My oh my, Miami..Where to even dare begin..Think Las Vegas strip meets Malibu Beach. The glitz, the glamour, the limitless high-rises juxtaposed with glistening turquoise blue waves gracefully crashing against the sparkling white sand – that’s Miami in a quintessential nutshell for you.
I had the opportunity to experience Miami’s exploding downtown district Brickell City Centre and boy, was I in for a real treat. The luxurious endeavor mapped out the best of the best for food, spirits, and real estate. Brickell City Centre is essentially a mini city within a major city where world-class dining and high-fashion unite as one alongside spectacular views of the ever-changing skyline. This newly opened architectural masterpiece is evolving not only the urban landscape of Miami but the lifestyle and heart of it as well.
Brickell City Centre is destined to become one of the country’s most visited lifestyle destination. In fact, the city of Miami has extended public transportation until 2 am to support the late night dining at BCC due to its growing business and growing frontier. Miami’s downtown is transforming and reimagining itself as a new urban core, which has doubled in population in the last decade. However, BCC is more than simply a destination, it is a pure all-encompassing experience.
Situated on top of Brickell City Centre, centrally located within a 15 minute drive from the Miami International Airport, and conveniently connected to popular districts such as South Beach, Wynnwood Art District, and Little Havana, EAST, Miami is Swire Hotels’ very first establishment that has migrated into North America, following the openings of EAST in Beijing and Hong Kong. Designed by celebrated Miami-based architects, Arquitectonica, with interiors created by New York’s Clodagh Design and signature restaurants including, Quinto La Huella and Pubbelly in addition to one of America’s best rooftop bars, Sugar, designed by Los Angeles-based Studio Collective. As soon as I entered the room, I was blown away by panoramic views of the city and ocean with spotless floor-to-ceiling windows complemented by a rustic yet modern interior.
EAST, Miami exudes style and luxury as the ultimate vision behind the design is to allocate a truly welcoming experience for all, while incorporating the local spirit and flair of Miami. Feng Shui, bio geometry, radiesthesia, and crystal healing methods are utilized throughout the hotel to balance and harmonize the flow of energy. Its renowned Uruguayan restaurant, Quinto La Huella focuses on juicy, tender grilled meats for the carnivorous lovers out there. and offers a unique fire cooking method with a wood parrilla centered at the heart of the kitchen and includes a wood fire oven and outdoor dining experience. Pubbelly is an exposed-brick gastropub and social spot featuring tapas of of Asian-fusion, noodles and sushi carefully paired with craft beer and wine and also popular for brunch. Ballin on no budget? Head over to Zuma Miami, the hip Japanese hot spot overlooking the picturesque Miami River that defines opulence. Zuma’s menu of authentic, bold flavors embodies “izakaya style” which means that dishes are formulated to be shared at the table or enjoyed individually.
What could be sweeter than all of these incredible offerings at EAST and BCC? Sugar. Nope, not sucrose. Sugar, one of America’s best rated rooftops which is located on the 40th floor of the hotel, overlooking all of downtown Miami. It serves as an untraditional hideaway embodied with lush jungle-like greenery. Inspired by Chinese and Hong Kong roots, Sugar carries an Asian-influenced restaurant and bar experience to the heart of Miami’s Brickell district. Its menu intertwines a variety of culinary heritages and presents authentic Asian flavors, signature cocktails, and heartwarming family style service. A mix of beats curated by a plethora of local and international DJs create a fun and dynamic yet relaxed atmosphere, accentuated by views of the Miami that you won’t see anywhere else. Can’t get sweeter than that.
Flourishing with constant growing opportunities for new design concepts, start-ups and the tech industry, fashion and lifestyle brands, as well as new F&B and hospitality ideations, Brickell City Centre provides a unique lifestyle where style and hospitality sync as one universe. Whether you want to dine, drink, or shop, you will find over 100 global and local retail brands and food and beverage establishments in this “Miami mecca,” creating a highly valuable retail, community-driven, yet global hot spot.