Paul James, Marco Selva, Diane Kruger and Frits van Paasschen

By:  Mary Jo Almeida- Shore

Nothing says “We’ve arrived!” like a lavish, celeb-studded, gala opening bash for several hundred of Miami’s finest – especially when you throw in miles of decadent gourmet food, a live full-piece orchestra, champagne sabering, ten-minute fireworks display, and late night dance party.   Such was the case on Saturday night for the glitzy grand opening of the Yabu Pushelberg designed St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, “the most anticipated hotel opening of 2012” according to Forbes magazine.  Touted as a
“peerless” (as in 24 hour butler service) “haven” (as in 1,000 feet of pristine beach) the resort’s opening bash heralded its debut in grandiose style.  Upon arrival, the chic guests admired the hotel’s posh lobby and bar area and followed the “yellow lit road” to a 1,000 foot seaside wonderland lined with food, cocktails, live music and fabulous people. All along the way- about every foot or so, there was a St. Regis staff member to greet and welcome guests to the property- who needs daily affirmations with that kind of love around?  Read the rest of this entry »

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

St. Regis Bal Harbour Opens

The posh St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences officially opened on Thursday, January 19, with markedly less fanfare. In lieu of a splashy party, guests enjoyed a daytime ribbon cutting ceremony and champagne-sabering, a tradition of the St. Regis brand. The ritual dates back to the time of Napoleon – tres cool.

St. Regis Global brand leader, Paul James, CEO of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Sergio Rivera and General Manager, Marco Selva were joined by notables including Bal Harbour Village Mayor, Jean Rosenfield, Christina Getty-Maercks, Susanne Birbragher, Executive Director of Tourism for Bal Harbour, Carolyn Travis, Lea Black and designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, who gathered for the unveiling of the 28th property in the St. Regis portfolio where butlers lined the grand entrance of the resort and residential property that soars above a 1,000 foot stretch of pristine shoreline as Mayor Rosenfield presented Selva with the Key to the Village. Read the rest of this entry »