HOTEL HAPPENINGS

Loews Miami Beach Hotel recently completed the transformation of its 28,000 square foot Americana Ballroom and 17,500 square feet of additional indoor function space. The beloved South Beach hotel – renowned for superior meeting and convention services – now offers newly enhanced ballroom, pre-function and meeting space reflecting the glamour of Miami Beach, as well as the organic nature of the surrounding seascape.  Helmed by the acclaimed Simeone Deary Design Group, traditional Florida references of palms and tropical flourishes have transitioned to a classic black and white color palette, modernizing the meeting space and serving as a timeless backdrop. To complete the transformation, the ballroom and its pre-function space is now home to a highly curated selection of artwork by New York art consultant Indie Walls.  The gallery-like collection of more than 40 multi-medium pieces includes original paintings, photographs and high gloss acrylic panels, in addition to three-dimensional sculpture and multi-media collage. For more information visit: www.LoewsHotels.com/Miami-Beach

Marseilles Hotel South Beach, located on 1741 Collins Avenue, is unveiling its multi-year, ten million dollar renovation of its historic property with a tropical oasis poolscape guaranteed to bring a whole new look and feel to the Art Deco gem. Visitors will get an instant sense of escape and total immersion into the South Beach way of life.

Completed in Summer 2015, the new aqua playground includes a complete remodeling of the 1,600 square foot heated pool and the addition of a 333 square foot dipping pool. Guests can get a bird's eye view of the surrounding paradise and wide sandy beach from a high-flying, 18' tall nest swing, which comfortably seats four. A third rectangular pool showcases floating platform beds for the adjacent four private bungalows. Surrounding tropical foliage was created by landscape architect Matthew D. Bukolt of Kimley-Hom, one of the country's premier design consulting firms. The secluded area includes native Silver Buttonwood trees and Coconut Palms that complement the Brazilian Walnut sun decks. Poolside cocktail bar and Jacuzzi overlook the Atlantic Ocean and private beach access trails.  Marseilles Hotel also renovated 112 guestrooms, including five oceanfront deluxe rooms and eight junior suites. Each room features double or king beds with 300 thread count sheets, satellite flat screen TVs, modern interior design and wireless internet access. Other amenities include M Bar, an inviting lobby bar and lounge, in-room service, 2,072 square foot of ocean facing, meeting space and more than 12,000 sq. ft. of banquet facilities. For more information visit: www.MarseillesHotel.com

 Vintro Hotel + Kitchen, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, will begin construction of its new wing in late Summer/early Fall 2015.   Vintro Hotel + Kitchen recently opened the doors to its first boutique hotel in Miami Beach, two blocks west of Collins Avenue and the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.  Tucked behind the Bass Museum of Art and the Miami City Ballet, Vintro Hotel + Kitchen fills its space with Pop Art and Art Deco works, a library lounge in the lobby and live music that transports guests to the iconic Park Avenue days of luxury, glamour, exuberance, design and style.  The new property will be located next to Vintro Hotel + Kitchen on Park Avenue in Miami Beach and will include 45 rooms, a spa and exercise room, plus other hotel amenities. Vintro Hotel + Kitchen is located at 2216 Park Avenue, the crossroads of Park Avenue and the newly renovated Collins Canal that connects guests to Biscayne Bay, Indian Creek and Lake Pancoast. Winner of TripAdvisor's 2015 Travelers' Choice Award and the 2015 Historic Preservation Award by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, the pop art-laden property offers 50 deluxe rooms and suites, a 1,450 sq. ft. rooftop terrace and infinity pool, Mediterranean inspired restaurant and craft cocktail bar in lobby. For more information visit: www.VintroHotels.com

YVE Hotel, a Destination Hotel designed for the modern and savvy traveler, added more than 2,000 square feet of meeting space.  The new Bayfront Meeting Space, adjacent to YVE's existing 1,000 square feet of meeting space, expanded the available capacity for meetings to 3,000 square feet of flexible and functional meeting space with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. YVE Hotel Miami is a new brand concept that caters to the smart, young and sophisticated traveler. The hotel provides guests with a strong destination experience that is permeated throughout their stay. Creative and compelling, the hotel is designed to cater as much to the domestic traveler as to the international, offering equal parts of vibrant Miami spice and thoughtful touches and amenities that make a foreigner feel at home. Modern amenities, artistic expression and surprising culinary offerings are staples of the YVE Hotel Miami brand. For more information visit: www.YveHotelMiami.com

Lapis, the luxurious retreat at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, enhances its spa menu with new, Ayurveda treatments, inspired by unique Indian traditions. These services enrich guests' well-being and reduce physical discomfort as they help rid the body of toxins and transport the body back into balance. Merging the comforts of western sophistication with the practice and ritual of eastern treatments, the Ayurvedic Rituals menu will feature four new treatments which all complement one another. Ayurveda, meaning life and knowledge in Sanskrit, is one of the world's oldest, natural sciences and whole body healing systems that is practiced by millions as a way of life in India. The new treatments, including the Abhyanga Massage, Arundhati Five Star Treatment, Shirodahra Zekhara Ritual, and Avar Na Body Wraps, follow these unique traditions that are based on a belief that wellness and health are a delicate balance between the mind, spirit and body. The new treatments follow the body's intuition, the oils used reflect different needs, and the scent guests' bodies respond to is the oil used during the service. The three oils and herbs, which stimulate relaxation, rejuvenation and detoxification are made up of various mixtures of essential oils and extracts. The Relaxing oil, used for grounding and centering, contains a mixture of jasmine and vetiver, the Reviving oil, used for stimulating and energizing, contains a mixture of juniper berry and bitter orange, and the Destressing oil, used for soothing, calming and cooling, contains a mixture of sandalwood, lavender and geranium. All oils are pH balanced, PETA approved, antibacterial, antifungal and are free of parabens, alcohol and chemicals. For more information: www.Fontainebleau.com

COOL CUISINE AND NIGHT LIFE

Concrete Beach Brewery's Social Hall in Wynwood opens on Thursday, May 21, 2015. Converted from an old warehouse in what's fast-becoming Miami's own brewers' row, the Social Hall is the gathering place for people to enjoy and learn about craft beer while celebrating Miami's culture.The focal point of the Social Hall is its circular, indoor/outdoor bar with communal tables and capacity for approximately 149 guests. The Social Hall will also host a full roster of events, including live entertainment and beer education nights. The Social Hall will be home to an ever-rotating selection of Concrete Beach beers to suit all tastes, including unique styles only available at the brewery. In addition, Rica, a well-balanced, rich wheat ale, and Stiltsville, a Miami-style Pilsner with citrus and tropical fruit notes, will be available year-round. Attached to the Social Hall is a state-of-the-art, two-story brewery, which features a twenty-barrel brew house and onsite quality control lab. Two special tanks will be set aside for smaller, experimental batches and seasonal varieties. The brewery and Social Hall total over 11,000 square feet. Concrete Beach's Social Hall will be open: Thursday, 5PM-10PM; Friday, 6PM-12AM; Saturday, 12PM-12AM; Sunday, 12PM-10PM. Days and hours will expand throughout the summer. Free tours of the brewery will be provided on Thursday and Friday at 6PM and on Saturday and Sunday at noon, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM. Concrete Beach is an artisanal craft beer brewery located in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District. Its mission is to provide great tasting craft beer inspired by the culture and flavors of Miami, all while supporting the community and arts organizations in the neighborhoods they serve. Concrete Beach is located at 325 N.W. 24 Street, Miami, Florida. For more information visit: www.ConcreteBeachBrewery.com

BTW, the newest concept from Miami-based 50 Eggs, Inc. and CEO John Kunkel, is a laid back neighborhood joint featuring nods to America's love for burgers, taco and whiskey depicted through vintage imagery throughout the space. The architectural details are raw and rustic, using reclaimed woods and worn metals, creating a casual, comfortable vibe. The space comprises an open kitchen and bar, connected by an open-air courtyard.  BTW is open at 11 everyday, closing on Sundays at 10pm, Mon-Thu at 11pm, Fri-Sat at 2am. For more information visit: www.BurgerTacoWhiskey.com

Spend a leisurely afternoon enchanted by eclectic art and exquisite food in Miami's trendiest and most vibrant neighborhood at the Wynwood Art District Food & Art Tour by Miami Culinary Tours. Dine your way through our favorite local restaurants in one of the largest open-air street art collections in the world! This tour serves up Miami's diverse food scene in conjunction with its cutting-edge contemporary culture, so come join us for a culinary adventure and discover the different cultures behind the food. For more information visit: www.MiamiCulinaryTours.com

Located in the heart of Downtown Miami's Arts & Entertainment District, Fooq's is a restaurant serving “Feel Good Food” in an urban, yet distinctly cozy setting. A concept created by restaurateur David Foulquier, Fooq's brings a new definition to comfort food that sparks the sentiment of feeling right at home. At the helm of the culinary operation is Chef Nicole Votano, who brings her signature style of cooking with love, preparing a selection of home-cooked dishes in the restaurant's exhibition style kitchen. The farm-to-kitchen fare at Fooq's, will feature international menu selections that change seasonally, a daily blue-plate special, and varying specials throughout the week. With its bright and airy interior, the modern vibe at Fooq's will be calm and cool, evoking memories of home. For more information visit: www.FooqsMiami.com

BakeHouse, Menin Hospitality's new local brasserie located in the South of Fifth neighborhood in Miami Beach is slated for fall 2015.  BakeHouse will be a gathering place for friends to enjoy French-inspired food, craft cocktails and casual conversation.  BakeHouse will be serving freshly baked goods and an extensive selection of French cheeses.  It will be open daily for breakfast, brunch, dinner and late night. For more information visit: www.MeninHospitality.com/Eat/

Byblos, which gained immediate success after its Toronto launch, is set to officially open June 2015 at 1535 Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach's hottest dining destination. The 200-seat restaurant is poised to bring diners the vibrant and exciting flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean and quickly become part of Miami's blossoming culinary scene. Executive Chef Stuart Cameron (Nao, Weslodge and Patria), has created dishes that showcase the regionally-specific spices and flavors crafting a menu that will truly be a coastal and cultural mosaic, served family style in a convivial atmosphere. In keeping with Levantine culture, mezze (small plates), will be presented on the menu first with larger dishes following.  The dishes will be shared family style, encouraging guests to enjoy an array of flavors over multiple courses. In addition to a menu of delicious Mediterranean dishes and a creative beverage program, Byblos will feature a progressively designed space created by internationally renowned, award-winning design firm Munge Leung. Adjacent to the dining room and offering a sophisticated nightlife experience, Byblos Lounge brings the style of the Mediterranean to South Beach. After enjoying a late meal or signature cocktail, patrons can experience the cool sounds of the house DJ and relax with friends. For more information visit: www.ByblosMiami.com

9beach Fusion Kitchen & Lounge, a new indoor-outdoor restaurant and lounge from the owner of Israel-based 9beach Group and Gilgamesh Restaurant Lounge and Bar in Camden, London.  Set to open Summer 2015 on Collins Avenue, 9beach Miami will combine design, art and music with classic Mediterranean cuisine in a casual and contemporary setting.  It will be open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night. For more information visit: www.Facebook.com/9BeachMiami

Red Ginger, an Asian concept launched by Menin Hospitality, Red Ginger will be located in the South of Fifth neighborhood in South Beach. Red Ginger will be helmed by former Top Chef Masters contestant Herb Wilson and will offer Asian-inspired, locally influenced cuisine as well as Japanese-sourced items for the sushi program, binchotan charcoal robata and omakase menu. The Asian concept will not only be evident in the cuisine, but in the décor and atmosphere of the restaurant.  With bamboo marble flooring, hand carved wood panels, natural coral walls and an onyx bar, guests will experience Asian influences with a modern twist.  Red Ginger will be located at 736 First Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139.  For more information visit:  www.RedGingerSouthBeach.com

The people behind the renowned Villa Azur, Azur Hospitality Group are launching an all new sister restaurant, Brasserie Azur, in the former Mercadito space in Midtown. The modern yet casual concept designed by François Frossard (who also designed Villa Azur) will be serving an approachable lunch and dinner menu showcasing Mediterranean fare with a French influence in addition to unique culinary stations including a chicken rotisserie, raw bar, and a sprawling wine bar with a communal table. “We are ecstatic to be introducing an innovative concept to the up & coming Midtown neighborhood. Offering an approachable menu in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere,Brasserie Azur will be sure to impact the Miami culinary scene,” says Michael Martin of Azur Hospitality Group. For more information visit: www.BrasserieAzur.com   

J&G Grill at The St. Regis Bal Harbour just launched a special “Catch & Cook” program, where guests can go on a fishing excursion with Chef de Cuisine Dagan Stocks and then enjoy their fresh-caught fish dinner that evening. For those who do not wish to do the fishing trip but still want to enjoy a fresh fish dinner, J&G Grill is hosting a Fresh Fish Night every Wednesday, featuring fish that Chef Dagan Stocks caught that morning. Catch & Cook Fishing Excursion and Dinner: The new Catch & Cook program allows guests to join J&G Grill Chef de Cuisine Dagan Stocks on a half-day fishing excursion into the Atlantic waters where they catch their own fish to prepare dinner that evening. Once back at The St. Regis Bal Harbour, Chef Dagan presents a cooking demonstration with the fresh fish followed by a delicious four-course dinner with wine pairings set in the elegant, yet comfortable J&G Grill. Catch & Cook Fresh Fish Nights – Every Wednesday: Each Wednesday, J&G Grill Chef de Cuisine Dagan Stocks heads out into the Atlantic Ocean and to local fishmongers to bring back the freshest catch of the day, served that evening in classic J&G style. Guests can order from the four-course Catch & Cook tasting menu or a la carte. The first two courses highlight the fish in a cold and hot dish. The main course consists of a simply prepared (grilled, steamed, poached, or sautéed) piece of the most suitable fish from the days catch as well as a selection of J&G grill signature sauces and a side dish from the current dinner menu. Celebrated Pastry Chef Antonio Bachour prepares a signature dessert to finish the meal. The four-course wine pairing is tailored by the sommelier to accentuate each fish course and dessert. Pricing depends on the fish of the day. For more information visit: www.StRegisBalHarbour.com

Located off the historic Chateau Lobby at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, StripSteak by Michael Mina has already drawn raves for its ultra-chic setting and innovative steakhouse cuisine since opening just a few months ago. The restaurant will not introduce a lavish Sunday Brunch, putting a fresh spin on the brunch concept for the legendary hotel.Offered every Sunday for $68 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, guests will be greeted with the restaurant's signature cocktail, the fizzy Bellboy, before indulging in freshly baked breads and pastries, handmade on property daily. Patrons can also choose from three different tiers of bottomless bubbles featuring Laurent Perrier Brut ($70), Laurent Perrier Rosé ($100) or Laurent Perrier 'Grand Siecle' ($250). The feast will continue with choice of appetizer, such as Braised Bacon with tempura oyster, jicama salad and sweet soy glaze and Duck & Ricotta Cavatelli with black trumpet mushrooms, parmesan and butternut squash followed by choice of entrée which will include selections such as American Wagyu Flat Iron Steak, wood grilled and served with a house-made smoked onion steak sauce; Butter Poached Maine Lobster atop toasted sourdough with avocado and hollandaise and Brioche French Toast with salted caramel, maple reduction and toasted oat whipped cream. A variety of savory and sweet indulgences will also be displayed on the bar for limitless enjoyment featuring unlimited seasonal shellfish, Michael Mina's tuna tartare, cured meats and gourmet cheeses as well as dessert options that include artisanal pastries, an array of sweets, fresh fruit and berries and a Greek yogurt parfait bar. À la carte small plates such as Grilled Pencil Asparagus with Poached Egg and Parmesan, Mushroom fricassee with Confit Garlic, Creamed Spinach with Cheddar Bechamel and Charred Broccolini with Lemon and Chili are also available for the table to share for an additional $8 each. For more information visit: www.Fontainebleau.com

Known for its hip vibe and dynamic culinary scene, Michael Mina 74 is raising the bar with the introduction of “Social Hour”. Located in the lobby of the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the small plates and craft cocktail driven restaurant is now serving up specially priced barrel-aged cocktails among other libations with complimentary bites from Chef de Cuisine Thomas Griese nightly, from 6 – 8 p.m. Whether looking for a hot spot to wind down after work or a chic place to welcome the weekend, Michael Mina 74's new “Social Hour” will be offered seven days a week. Showcasing the restaurant's stellar cocktail program, small batch barrel-aged drinks, house-made punches, classic cocktails and wines by the glass are just $8 each; beers on tap are $5 each. A bevy of craft cocktails are on special to quench any thirst including, Pimm's 74 – Patron Silver, Thai basil, pomegranate, lime and ginger beer; In The Air Tonight –10 cane rum, mint, pineapple, sage, lime juice and velvet falernum; Mojito Guarapo – facundo neo, lemongrass, pressed sugarcane and fresh mint and The Goldfinger – Bombay Sapphire East, Hanger One straight and Tempus Fugit Kina L'Avion d'Or. Classics martinis and Manhattans are also available, as well as Qupe Syrah and Leitz Dragonstone Reisling, served by the glass. Beers on tap include Stella Artois Lager, North Coast Scrimshaw and Anchor Steam. Beverage and cocktail selections may vary. In addition to discounted cocktails, Chef Griese – recently named one of Zagat's 30 under 30 – will be whipping up complimentary bites each night to be enjoyed alongside the featured beverages. The fare will vary based on chef's inspiration but will remain true to Michael Mina 74's playful and inventive style, encompassing an array of global influence, balanced flavors and nuances that have made Mina's reputation. For more information visit: www.Fontainebleau.com

ATTRACTION ACTION AND SPECIAL EVENTS

CLEAR, the biometric secure identity platform strengthening security and transforming the travel experience at airports nationwide, launched at Miami International Airport (MIA) in May 2015. CLEAR members at MIA will gain access to separate security lanes after a simple identity verification using cutting edge biometric technology (fingerprint or iris scan), ensuring a fast and predictable experience. On average, CLEAR members speed through airport security checkpoints in less than five minutes. CLEARlanes provide access to the gates in Concourses D, E, H and J, serving major airlines including American Airlines, Delta, United and US Airways. CLEAR's secure identity platform works well with TSA PreCheck and frequent travelers can benefit from both systems. CLEAR is currently available at airports in San Francisco and San Jose, Calif.; Las Vegas; Baltimore, Denver; Orlando; San Antonio; Dallas-Fort Worth; Houston's Hobby International and Bush Intercontinental airports; and, at Westchester County, N.Y.  Enroll for a two-month free trialat CLEAR airport locations or at enroll.clearme.com using the code MIA2MTRY. CLEAR membership costs less than $15 per month for unlimited use in all locations. Members may add their spouse or partner for an additional $50 per year. Children under 18 are always free (no CLEAR card required). CLEAR also welcomes military personnel and corporations at preferred rates. For more information visit: www.CLEARMe.com

Continuing its tradition of bringing immersive theater to South Florida's culturally diverse audience, the Arsht Center will offer Lookingglass Alice, a circus-inspired production of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland from July 8 – Aug. 16. With characters that defy gravity, the audience will feel like part of this dream world. While most theaters across the country choose to go dark, the Arsht Center does not. LOOKINGGLASS ALICE will play Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m., with additional matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information visit: www.ArshtCenter.org

This summer, discover the Deering Estate's unique archaeological and geological treasures, learn more about the Charles Deering story, explore our seven unique native Florida habitats, see science in action at the Cutler Slough Rehydration/Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP) and welcome backour two families of river otters! The Deering Estate at Cutler is a unique natural site that is secretly known as a true Miami gem, with layers of secrets to reveal. The Deering Estate'smany programsstand as an exemplar of science and resource management on national and international levels.  We invite guests, local residents and international visitors alike to view us as a gateway to cultural and ecological exploration in South Miami Dade.  Attend a butterfly walk, a guided bird hike, enjoy a picnic lunch on our waterfront lawn or grab a bite at one of the surrounding local restaurants.  There's always a new experience to enjoy at the Deering Estate. For more information visit: www.DeeringEstate.org

The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts), located on Biscayne Boulevard and 21st Street, has been working with world-renowned architect Frank Gehry to transform our Campus into a lively multidisciplinary cultural center since acquiring the historic Bacardi complex in October 2012. YoungArts, established by Lin and Ted Arison in 1981 to identify and support the next generation of artists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts, converted the buildings into the organization's first national headquarters, which supports expanded local activities in Miami and across the country. The Campus sits on 3.3 acres and includes the iconic blue-and-white-tiled Tower building and Jewel Box building. The Tower building's renovation is complete and houses the YoungArts Gallery on the first two floors as well as Ted's at YoungArts on the 7th floor. The Jewel Box will be going under construction next and will be transformed into spaces for artists to work, collaborate and create. YoungArts campus programming aims to engage the public, inspire artists and serve as a catalyst for neighborhood transformation and includes the YoungArts Salon Series, a discussion series that brings together creative art luminaries and offers audiences an opportunity to engage with internationally recognized artists, and the Outside the Box series, a free multi-sensory event series that aims to use the arts for creative placemaking in our community. Located at the nexus of the Wynwood Arts District, Arts & Entertainment District and Edgewater, YoungArts is proud to be a vital part of Miami's booming cultural community. For more information visit: www.YoungArts.org

Bal Harbour Shops, a leading luxury retail destination, launched Fashion Project, an experimental space devoted to curatorial projects and programs that explore fashion and the culture surrounding its design, innovation, production, and consumption, in April 2015. The only cultural space of its kind in a major retail center in the United States, Fashion Project offers programs and exhibitions that blur boundaries between fashion, design, art, consumer culture, and costume culture. Its highly curated programs by Judith Clark are thoughtful, thought-provoking, and unexpected. Fashion Project approaches the world of and around fashion expansively and through a multidisciplinary lens. It poses fundamental questions that inspire thought, curiosity, and even amusement about the role of fashion in the broader culture, encompassing historical and contemporary perspectives. From the individual to society at large, Fashion Project explores the nature of clothes, costumes, fashion, accessories, body image, consumption, and more. Fashion Project, underwritten by Bal Harbour Shops, is located on the third floor of the shopping center in a 1,000-square-foot versatile space that will adapt to accommodate exhibitions, screenings, and conversations. It is open to the public. The impetus for Fashion Project came from Matthew Whitman Lazenby, president and CEO of Whitman Family Development, LLC, owners of Bal Harbour Shops. For more information visit: www.BalHarbourShops.com