To many, Miami means sizzling night life, steamy sunny weather and the world-famous South Beach that regularly transforms itself into a playground for the stars.

By Scott Kauffman

But there’s much more to Miami than this sexy beach scene where the fashion world, artists, hoteliers and developers convene to constantly redefine pop culture and hip lifestyles. Elsewhere along Miami’s coastline, there are luxury communities that offer lifestyles equally as exquisite. Such hot spots include Bal Harbor, home to the new St. Regis Resort and dozens of designer shops, or Sunny Isles, where Donald Trump’s name adorns luxe residential resort projects. The common denominator linking one end of Miami to the other is the precious stretch of coastline that, according to Miami-area real estate broker Roger Gupta, is what results in the area’s continued high demand.

“The beach is the beach, and people come from all over the world for it,” says Gupta, a broker with Providian Realty specializing in oceanfront luxury condos. “Unless the Dow (Jones Industrial Average) falls below 10,000 points and the whole country falls apart, this part of the market—especially the ultra-luxury properties—will continue to stay strong.”

Following is a sampling of new waterfront properties that will satisfy even the most discriminating Miami buyer.

Gansevoort South Hotel, Spa, Residences
One of the more stylish new places to live and play on Collins Avenue is The Residences at Gansevoort South, with its 259 luxurious oceanfront condominiums and 600 feet of beachfront property.

Among the benefits being offered to Gansevoort South condo owners is a private entrance and lobby designed by award-winning interior designer Steven G. Residents also enjoy access to an expansive multi-level outdoor playground created by award-winning Nikki Beach designer Stephane Dupoux.

The plaza’s centerpiece is its inviting infinity-edged, oceanview pool trimmed with Bisazza glass, and nestled within a sprawling deck and dining oasis. Amenities also include the 42,000-square-foot flagship David Barton Gym and Spa, gourmet dining by renowned New York imports STK and Philippe Chow, an exclusive lounge by The Opium Group, and a full city block’s worth of luxury boutiques.

Condominium resident members also can enjoy Gansevoort South’s 110-foot rooftop ocean view swimming pool; access to Plunge, the rooftop bar and lounge; and the oceanfront beach club designed by Stephane Dupoux. Each of The Residences at Gansevoort South offers unparalleled views of the ocean, the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Studio- to four-bedroom units feature marble-tiled bathrooms with Watermark fixtures, kitchens with Wolf and SubZero appliances, European cabinets, marble floors and granite counter tops. Most units enjoy floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to expansive glass-trimmed terraces. Prices start at $675,000.

305.604.1000
www.gansevoortsouth.com

Marquis Miami
Marquis Miami is another project that has all the makings to redefine Miami. At 67 stories, it will be the second-tallest building in Miami when completed next spring. Centrally located at the nexus of the art, design, and cultural districts on Biscayne Boulevard, Marquis features 306 residences and a boutique hotel and spa operated by RockResorts.

Striking architecture by Arquitectonica, original artwork on display throughout and opportunities to engage in the rich arts and culture of Miami further distinguish Marquis. In addition to the 306 residences, the 56-key luxury hotel features a world-class signature spa and fitness center that will span 10,000 square feet on two levels, as well as bars and restaurants, all open to residents of Marquis.

Additional services and amenities include smart building technology and a view-commanding sky pool deck with a sunrise lap pool and lagoon-style sunset pool. Each home is directly accessed via private high-speed elevators and will be outfitted with gourmet kitchens featuring all Viking appliances, spacious master baths with Duravit and KWC fixtures, oversized private balconies and 10-foot ceilings.

Prices range from $1 million to $15 million-plus.

305.571.4000
www.emporis.com

Kallisto
One of South Beach’s newest buzzworthy neighbors is this 19-story condominium, scheduled to break ground by year’s end. Developed by Boston-based Congress Group, the intimate, 10-unit oceanfront project is located in the prestigious SoFi (South of Fifth) district, the quieter and more elegant enclave within South Beach just steps away from the chic shops, award-winning restaurants and acclaimed nightlife of the neighboring Art Deco District.

The unique, flow-through floor plans include eight single-floor residences spanning 4,407 square feet with terrace, and two duplex penthouses totaling 5,996 square feet with terrace. The largest unit offers 7,963 square feet with a terrace, a private swim spa and outdoor bar.

The homes, priced from $4.9 million to $13.5 million, are each accessible via private elevator and flaunt floor-to-ceiling windows with wraparound terraces offering 360-degree ocean and city views. Additional selling points include personal exercise rooms; imported custom-wood Italian kitchens; midnight kitchens in master suite; well-appointed marble master baths and glass-enclosed showers with overhead rainfall shower heads.

Among the exclusive amenities being offered to residents is a sixth-floor sunset deck with an infinity pool, spa, bar and lounge area with ocean and city views.

305.673.0210
www.kallistooceandrive.com

Cipriani Ocean Resort and Club Residences, South Beach
For those seeking the ultimate luxury in everyday life, famed entrepreneur Giuseppe Cipriani, The Patrinely Group LLC, Miami Real Estate Developer Ugo Colombo and Flavio Briatore believe this South Beach development is the answer.

Formerly the Miami Landmark Saxony Hotel, the property’s interior is currently being demolished and renovated with construction of the new residential tower scheduled to begin in early ’09. During the construction period, guests can enjoy Bellinis while touring model suites at the Cipriani Ocean Resort and Club Residences sales and design lounge on Collins Avenue.

This impressive project incorporates 209 hotel suites and 65 club residences sited on 600 feet of pristine beachfront, in addition to a spa, fitness center, outdoor bar and grill, beach cabana food and beverage service, three swimming pools, a grand ballroom, and a signature Cipriani restaurant.

The project site for the Cipriani Ocean Resort and Club Residences may be familiar to the Hollywood set; in the 1950s it was not uncommon to see Marilyn Monroe and Howard Hughes lounging by the pool of the Saxony. Thus, the mystique and glamour of that era lives once again in the new property.

“I have searched for years to identify the ideal opportunity in South Beach and am thrilled to be part of this outstanding venture,” says Cipriani, who has already enjoyed domestic success with the fully furnished and fully serviced Cipriani Club Residences at 55 Wall Street in New York City.

Well-respected Florentine architect Michele Bonan has designed Cipriani’s luxurious spaces and CMC’s Grovenor House in Coconut Grove. The same talent responsible for the look of several Ferragamo-owned hotels and yachts and the sleek rooms at Capri’s J.K. Place now applies a chic, nautical aesthetic to these classic suites inspired by architect David Hicks, Camelot and Bill Blass.

“Europeans and others looking for an alternative to their first or second metropolitan homes have been especially drawn to the project,” says Cipriani.

The Club Residences range from 1,000 square feet to the 10,600-square-foot penthouse. In addition, two ultra-exclusive 3,000-square-foot private town-homes are for sale on the property. Pricing for the Cipriani Club Residences ranges from $1 million to $33 million.

888.233.8700
www.ciprianimiami.com

St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour
This is one of the more celebrated and priciest developments in Miami. A partnership between Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Jorge Perez of the Related Group, this luxury hotel-anchored project features 268 private residences, 37 condo-hotel suites, 183 hotel rooms and 24 St. Regis Residence Club residences.

Located on nine prime acres in the heart of Bal Harbor across from the swanky Bal Harbor mall, the project’s trio of all-glass towers is slated to be completed in 2011.

“This is one of the most significant development projects in Florida,” says Sergio Rivera, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Real Estate division. “The end result will be one of the most luxurious mixed-use projects in the world featuring fractional ownership, whole ownership and five-star hotel accommodations.”

The St. Regis Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour is located on the former site of the historic Sheraton Bal Harbour, which was imploded late last year. Upon completion, owners and guests will revel in the 1,000 feet of beachfront and nine acres of lushly landscaped gardens.

Special features will include fine-dining restaurants, childcare, private poolside cabanas and beach services, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 12,000-square-foot RemèdeSM Spa. The pièce de résistance is the world-renowned St. Regis Butler, who will be equipped with wireless handheld devices, allowing guests and residents to e-mail any request directly to their dedicated butler.

The residential units will be pre-wired for smart technology, and will boast European-style kitchens and 11-foot wide, all-glass balconies with ocean and bay views. Condo-hotel suites will be delivered fully furnished with private owners’ closets, expansive balconies, WiFi access and flat panel televisions. The Residence Towers will have its own private lobby entrance, security, valet and covered parking.

With the luxury residences selling at a rate as high as $3,000 per square foot, this project is easily on par with the priciest real estate in America. Limited availability remains.

888.278.0056
www.stregisbalharbor.com

Island Gardens
Located on Watson Island in Biscayne Bay on 10-plus acres of previously undeveloped land, Island Gardens is one of the more ambitious mixed-use developments to break ground this year. Located minutes from both the beach and downtown, Island Gardens is a $600 million joint venture between ING Clarion Partners, LLC, and Flagstone Property Group.

When completed in 2010, the development will offer unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The project will include a 43-story building featuring the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, Miami and fractional ownership luxury homes perched atop the hotel, known as The Residences at Island Gardens.

The Shangri-La Hotel, Miami will feature 150 guestrooms, suites and poolside villas offering floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive terraces, and around-the-clock butler services. The Residences at Island Gardens will be surrounded by a spectacular botanical garden.

The project will also have a second 29-story hotel, and the Super-Yacht Harbour exclusively designed to accommodate mega-yachts up to 300-plus feet in length. Other planned features are The Spa at Shangri-La, and a host of high-end retail and restaurants located along a waterfront promenade. A 50-slip harbour will accommodate mega-yachts ranging from 80 feet to over 300 feet in length, while a landscaped promenade will extend along the entire sea wall. There will be 221,000 square feet of retail and dining space, with indoor and outdoor seating for more than 2,000 guests.

The fractional residences will range in price from $215,000 to $805,000 per share.

“With an idyllic waterfront location, the world’s largest yachts in its harbor, world-renowned Shangri-La resort services and amenities and a variety of leisure, shopping and dining experiences, Island Gardens will elevate Miami’s status as a prime destination for travelers, residents and yachting aficionados,” says Mehmet Bayraktar, Chairman and CEO of Miami-based Flagstone Property Group.

Adds Edward M. Rotter, ING Clarion’s Managing Director: “With its potential to transform the Miami Skyline, we expect the complex to become one of the premier addresses in the city”

888.288.8809
www.islandgardens.com