Greater Miami CVB showcases new developments

The sights and sounds of Miami were in the spotlight this week, as the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and a selection of its partners showcased new developments for the destination.

According to Jennifer Diaz, associate VP – media relations and promotions for the Greater Miami CVB, the biggest milestone for the city in 2015 is just around the corner, as Miami Beach prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary on March 25. Celebrations will begin on March 22, Diaz said, when the city kicks off a 100-hour party culminating on the anniversary date, with performances by stars including Andrea Bocceli and Gloria Estefan. A number of new projects in Miami are also currently underway near the Miami World Centre, said Diaz. Those include The Mall at Miami World Centre, a new 765,000 square foot shopping and dining development; and the Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre, which will feature over 600,000 square feet of convention space and 1,400 luxury hotel rooms.

The following partners were on hand at the event, showcasing new developments in the Greater Miami Area:

Eden Roc Miami Beach

The iconic hotel, known for attracting celebrities including members of the Rat Pack, will welcome another high profile guest this year – Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who will bring his Nobu dining and hotel concepts to the property, said Alison McDermott, Eden Roc’s director of marketing and public relations. The new restaurant is scheduled to open in August, with the Nobu Hotel – a separate experience from the main Eden Roc concept, encompassing 206 of Eden Roc’s 600 rooms – expected to welcome its first guests in December. McDermott said that Nobu-inspired treatments will also be featured in Eden Roc’s 22,000 square-foot spa facility.

City of Homestead/Tropical Everglades Visitors Association

With the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks on either side, the city of Homestead lies just south of Miami and acts as a “gateway to the Florida Keys,” as described by spokesperson Ira Hudson. The community also boasts Florida’s southernmost winery – Schnebly Winery and Brewery – which specializes in fruit-based wines, part of the region’s growing agri-tourism market, Hudson added. For those travellers looking for some excitement, Homestead boasts opportunities for activities including diving, airboat excursions and is home to the Homestead-Miami Speedway, where NASCAR fans can take in championship racing each November.

1 Hotel South Beach

A new accommodation concept founded by former Starwood CEO Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotel will debut in Miami’s South Beach community with a combination of luxury and environmental sustainability. 1 Hotel spokesperson David Semanoff said that the 425-room property will include such features as sustainable and reclaimed products – including art installations constructed from products like old TV sets – and green walls where plants become part of the decor. Renowned Chef Tom Collichio will bring his dining concepts to the property, including the lobby bar and the Beach Craft restaurant.

Sunny Isles Beach Tourism & Marketing Council

Located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the community of Sunny Isles offers tourists a wide range of accommodations in a small area. According to Ibis Romero, executive director for the Sunny Isles Beach Tourism & Marketing Council, the community’s ten hotels – all on the waterfront – can be visited during a short walk, with properties ranging from two- to five-star and including a variety of brands, such as Acqualina, Doubletree, Sole, Newport and Trump International. Sunny Isles also features the only fishing pier in Miami, and anglers can have their catch prepared at the nearby Beach Bar Restaurant, Romero said.

Miami Boutique Hotels

Established in 2000, the Miami Boutique Hotels program encompasses 100 of the city’s most unique accommodations, offering guests “a certain something” that can’t be found elsewhere, according to Esther Molina, manager of the boutique hotels program. With the average property featuring 100 rooms, Molina said that the hotels in the program range from less than 20 rooms to 300.

Trump National Doral Miami

The site of several annual PGA golf tournaments, the Trump National Doral Miami will officially mark the completion of its three-year $250 million renovation at the World Golf Championships, taking place March 4 to 8. According to spokesperson Paula Gomez, the 643-room property never closed during the renovation, a project in which the Trump family was heavily involved, described by Gomez as a passion project for the real estate mogul. In keeping with the golf theme, the property features eight villas, each named after a renowned golfer, including Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, the most recent addition.