Photo via tuyomiami.com

If you’ve booked your luxury villa rental vacation in Miami this winter you’re likely gearing up for a getaway filled with sun and sand, food and vibrant company, as well as some world class cuisine. One option if you’re on the lookout for something new to try on the Miami restaurant scene is Tuyo, the new restaurant from Norman Van Aken that is located about the Miami Dade College’s Culinary Institute. The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the rooftop restaurant is worth the price of admission alone, but, thankfully, not the only reason to try out Tuyo (“yours” in Spanish). Executive chef Van Aken, officially the Director of Restaurants at MCI, is joined in this endeavour by Chef de Cuisine Jeffrey Brana and Sous Chef Travis Starwalt.

Along with the gorgeous space, Tuyo offers a seasonal menu of fresh farm-to-table options. The restaurant features a the $95 Voyager’s Menu, which includes a 5-course dinner (add $60 for wine pairing or “flight”). Of course, Tuyo also offers an extensive à la carte dinner menu that ranges from tapas to a wide variety of fish dishes prepared in a variety of ways (think black grouper served with Serrano ham and avocado or a thick, pan-basted Key West yellowtail snapper). Meats range from barbecued veal chops to pork Havana, and there are vegetarian options such as a well prepared paella. Tuyo is located at the Miami Culinary Institute, Miami Dade College (415 N.E. Second Avenue) – 305.237.3200

Pop-up shops have become de rigUeur in the fashion world, and now seem to be moving into the restaurant world as well. Chopped winner Giorgio Rapicavoli and business partner Alex Casanova are introducing a pop-up restaurant in Miami that they’ve named Eating House, slated to begin serving patrons in February through August. Located in the existing Cafe Ponce in Coral Gables, Eating House will be open 6pm to 1am, Tuesday to Sunday. According to Miami Eater, Rapicavoli’s publicist describes the venture as way to “turn the diner-style restaurant into a fun and funky, sort-of underground spot to grab delicious dinner and creative drinks.” The always-changing menu will only offer 20 items daily, while the drinks menu will extend to ”unique sodas, craft beers and innovative cocktails made with sakes, wines, Sherries and ports.” Eating House will be seating patrons on a first come, first serve basis. 804 Ponce de Leon Boulevard

As the winter high season in Miami heats up consider a luxury villa rental for your warm weather vacation. With more privacy than a hotel can offer and amenities that can rival any five-star resort, Villazzo’s villa rentals are the ultimate in vacation luxury.

Art Basel Miami 2011 – Photo by Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images via Yahoo

This month the who’s who of the modern art world, along with a horde of A-listers, jet setters, and famous faces, descended on Miami for the 10th anniversary of Art Basel. The art exhibition has gone a long way to re-energizing Miami’s international image, making the city the place to be in early December and kicking off the Miami high season with a bang. After a whirlwind of exhibits and parties talk is already turning to Art Basel 2012 (December 6 – 9), and now is the perfect time to pre-book your luxury villa rental if you’re planning to be in Miami this time next year.

The 2011 addition of Art Basel Miami was punctuated with a variety of exhibitions from newcomers to more established and well known artists, as well as a whirlwind of parties and promotional events. From November 30th to December 3rd, Miami was the place to be, showcasing work from 260 international galleries. With a reported 50,000 attending, a multitude of private jets touching down at Opa-Locka Airport and big names like the Yankee’s Alexander Rodriguez hosting VIP events it’s safe to say that Art Basel 2011 in Miami was nothing short of a whirlwind. As for the art, which for all intents and purposes is meant to be the real star of the show, reports are that even in this somewhat uncertain economic climate sales were brisk (the majority of the buyers were said to be American, a departure from recent years that saw many from Russia, Brazil and China).

Work from Primary Flight, Art Basel Miami 2011 – Photo via hedrew.blogspot.com

Parties centered around the art exhibition have become a big part of what Art Basel Miami is all about. Some of the most talked about included the shindig hosted by Ferrari at 1111 Lincoln Road and the party hosted by Aby Rosen at the Dutch. The relationship between art and business was a key element of the most recent Art Basel and it seemed that many eschewed the more controversial exhibitions and installations, preferring to stick with more commercial viable options. In a similar vein, many companies like Ferrari–who enlisted artist Marco Brambilla to create RPM, a 3-D film–promoted themselves using the art and artists surrounding the event. Other examples of this included Dior engaging Anselm Reyle to design a purse for them and the line of accessories designed by Liam Gillick for Pringle of Scotland.

Whatever your level of interest in art, commerce or parties it becomes clearer with each Art Basel that the event holds something for everyone. If you’re planning to attend the event next year we’d recommend getting a head start on accommodations now, as the influx of travellers makes high end options scarce. Villazzo offers a wide range of luxury villa rentals with options to rival any five-star hotel–like personal concierge services–and space and privacy that no hotel can match.

Makoto Miami - Photo: billwisserphoto.com

With the vacation season in Miami about to kick into high gear we’re sure many heading South are already considering the age old question of where to eat after a day spent basking in the sun or touring Art Basel. Sure, if you’ve managed to secure an opulent and private luxury villa rental, there’s definitely the option of staying in, but even those with their own butlers and fully stocked kitchens will likely also want to sample some of Miami’s restaurant scene. Here are some suggestions for your days and nights out:

The Dutch – Chef Andrea Carmellini has always drawn on his roots as the son of Italian-Americans when creating his restaurants (like the lauded Locana Verde in Manhattan) and his dishes (Locana specializes in uncomplicated Italian fare). Carmellini’s The Dutch, which first opened in SoHo and is now debuting in Miami, is a little more Americana, a little more comfort food than the chef’s previous ventures. Fans of the original The Dutch will find that the hotly anticipated, now open Miami version incorporates a Southern spin, which includes dishes like oyster sliders and an abundance of pies. 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 305-938-3000

Makoto – Many looking for a good meal in the Bal Harbour Shops now have another alternative, the refreshing Japanese menu put forth by chef Makoto Okuwa at his eponymous restaurant. Okuwa has taken advantage of the fresh seafood available in Miami by presenting an interesting mix of sushi and sashimi options, along with grilled meats and innovative noodle and rice dishes. Adventurous? Try the “hotate” (live scallops). 9700 Collins Avenue, 305-864-8600

New Look: Morgans on the Beach - Photo via Miami NewTimes

Morgans on the Beach – Joe Allen’s was a Miami lunch staple and when many regulars found out it was being replaced by Morgans on the Beach they were quite upset, even demanding that certain dishes be kept on the menu (the kitchen staff has largely remained the same). This second outpost for Morgans has proven to be successful–breathing new life and decor into an iconic restaurant. Along with the old favorites, chef Paul Suriel has added new dishes to the menu included pulled pork sliders, mac and cheese, and pizzas. The restaurant also has a respectable cocktail menu that includes a lemon basil margarita. 1787 Purdy Avenue

De Rodriguez Cuba – The newest offering from Douglas Rodriguez, one of the forefathers of New Latin cuisine, De Rodriguez Cuba’s menu is heavily influenced by the fresh seafood available in the ocean nearby. A vacation in Miami isn’t complete without some Latin flavor and Rodriguez’s new offering is definitely gourmet with selections like oxtail in a spicy red wine sauce and chocolate cigars. 101 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-672-6624

Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith – Photo via Ocean Drive

The Villa by Barton G. – If you want a special occasion restaurant in a gorgeously opulent setting, in this case the luxe mansion of the late Gianni Versace, then The Villa is a great choice. It may be difficult for food to stand out amidst such gorgeous surroundings, but the cuisine served up by Jeff O’Neill–including the foie gras ambrosia–certainly manages. 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-576-8003

Thinking of dessert? Try Hedy Goldsmith’s delicious creations at Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink (130 NE 40th Street), which include gourmet versions of childhood faves like Oreos and Pop-Tarts, or try Buttercream in Coral Gables (1411 Sunset Drive), where many Floridians flock for the cupcakes.

If you’re thinking of a vacation in Miami this winter consider the gorgeous luxury villa rentals offered by Villazzo — privacy, beauty and five-star service to rival any hotel.

"V" Villa Silvia - Exterior

Amidst the many lodge-style Aspen luxury villas, “V” Villa Silvia features an Asian design sensibility that makes it stand apart from traditional Aspen aesthetics.

When it comes to luxury destinations like Saint Tropez, Miami Beach, and Aspen, there is usually one architectural and design motif that dominates the luxury villa market there. The “luxury look” of an Aspen villa has always been a rustic charm: stone, wood, exposed beans, vaulted ceilings, and large hearths with roaring fires.

Every once in a while, however, a luxury villa comes along that sheds some new light on traditional designs. In Aspen, that luxury villa is “V” Villa Silvia.

Unlike the many lodge-inspired Aspen luxury villas out there, “V” Villa Silvia features an Asian-inspired look both inside and out that is hard to miss. It’s layout evokes the look of a symmetrical, Japanese-styled furoba, with two large wings on each of the house. Unlike most Aspen villas, which feature a predominance of stone face, “V” Villa Silvia utilizes a predominance of rich, cedar siding, with a flagstone base that completes a wide terrace overlooking the rugged vistas of Aspen.

But while the exterior of “V” Villa Silvia still evokes the general trappings of an Aspen luxury villa, it is the interior that truly departs from the “Aspen ordinary.”

"V" Villa Silvia -- Living Room

From the onset of entering Silvia’s entryway, you are met with creamy, bright earth tones, modern furniture, and Asian art prints around every turn. The living room, a complete deconstruction of the traditional Aspen “great room,” trades in a stone hearth and exposed wooden beans in a vaulted ceiling for a modular look that incorporates marble, wood, and large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the splendor of Aspen’s landscape.

The living room flows effortlessly into a comfortable dining room and gourmet kitchen, which is perfect for serving guests at a dinner party as well as a simple, intimate dinner at night. A roomy, well-appointed office rounds out the lower level, offering an incredibly professional workspace for executives who are looking to have a “working vacation” while in Aspen.Upstairs, “V” Villa Silvia delivers on it’s Asian vibe once again, with five cozy bedrooms, each with ultra-modern, spa-inspired en suite bathrooms. Unlike the rustic approach of many Aspen luxury villas‘ bedrooms and bathrooms, the bright, airy bedroom decor in Silvia maximizes the bright, sunny days of Aspen, and lends a unique warmth to even the coldest, snowiest days in winter.

Not everyone who visits Aspen comes for the snow and skiing. In recent decades, Aspen has become a true cultural mecca for the culinary arts, shopping, nightlife, and health. If you’re coming for any of these other diversions, then “V” Villa Silvia may be the perfect choice for you.

Thanks for reading our article! Would you like to read and see more about “V” Villa Silvia? Click here to find out about all of its amenities, prices, and booking availability. Take a look now!

Photo via inhabit.com

“’Hermes’ commitment to build a flagship store in the Miami Design District will further solidify the neighborhood’s position as an international destination for fashion, art, food and design,’ said Craig Robins, whose company Dacra owns about 60 percent of the Design District.’This commitment, coupled with the recent announcement by Louis Vuitton, begins to give us the critical mass of the world’s most important fashion brands.’” Dozens of exclusive, international brands are expected to open locations in the Design District by 2014.

Of course, Miami is not only home to great shops, but also world renowned dining, nightlife, art and culture. If you’re looking to book a Miami getaway this winter, consider the advantages of a private luxury villa rental rather than a traditional hotel. Not only do Villazzo’s VillaHotels offer the same amenities as a five-star hotel, but they also provide a level of luxury and privacy that no hotel could hope to duplicate. Take the VillaHotel Stella for instance, a five-bedroom, five-bathroom Mediterranean-style VillaHotel located on exclusive Palm Island. The luxury villa rental is not only spacious and beautiful, but also features modern amenities like a teak-accented kitchen, and gorgeous outdoor grounds filled with terraces, a pool and Jacuzzi. The perfect spot for a Miami luxury vacation this winter.

The Iconic VIP Room Nightclub in St. Tropez Photo via worlds-luxury-guide.com

St. Tropez’s bustling nightlife is one of the key reasons that people are drawn to the classic vacation spot again and again. Even as the summer season is drawing to a close, and the well heeled and the famous are departing from their luxury villa rentals and their yachts, we’re reminded that some of the biggest names in the world, who could vacation anywhere they choose, consistently return to St. Tropez. Just take the outspoken Karl Lagerfeld who has made his love for St. Tropez known on countless occasions. Not only does the designer vacation in the town, but has also used it as the site of Chanel Resort fashion shows and videos he’s directed to promote the iconic brand. Now, appearing in a video for the famous St. Tropez nightclub VIP, Lagerfeld once again reaffirms his love for St. Tropez.

Views from Villazzo’s VillaHotel Jabari

When asked if the rumors of a VIP video, also featuring rapper Snoop Dogg, were true, Lagerfeld confirmed his cameo. “It’s about St. Tropez,” the Chanel and Fendi designer explained to Andrea Mandell of USA Today. “It starts with me, I’m all in white, it’s like being in heaven. And Jean-Roch arrives and says to me, ‘But this is paradise?’ And I say ‘Jean, you didn’t know that St. Tropez is paradise?’ And suddenly you see a famous café behind us and you see St. Tropez.”

Charmingly Rustic Exterior of Villazzo’s Villa Crystal

Of course, Jean-Roch and Lagerfeld are not the only well travelled personalities who find that St. Tropez is “paradise.” Even with summer drawing to a close you can still enjoy the particular charms of this jewel of town with your very own luxury villa rental. While the high season travelers are packing their bags you’ll be able to revel in St. Tropez without all the mad rush of summer. Beautiful weather, the upcoming regatta (Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is being held from September 24 to October 2, 2011), great shopping, delicious restaurants and a host of nightclubs, like the VIP Room, to choose from. Of course, you can also opt to stay in at your own luxury villa rental, enjoying your surroundings with family and friends.
If you’re looking to spend time in Karl Lagerfeld’s version of paradise, then Villazzo has countless options to make your vacation accommodation special. Villazzo’s luxury villa rentals offer services and amenities that compete with any five-star hotel, as well as privacy and space that no hotel can provide. From the five-bedroom VillaHotel Jabari, with it’s gorgeous pool and stunning views of the rolling hills below, to the V Villa Crystal, with it’s rustic looking exterior and modern interior amenities.

Luxury Event Planning from Villazzo

The Villazzo luxury vacation experience has met its match – Villazzo now provides world-class event planning at our vacation villas, and even at your own home!

Since our inception, Villazzo has blazed a new trail in creating luxury vacations that no other company can come close to matching. Through our unparalleled VillaHotels and elite luxury vacation destinations in Saint Tropez, Miami Beach, and Aspen, we’ve brought the best aspects of the 5-star hotel experience to the world’s most exclusive private luxury rentals villas.

Now, in conjunction with an in-house, internationally acclaimed Event Production, Entertainment & Design Team, Villazzo is teaming with the Executive Producer of E Squared Concepts to offer Villazzo customers and Villa guests alike the same level of detail in event planning as they receive from our comprehensive luxury vacation services.

E Squared Concepts is one of the most dynamic & creative teams we have ever had the pleasure to work with – they truly embody the same level of quality and attention to detail that Villazzo employs when planning luxury vacations for our guests.

If you travel to or live in Saint Tropez, Miami, or Aspen, whatever your event needs may be, from an anniversary, Valentine’s day, a special birthday, New Year’s, or just an intimate dinner party – Villazzo and E Squared Concepts will deliver the event of your dreams from concept to completion. From catering & staff, florals & linens, to tents & transportation & of course live bands, DJs & specialty acts to add that wow factor to your event. E Squared Concepts book & produce stars like Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, Jaime Fox, Josh Grobin, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr., Bill Cosby, & Penn & Teller for exclusive events, just to name a few.

If you are interested in learning more about what Villazzo can do for your next big event at home or while on vacation, feel free to drop us a line and we will be happy to schedule a free consultation. And please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions.

Jeff McInnis via Haute Living

Visitors flock to Miami for many reasons; sun and sand, art and culture, the vibrant nightlife. If you’re planning a Miami luxury villa rental vacation you have the option of eating in your own state-of-the-art kitchen or venturing out to find your meal in one of Miami’s celebrated restaurants. There are classics–Joe’s Stone Crabs, Nobu, Palme d’Or–and trendier locales, not to mention a variety of different cuisines.

Like in most big cities, in Miami new restaurants from big name chefs are cause for a ton of buzz and anticipation. One such chef is Jeff McInnis, who disappointed many Miami diners when he left his post at Gigi’s earlier this year. Miami’s Top Chef has now been tapped for the new Yardbird Southern Table and Bar, which according to its website, is set to open in Fall 2011 at 16th and Lenox on South Beach. If the restaurant stays on schedule (reports have it opening in September), you’ll be able to give it a try if you head to Miami for your luxury villa rental location in the off-season or in time for Art Basel.

Five Napkin Turkey Burger – Photo by billwisserphoto.com via The Miami New Times

Michelle Bernstein is another chef with a high profile on the Miami dining scene. Bernstein’s new offering, Crumb on Parchment, may be laidback but it is attracting well-heeled lunchers and foodies alike. The restaurant on 3930 NE Second Avenue has a café-style vibe, serves all day breakfast and scrumptious options like classic baked goods (delicious chocolate chip cookies) and elevated lunch food (tuna sandwiches served with kimci aioli and spicy pickles). While a luxury villa rental is the perfect place to throw a bash, Crumb is also a site to consider for a private party, especially one where food wrapped in parchment and utensils served up in pails only adds to the charm and ambiance.

Having a cup of coffee brewed in the state of the art kitchen of your luxury villa rental is a great way to the start the day or unwind at night, but where to go for your java fix when you’re out and about in Miami during the day? To answer that question HauteLiving.com has published their picks for the Top Five Coffee Shops in Miami: Café Demetrio, Nespresso, David’s Café, Pasion del Cielo and Versailles. Of the five we’re partial to Demetrio’s gorgeous location and gourmet brews.

And, lastly, if you’re looking for some more casual dining you’ll be happy to know that Miami has been overrun as of late with gourmet burger joints. Take Shake Shack, for instance, which just announced its opening another location in Coral Gables. The Miami New Times recently compared the newly opened Five Napkin Burger (located on Lincoln Road) to BGR the Burger Joint, which is on Miracle Mile. The results? According to the critic Lee Klein, BGR has the better “signature beef burger,” while Five Napkin wins when it comes to turkey burgers. And that’s the beauty of Miami–high or low, luxury or laidback, the city really delivers.

Villa Contenta, seen here, is just one of the gorgeous luxury villa rental options that Villazzo offers for the Miami area. Visit Villazzo.com for information on the different villas available, their unique features, stunning locations and modern amenities.

Tony Parker on Water Propelled Jet Pack via TMZ.com

Shopping and clubbing, sun bathing and sailing are all hallmarks of a luxury villa rental vacation in St. Tropez. If you’re interested in something a bit more high energy, however, the exclusive resort town offers several different options you can consider. NBA star Tony Parker was recently seen motoring around the Mediterranean on a futuristic “jet pack,” one of the many grown up toys that you can choose from during your St. Tropez luxury vacation.

The JetLev reportedly costs more than $130,000 to own, and Parker spent about $5,000 to rent one in St. Tropez. So how does this modern answer to parasailing actually work? The JetLev, made by a Canadian company, gets strapped to your back and propels you through the air using water, sucked in through a tube trailing in the ocean, as its fuel. Perhaps not the exact image of the flying jet packs we’ve been promised by movies and science fiction, but definitely a new and unique way to enjoy the sun, sand and sea of St. Tropez.

The PowerSki JetBoard via travelizmo.com

XtremeSport has named the PowerSki JetBoard as its must-have extreme sports toy for the summer of 2011, making it a no brainer for anyone wanting to add some excitement to their St. Tropez luxury villa rental vacation. As the name suggests this surfboard replacement is also jet-propelled, a new take on an old classic. Described by XtremeSport as a “stand-up…independent craft completely controlled by its rider and capable of reaching speeds of up to 70km/h,” the site also notes that most users don’t go over the 60 kilometres an hour mark, preferring to stay around 40. While beginners are advised to try out their JetBoard on flat water first these jet-propelled surfboards can be used on waves too.

Photo via xtremesport4u.com

If you’d like to try something out of the water then why not consider rock climbing? Sure, many don’t associate this particular sport with the sunny sands of the South of France, but the area boasts some of the best rock climbing in the world. Buoux, for example, is located in the Luberon Provence, about 188 kilometres from St. Tropez and your luxury villa rental. The area boasts straight walk walls that extend from 30 to 120 metres in height, and some extremely technical and challenging routes. Some you may want to consider trying according to XtremeSport: Rose de Sable 7a, No Man’s Land 7a+, Reve du Papillon 8a. Keep in mind that some of the best months for rock climbing in the South of France are the spring and fall.

If scuba diving is more your speed you can definitely find some great dives in the Bay of St. Tropez, but you may also want to consider taking a trip to the surrounding islands like Porquerolles and the fiercely protected Port-Cros, which doesn’t even allow bikes, let alone cars.

The Spectacular "V" Villa Sogno di Luce

Eager to get started on an exciting St. Tropez vacation? Consider a luxury villa rental, which offers all the amenities of a five-star hotel plus the kind of beauty, space and privacy that a hotel could never offer. Villazzo has a few spots still open for the 2011 high season that you can book now, including the gorgeous “V” Villa Sogno di Luce, a gorgeous four-bedroom that will make your St. Tropez luxury vacation unforgettable