf appliances that include a full-height wine refrigerator and double oven.

Perfectly equipped for dining and entertaining, the kitchen at Penthouse West opens onto a private breakfast terrace offering magnificent water and city views. The primary bedroom includes two oversized dressing rooms, a midnight bar, and a private outdoor living room to retire at the end of the day and take in stunning views of the sunset over the coast. The three guest suites feature their own walk-in closets and private terraces, and the staff quarters include a separate ensuite bathroom. Through its attentiveness to detail and emphasis of space and privacy throughout its floorplan, the resulting design language for Penthouse West upholds Miami’s nautical and cultural traditions, appealing to the well-traveled and design-conscious resident wanting to experience all the city has to offer.

“As the global elite consider adding a Miami residence to their collection, it became clear that the market needed a new oceanfront trophy residence that would impress an eclectic clientele. Penthouse West is a home that will quickly capture the attention of a worldly, sensible buyer that appreciates space, privacy and refined design,” said Jay Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman.

As the first residential building designed by OMA New York on Miami Beach, The Perigon is the city’s premier destination for luxury coastal living with its bold architecture, impeccable design, and sophisticated, elegant interiors. The tower was inspired by the rivieras of Europe to combine the intimacy of a single-family home with the allure of high-rise living for an elevated waterfront living concept. The light-filled open floor plans include 10-foot ceilings complemented by 10- to 12-foot-deep wraparound terraces, custom Italian kitchen cabinetry in the grand kitchens, primary bathrooms adorned in marble with dark bronze fittings, and dramatic soaking tubs overlooking the shoreline and Miami skyline in select residences.

The Perigon is also the only building to offer more than 20,000 square feet of amenities providing both exclusivity and an idyllic Miami Beach setting for connection and socializing. Honoring its balmy environment, the building invites its residents to embrace the true indoor-outdoor living experience it so thoughtfully crafted. The plentiful hybrid, indoor-outdoor spaces create a seamless connection to nature, and lush gardens and serene water features envisioned by Gustafson Porter + Bowman, the landscape architecture firm that designed the green space at the Eiffel Tower, further elevates this South Floridian oasis. From a breakfast and sunset lounge and oceanfront, residents-only, private restaurant and speakeasy led by world-renowned, Michelin-starred Chef Shaun Hergatt to an oceanfront swimming pool with cabanas, terraced fitness center with water views, children’s playroom, private salon, screening room, and billiards room, The Perigon’s full suite of unparalleled amenities will entice its residents to enjoy life to the fullest.

The Perigon, a joint venture between Mast Capital, one of South Florida’s most active real estate development and investment firms, and Starwood Capital Group, a leading global private investment firm, is currently in the process of demolishing the existing structure on the site and slated to complete construction in 2026. Pricing starts at $4.14 million, with sales and marketing exclusively handled by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

Hublot X PROFILEmiami Watches & Wonders Cocktail Debuting Hublot Novelties Collection

On Friday, May 5, with all eyes on Miami for Miami Race Week and the FORMULA1 Miami Grand Prix 2023, Hublot and PROFILEmiami teamed up to host Watches and Wonders Collectors Cocktail as Hublot debuted their ultra-exclusive, limited edition novelties for the first time in the United States. The lavish invite-only cocktail party was hosted overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Haulover Inlet at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour.

Guests enjoyed champagne and caviar while getting intimate with some of Hublot’s most exclusive timepieces and novelties including the $527,000 Integrated Tourbillon Full Blue Saphire, the Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon, the Square Bang Unico Sapphire and Ceramic, the Unico Golf Sky Blue Carbon and other limited edition timepieces such as the Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium. The invite only event was attended by business leaders, watch collectors and influencers such as real estate developers Michael Konig of One Thousand Group, architect and designer Denio Madera, Marc Chasin of Eden Multifamily, Cullen Mahoney of Continuum Company, the newly minted President of Hublot North America, Natacha Lamour-Nahim, and was hosted by Demetri Demascus and Katya Demina of PROFILEmiami with Thierry Richard of Hublot’s Bal Harbour Boutique.

With Hublot’s Novelties collection the watch brand is taking a step to showing the industry that they are among the highest quality brands and manufacturers who produce their own materials and movements. In its 1.5 million square foot manufacturing facility on Lake Geneva in Switzerland, Hublot is constantly pushing the boundaries of horological innovation.

Hublot operates by the “be the first, be unique, be different” philosophy which has enabled Hublot to gain a remarkable reputation for excellence in the space of just a few decades in the fiercely competitive high-quality timepiece market. The focus is embodied in the art of fusion that Hublot has constantly advanced since 1980, when it designed its first watch combining natural rubber and gold. In 2004, the brand made this art of fusion the cornerstone of a founding spirit, expressed in infinite variations with a blend of traditional watchmaking savoir-faire, cutting-edge technologies and unexpected materials. In 2005, the Big Bang collection, a chronograph with an elegant, contemporary design, enjoyed resounding international success.

At the 2022 edition of Watches & Wonders, Hublot created a stir by unveiling a new square-shaped watch design inspired by the iconic Big Bang. True to form, Hublot took the opportunity to demonstrate its technical expertise. The specific features that contributed to the Big Bang Unico’s popularity were reinterpreted in this new format, including the case’s sandwich-like construction and the use of high-tech materials.

One year later, Hublot has taken the model back to the drawing board, this time exhibiting the Maison’s exceptional skills through the use of sapphire with the exclusive Square Bang Unico Sapphire, offered in a limited run of 250 pieces. Despite the two-fold challenge of its square format and the case’s multi-layered sapphire construction, Hublot’s engineers have successfully ensured that this timepiece is water-resistant to a depth of 5 ATM. The watches were on display at the Hublot X PROFILEmiami Watches & Wonders event.

In March 2023 Hublot also debuted the MP-13, a new 100% Hublot manufactured complication bringing together for the first time a Double-Axis Tourbillon and Dual Retrograde Display complications. To further enhance its magic, Hublot has crafted a tourbillon with two refined attributes: it is skeletonized and suspended. This architectural design grants the tourbillon a weightlessness that more traditional versions lack. The watch was also on display at the Hublot X PROFILEmiami ‘Watches & Wonders’ event.

Images by Bryson G Visuals, Hublot and PROFILEmiami