"Why book? A slice of the Italian Riviera in Coconut Grove, this boutique stunner feels like vacationing on an elegant yacht, complete with a rooftop pool and swanky restaurant. Set the scene A refreshing alternative to the sometimes-frenetic atmosphere of South Beach and Brickell, staying at this nautical-inspired hotel operated by the famed Cipriani hospitality clan is like walking on to the posh blue-and-white accented confines of an Italian ocean liner. The boutique hotel’s facade is made up of porthole windows and sail-like tarps separate each balcony, a nod to Coconut Grove’s sailboat culture and the town’s marina nearby. The intimate lobby is outfitted with nautical, vintage-inspired details from the plush velvet seating to a lacquered wood desk like you'd find on a sailboat. A midcentury modern-style rounded bar that leads out to a tranquil courtyard and there’s a charming coffee shop on the ground floor. A rooftop pool deck overlooking Biscayne Bay offers loungers and cabanas for sunbathing while the in-house Bellini restaurant offers coastal Italian fare. The backstory The hotel opened in 2020 (adding to the brand’s outposts in Beverly Hills and New York City) and is headed by the famed Cipriani family with brothers Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani spearheading this hospitality venture. Local architecture firm Arquitectonica designed the building taking inspiration from the the pier-like Stiltsville structures located off the Florida Cape and incorporating nautical elements inspired by the Cipriani family’s native Venice. The rooms Each of the hotel’s 100 rooms features a private balcony, some with views of the bay (the higher the floor, the better the view). Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the rooms have a polished flair with glossy walnut wood furniture, bright blue-tiled walk-in showers and toiletries custom-made in Italy for the hotel brand. While not especially large, the rooms have a plush feel with lots of blue and beige color schemes and tufted leather headboards giving the environs a luxe feel. Food and drink There are two dining outlets on property; the chic Bellini located on the rooftop and the more casual Il Giardino, serving coffee, pastries and lighter breakfast fare. The main attraction is definitely Bellini, with an inviting outdoor terrace featuring views of the bay and marina and waiters clad in white tuxedo jackets and black bowties. The namesake cocktail—a combination of Prosecco and white peach puree invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1948—is a must-order, as are the fresh pastas and beautifully-composed dishes of langoustine carpaccio and veal scallopine. A daily breakfast offers Italian-inspired brunch items like steak tartare with quail egg & shaved black truffle Eggs Benedict Florentine. The spa Those looking for a bit of pampering can book face and body treatment appointments in the “wellness suite” of the in-house BeAtala operator. The nearby Sana Skin Studio in Coconut Grove also offers customized facials using clean beauty products. The neighborhood/area Just 20 minutes from South Beach but a world away, Coconut Grove has been undergoing a renaissance the last five years with an infusion of new businesses, restaurants and shops giving what once dismissed as a passe neighborhood an invigorated appeal. There’s plenty of “Old Miami” history like the historic Barnacle House, built in 1891 and which is now a state park, and is the oldest house in its original location in Miami-Dade County—just steps from all kinds of contemporary additions to the neighborhood like sleek omakase restaurants and fancy boutiques. The neighborhood is also perfect for families with plenty of parks and playgrounds sprinkled throughout its winding streets. And though the bar scene used to attract hard-partying college students, the influx of chef-driven restaurants has upped the culinary scene here and, with the addition of several Michelin-starred restaurants, has become a food destination. The hotel is located down the street from the Cocowalk outdoor mall and a five-minute walk to stores like Love Shack Fancy and Panther Coffee. The service The front desk here keeps a constant eye on who’s arriving and what they need, and all guests are treated to a complimentary bellini at check-in, a nod to the Italian rooftop restaurant upstairs of the same name. For families The hotel is a better fit for couples and single travelers but families will be fine with suites with pull-out couches or adjoining rooms. Accessibility Yes Anything left to mention? While the hotel is not located on or near a beach, the white sand beaches of South Beach are a short drive away and the hotel has arranged for access to beach rentals there—each room is allotted two complimentary beach chairs and towels." - Sara Liss
