It’s a straightforward cocktail. Solely prosecco and peach purée. Nevertheless, that basic beverage concocted 80 years ago at Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy marked the start of something extraordinary. The heritage of that modest drink is Cipriani’s, a label at the summit of Italian warmth, exquisite lifestyle, and upscale dining affairs. Fast-forward to nowadays and led by the fourth generation, this Italian royal dynasty of the culinary craft has branched out into hotels and residences with the Mr. C hotel brand like the one situated in Miami’s Coconut Grove.
La Dolce Vita embodies the essence of living well and being content. It’s an Italian mentality that emphasizes not always pursuing the latest trends but rather creating things with longevity and savoring pleasures. One could infer that the Cipriani clan are innovators who have melded the spirit of la dolce vita into the experiences they offer their visitors and the Mr C Miami Coconut Grove is a prime testament to that.
Miami is a city where modern trends emerge and where passing fads take hold and fade. Right in the heart of Miami, roughly thirty minutes from South Beach, emerges a timeless gem in the making, the Mr C Miami Coconut Grove. In lieu of a typical Miami hotel with a foreseeable design of overly bright white aesthetics and sheer drapes, you’ll encounter a lodging that exudes immensely fashionable European allure with a lavish color range of coral blues, refined mahogany furnishings, and delicate hints of Art Deco elements intertwined with the design attributes reminiscent of 1940s ocean liners. Rather than electronic and chill-out tunes, the musical ambience is crafted to soothe guests with classic melodies from Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, the Girl from Ipanema, and a selection of other bossa nova hits.
Upon your stay in the hotel, you will sense a palpable positive vibe fostered by the atmosphere and setting. Mr. C is prominently set in Miami’s Coconut Grove district, but what the hotel has accomplished is a remarkable ability to transport their guests to another setting – Capri to be precise. La Dolce Vita pervades the sojourn, from the complimentary Bellini handed to guests upon check-in to the vintage Italian grandeur in the shared spaces, eateries, lodgings, and most significantly, the ambiance of the hotel. Molto bene Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove, splendidly executed.
A Tradition of Refined Hospitality
As previously noted, the Bellini is an apéritif conceived by Giuseppe Cipriani at Harry’s Bar in the 1940s. Little did he know then the significance of that libation and the legacy it would spawn four generations later. Presently, Cipriani stands as a revered hospitality brand with lounges, diners, and now lodgings and estates in locations across the globe. Maggio and Ignazio Cipriani are the fourth generation to impart their imprint on the family’s hospitable brand with the establishment of the Mr. C chain of hotels, present in jet-set arenas from Los Angeles to Dubai. For those desiring to integrate the Mr. C lifestyle as a lasting fixture, the firm boasts several real estate ventures where patrons can procure a Mr. C Residence in Dubai, Miami, or Beverly Hills.
Coconut Grove, Reinvigoration of a Miami Hub
Similar to New York, London, or Paris, Miami is a conglomeration of several smaller communities each possessing its individual character and distinct features. In bygone eras, Coconut Grove stood as one of Miami’s trendiest locations and is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Familiarly known as The Grove, this region is renowned for its tree-lined avenues and laid-back bohemian ambiance. Mr. C is situated in close proximity to the neighborhood’s exclusive designer boutiques, art galleries, sidewalk cafés, and the CocoWalk, an al fresco shopping center that features a cinema, stores, and eateries.
Travelers will be enticed to visit the neighboring Barnacle Historic State Park, Peacock Park, or the Bayside Park boasting a waterside promenade and stunning panoramas of the bay and moored vessels. The hotel is ideally positioned to explore the surroundings while affording vistas of the Coconut Grove skyline and the mosaic of boats peppering Biscayne Bay.
Exemplary Italian Flair
At first glance, the hotel resembles an antique Italian luxury liner with a white concrete frontage, sizeable circular windows akin to portholes, as well as glistening chrome and wire railings. Beyond the influence of a mid-20th century grand vessel, the distinct architectural scheme draws inspiration from a region in Biscayne Bay known as Stiltsville, where houses from a century ago were erected on stilts above the water. As you enter, the principal portion of the hotel is elevated almost resembling stilts, creating a breezy walkway and portico that imparts an open and airy ambiance to the hotel. An al fresco lounge is also present where guests convene for coffee and light repasts.
Upon entering, you’ll immediately absorb the hotel’s Italian flair and sophistication, highlighted by a resplendent Murano chandelier that bathes the lobby’s terrazzo floors in a radiant glow. The maritime-inspired design is perceptible throughout with sleek lacquered wood-paneled walls and evocative images of vessels skimming the Amalfi coast. There is also a lobby lounge with an impeccably dressed barkeep in his coral-hued jacket, ready with a bow tie and an array of exclusive cocktails.
Adjacent is Il Giardino Crêperie, a verdant garden lounge nestled in the outdoor courtyard, teeming with lush tropic plants, string lights, rattan furnishings, and canvas awnings overhead providing shelter from the Miami sun. This retroesque lounge is the venue for their convivial apéritif hour for hotel guests and Coconut Grove dwellers alike.
The hotel’s most striking feature is unveiled with an elevator ascent to the upper level and down a corridor where the view gradually unfolds. Patrons are greeted with unobstructed vistas of the aptly named Sailboat Bay with a marina and boats speckling the horizon. Though separated by several city blocks from the waterfront, from this standpoint, it feels as though you can almost touch it.
The hotel’s layout has been meticulously devised to capitalize on these breathtaking panoramic views. This is where you encounter their highly regarded dining venue, Bellini, where guests relish fine Italian gastronomy on the breezy balcony, adorned with alfresco tables beneath striped blue and white canvas sunshades. Just beyond lies the swimming pool area featuring cabanas and loungers commanding a view of the bay. It is at this juncture that you realize the undeniable parallels with Capri.
The Miami boutique hotel showcases 100 chic and sophisticated rooms and suites spanning four stories. The accommodations exude the ambiance of a top-tier cruise ship cabin with lacquered walnut wood finishes, turquoise and blue leather headboards, nautical-themed lighting fixtures, and photos depicting sailing vessels and regattas along the Italian coast.
Each room boasts plush furnishings, well-appointed bathrooms with rainfall showers, and a private terrace furnished with loungers, offering views of Biscayne Bay. The suites exude luxury, featuring a separate living area with a wet bar, dining nook, and generous living spaces.
One of the hotel’s standout features is the ultra-chic poolside area. Adjacent to the pool are lounge chairs with canvas sunshades facing the panoramic bay views. The poolside bar is situated further back, with an inviting bartender on hand to expertly craft a refreshing libation. There are also private cabanas available for socializing with companions or spending the day lounging poolside, with the option of a lunch service provided by Bellini. Guests may also opt to journey to the beach. Miami Beach is roughly a 30-minute Uber ride away, where Mr. C’s guests enjoy reserved beach access replete with chaise lounges, sun umbrellas, and towels.
Bellini at Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove, Miami’s In-Demand Bistro
Sprung from the pedigree of Cipriani, one can expect nothing less than excellence from the dining experience at Mr. C. Fortunately, Bellini rises to the occasion. The rooftop eatery sprawls across three elegantly appointed arenas, including the balcony, a sheltered patio with floral-patterned seating, and an indoor space featuring banquet seating, all offering panoramic bay views. Prior to dinner, guests are encouraged to enjoy a pre-dinner libation at the bar, tended to by smartly attired mixologists in their iconic peach-colored jackets and black bowties.
The restaurant bustles with Miami’s stylish and affluent clientele. In a city where the dining landscape is highly competitive, Bellini has carved out a niche and emerged as a sought-after dining locale any day of the week. Patrons will discover amorous couples on intimate dates, groups of friends sharing a meal, and savvy dealmakers treating their clients to a celebratory repast post-deal closure.
The menu showcases Italian and Mediterranean fare with an emphasis on seafood, complemented by a varied selection of meats and global dishes. Noteworthy dishes include their Baked Truffle Polenta featuring stracchino and mushrooms, as well as their Fritto Misto consisting of lightly fried shrimp, langoustine, cuttlefish, and branzino. Additional must-try items include the Tagliolini with red shrimp, zucchini, and cherry tomato, or the grilled lamb chops served with carrot purée.
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Amidst the plethora of lodging options in Miami, only one among them exudes this caliber of Italian charm, refined elegance, and European sophistication while effortlessly capturing the essence of Italy’s iconic coastal style. Coupled with the luxury liner-inspired architecture, the exquisite culinary offerings, and the enchanting Mediterranean ambiance, a stay at Mr. C assures to enchant even the most discerning of travelers.
The adage holds true that while trends may ebb and flow, style persists. Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Miami hospitality scene, showcasing a distinct sense of flair and elegance that only the Cipriani family could achieve.
Image Source: Happy Euro Anime
