VISA 01 -- Miami Beach's Newest and Best Pizza

Everyone wants to seek out the best pizza.  There is nothing like it.  Now, Miami Beach is not only home to one of the best beaches in the world; it is now home to one of the best pizza joints as well.  Visa 01 is one of the newest hot spots in Miami Beach that boasts some of the best pizza – maybe the best that has come to pass in a while.  And let’s face it; there is nothing better than really good pizza.

Visa 01’s Location

Miami Beach in and of itself is a perfect location but add a central location around the corner from Lincoln Road and you have perfection.  The really cool part about Visa 01 is that you have to seek it out – 1680 North Michigan Avenue is an office building tucked back off the street.  If you simply drove by looking for a sign, you will probably miss it but trust us when we say that it is there.  It is situated in the rear of the building.  And it is so worth the adventure to find it.

What’s So Great about Visa 01?

Open since January, there is something about Visa 01 that makes it a truly “great” place to eat.  The food is unbelievable and when you add its obscure location, it really becomes a fantastic place! 

In terms of the food, there is definitely a yum factor involved.  You get an idea the minute you walk in the door of the small space especially when one of the wait staff opens the door to the kitchen.  The aroma that drifts through the entire restaurant makes your belly growl (even if you are not that hungry) and you want pizza.

The faves seem to be the Star Luca Pizza which is made with ricotta, pepperoni, mozzarella, and san marzano sauce stuffed in a star-shaped pizza crust.  If you love the crust on pizza, this is a must try – you have to try this pizza.

For salad and dessert lovers, there are several options including a classic Caesar salad (with focaccia croutons) and a salad with grilled eggplant.  Every last one of the salad options is delectable. And for dessert, can you say Nutella pizza? 

Seeking Out Visa 01

Since its opening at the beginning of the year, more and more people are seeking out Visa 01 because of the word of mouth and local publicity of the place.  Area residents, especially those who live in Miami Beach condominiums within blocks of the restaurant, are at an advantage because they can simply walk to dinner – and then attempt to walk the pizza (and dessert) of when they leave.

Remember that if you head over there and can’t find the place (it typically takes everyone a few trips around the block), look for the building with the red square on it – you can’t miss it.  There may even be someone sitting on a stool at the door.

If you think about it, try to make reservations – VISA 01 takes them and you will be glad you made them because it is a small place and there is usually a wait…a wait for the best pizza you have ever had.

Oh and if you live close, you can even order online and pick it up! 

Top Five Miami Beach Listings Under $1 Million

Miami Beach is always one of the most fascinating parts of Miami-Dade.  It brings together an eclectic and diverse mix of residents and visitors with one thing in common – to be close to the water and to live in the middle of excitement and constant fun. 

If you are thinking of buying in Miami Beach, list prices start just over $100K for studios in quaint, classic Miami Beach condominiums and climb all the way up to $30,000,000 for massive penthouse residences that have panoramic 360° views on the southernmost tip of Miami Beach.  Even though, there is affordable Miami Beach real estate, the most sought-after addresses in this part of one of the most spectacular parts of Miami typically start at just under $1 million.  Here are the top five Miami Beach Listings under $1 million.

2201 Collins Avenue, #503, The W South Beach, List Price: $1,000,000

The W Hotel speaks for itself.  Pristinely situated in South Beach with spectacular views of the Miami coastline, this slice of paradise is available fully furnished along with access to all of the amenities of this five-star hotel.  Plus, when you are not able to enjoy it yourself, it is available in the hotel’s pool of rental properties so that you can benefit from the rental income that comes with owning this unbelievable unit.  In addition to the elegant décor, the balcony is very inviting and features beautiful ocean views.  There are currently 32 listings at the W South Beach with list prices ranging from the mid-$800s to about $20,000,000 for spectacular penthouse residences.  For similar studios, this unit is one of the more affordable ones in the building where studios range from the mid-$800s to about $1.5 million.  As for rental rates, they fall anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000 per month.  Seasonal and annual rentals are available as are nightly within the hotel’s rental program where rates range from $700 to $7,000 per night.  Over the past six months, nine studio properties have sold with an average sale price of $908K.  To own property at the W South Beach is a true aspiration for many Miami residents.  This property makes that dream a little more attainable. 

For Sale at W South Beach

208 Jefferson Avenue, #107, Beach Colony, List Price:  $999,000

The Beach Colony is one of the most sought after residences in Miami Beach and rarely has a unit for sale so when it does the property is quickly scooped up. Located in the prestigious SoFi district of South Beach, this residence gives the feeling of living in a private home as it is a tri-level townhouse with three bedrooms and three baths along with a den.  There is also a two-car garage as well as a private patio, new hard wood flooring, and a gorgeous kitchen with custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and beautiful granite counter tops.  Beach Colony is boasts only 16 units in the entire complex which lends to the exclusivity of living here.  In terms of recent sales, only one has sold in the last six months at $1.12 million in comparison to four comparable sales within a few blocks with an average sale price at $815K.  This property offers a huge opportunity to live in one of the poshest sections of South Beach.

For Sale at Beach Colony

1250 OCEAN DR #4C, The Carlyle, List Price:  $999,000

If you ever saw “The Birdcage” and “Scarface,” then you know The Carlyle.  This famous condo-hotel is probably one of the most recognized hotel in South Beach and located on Ocean Drive.  It is a boutique building with only 19 residences that is situated just across the street from one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire Atlantic coast not to mention within a short walk from phenomenal shopping, dining and fun.  With two bedrooms and two baths, there is also a nice and open living area as well as a nice kitchen with raised breakfast bar that offers additional counter space.  There are currently four listings with list prices between $900K and almost $1.8 million.  Over the last six months, one comparable sized residence in The Carlyle sold for $470K.  In terms of an investment property, The Carlyle allows short and long term rentals.  This residence typically rents from $250 per night (out of season) to $500 per night (in-season).  The Carlyle is an excellent option for those who want to be in the center of Miami Beach action.

For Sale at The Carlyle

50 S POINTE DR #607, The Continuum II, List Price:  $999,000

We dedicated an entry to The Continuum and it is no wonder why.  There is so much to say about the buildings that are set on 12 Acres of oceanfront property at the southernmost point of Miami Beach.  This residence in the CONTINUUM II building is a large studio that features glorious views from a beautiful balcony along with an Italian kitchen with high-end stainless steel Meile appliances, Subzero refrigerator, granite countertops and beautiful marble floors.  Community amenities include 24-hr security and valet parking, full-time concierge service, two lavish lagoon pools with pool, and beach-side services from Patio Restaurant. In addition to that, residents and their guests have access to three Pro-Clay tennis courts, a 23,000-sqyare foot fitness center and spa with infinity lap pool.  At The Continuum, there are 37 listings in both buildings with list prices from the high-$900s (studios) to about $30 million for massive 8,000+ square foot residence (three units combined to one).  In terms of comparable properties, studios are listed up to $1.5 million.  While there have been no studios sold in the last six months, there have been four one-bedroom sales with an average sale price of $970K.  The Continuum allows leasing but currently there are only one-bedroom rentals with monthly rental rates falling between $5,000 and $9,000.

1000 South Pointe Drive, #TH-A3, Murano at Portofino, List Price:  $995,000

Murano at Portofino is one of the nicest and stylish condominiums in all of SoFi.  It is surrounded by the most gorgeous, lush, landscaping and has a private bayside beach club next to a tropical saltwater pool and poolside café not to mention a fabulous, state-of-the-art fitness center.  Inside this one-bedroom, one-bath townhouse, residents enjoy floor to ceiling windows with shades on every window that showcase unbelievable views, gourmet kitchen with Subzero and Miele appliances, a private entrance, private patio and private exit to garage.  A 35-square foot storage space has been added.  There are currently 13 listings at Murano with list prices from the upper-$900s to over $7 million.  Three properties at Murano at Portofino have sold in the last six months.  Although none are one-bedroom properties, the sale prices fell between $2 and $4 million with the average price per square foot at about $1,300.  In terms of rentals, there are currently eight two and three-bedroom rentals available with monthly rates from about $7,000 to over $20,000.  This is a spectacular building for those who have a certain level of expectation of luxury in their living space. 

For Sale at Murano at Portofino

Larger Properties Available

While these are the top five Miami Beach listings under $1 million, there are currently 29 Miami Beach real estate listings priced between $900K and $1 million.  The most exclusive Miami Beach condominiums with perfect water views feature smaller studios and one-bedroom units that start just below $1 million.  But for those who are not as discriminating, there are many larger properties available for under $1 million close to lots of Miami Beach action but without the views. 

The W South Beach – Indulgent Living in Miami Beach

The W Hotel is known all over the world for its luxury and style.  The same holds true for its property situated in Miami Beach.  It is the perfect combination of quintessential Miami Beach lavishness and total indulgence of living at the W Hotel and Residences in South Beach. 

Built in 2008, the W South Beach is a glorious condo-hotel with the most amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.  With 500 condo-hotel suites on 20 floors made up of studios as well as one, two and three-bedroom residences, the W South Beach is hands above many Miami condominiums throughout South Beach and all of Miami-Dade.   Additionally, for elite owners, the bungalows and penthouses are beyond compare. 

People Who Made the W South Beach Possible

The W South Beach is owned and operated by Tristar Capital and RFR Realty.  Several heads came together to make the idea of the W Hotel and Residence in South Beach a reality.  Renowned designers from all over the world were asked to be part of the process including famed architect, Costas Kondylis who partnered with NBWW & Associates (Fontainebleau Resort and Residences and 1080 Brickell) to create the property that now is a South Beach oceanfront landmark. 

Location of the W South Beach

There is no better location than that of the W South Beach – directly facing the Atlantic Ocean and within blocks of all that South Beach has to offer.  Located at 2201 Collins Avenue, residents and their guests can walk to Lincoln Road and its top rated restaurants as well as the best shopping destinations in all of South Florida.  Additionally, a short drive lands those who want to go at the best golf in all of Miami Beach as well as just across the bridge is hip and happening Downtown Miami, the Wynwood Arts District and the up and coming Design District.

Amenities at the W South Beach

Where do we even begin?  There are so many amenities in each residence as well as throughout the entire property.  As for community amenities, first and foremost, there are the 300 feet of pristine oceanfront land with private beach access; two outdoor infinity-edge pools; private pool cabanas with flat screen TVs; a secret Garden with fountains and private outdoor showers; access to the world-famous Bliss Spa; a door attendant and multilingual staff; foreign currency exchange; 24/7 security; and much, much more.  Oh, and residents and guests are extended the same courtesies as those staying through the hotel itself.

Inside each residence, property owners can expect to find perfectly designed and fully furnished residences; spacious glass balconies with incomparable views of the beach; ceilings that exceed nine feet in height; a full kitchen with high-end appliances (catering kitchens in some units); wood and marble flooring throughout each residence; imported cabinetry, spa showers and beautiful marble sinks in the bathrooms with soaking tubs in the larger residences; W Hotel signature down bedding (if you have stayed at a W Hotel, you know how great their beds are); two plasma televisions, CD and DVD player; state of the art technology including wireless high-speed internet service, and an iPod docking station, multi-line telephones and Bose wave radios; custom closets with built-in cabinets and shelves; owner closets with locks; and, so much more. 

Real Estate at the W South Beach

At the W South Beach, accommodations include luxurious studios along with one, two and three bedroom residences that range in size from just under 600 square feet to almost 3,000 square feet for an upper level penthouse with amazing 360-degree views.  With W South Beach real estate, property owners have the ability to lease their residences on a short or long term basis – or even live there themselves! 

List prices typically start in the mid-$800s and climb to $15,000,000 for three-bedroom upper floor penthouses.   The most recent sales were one-bedroom units and sold in a couple of months of listing.  Currently, there are about 35 properties listed for sale at the W South Beach. 

As for W South Beach rental property, rental rates start at $5,000 and go all the way to $40,000 per month.  The units at the W South Beach are fully furnished and offer everything that discriminating guests want.  Most of the listed rentals feature short term rates but are also available on a long-term basis. 

For investors, another option for leasing is to set up the leasing through the W’s in-house property management program.  Because the W South Beach operates as a hotel as well, the rates for this plan may be substantially more as they typically charge anywhere from $700 to over $7,000 per night. 

As a gauge, the beautiful Setai is situated next door and caters to the same discriminating buyers and guests.  List prices at the Setai start at over $1 million and exceed the $20 million for upper floor larger residences.  As for Setai rentals, monthly rates typically start around $5,000 and climb to well over $30,000 - $40,000. 

Ideal for Discriminating Buyers

The W South Beach is ideal for discriminating buyers or anyone who has a certain level of expectation for what they need and want in luxury Miami real estate.  To own property of this magnitude that is tied to the reputation of the W Hotel is incomparable.  

Canyon Ranch Living -- Miami Beach

When you think of living in stylish Miami Beach, you think of a lifestyle that is similar to living at a resort.  You imagine the luxury and the amenities at your doorstep all the time.  Well, if you live (or have vacation property) at Canyon Ranch, that is exactly the lifestyle you have. 

Canyon Ranch is a Miami condominium and condo hotel that consists of three separate buildings each catering to a different type of buyer.  Two of the towers (North and South Towers) are residential condominiums built in 2008 and the Center Tower, a condo-hotel remodeled in 2008 from its former owner, the Carillon Hotel.  Each offers property that is ideal for full and part-time residents as well as investors who are interested in vacation rentals in Miami. 

Location of Canyon Ranch

Canyon Ranch is located directly on the beach in the north end of Miami Beach.  It has super easy access from the North Bay Causeway making it the ideal location for those who enjoy going to Miami as well as those heading northward along A1A towards Fort Lauderdale.  Its oceanfront location is also perfect as it is slightly away from the Miami Beach crowds.

The Layout and Real Estate at Canyon Ranch

In 2008, the Carillon Hotel was fully remodeled and became the Center Tower to the new Canyon Ranch Miami Beach with two additional towers flanking the original building.  With the new North and South Towers built solely as residential condominiums and the Center Tower acting as a condo-hotel, the new Canyon Ranch has become the first “healthy-living” resort and condominium community in all of Miami-Dade.  

Center Tower – 6801 Collins Avenue.  The Center Tower is the original hotel that was a true Miami hot spot beginning in about the mid-1950s.  Inside the condo-hotel, there are 230 units.  The first 10 floors The Center Tower has a total of 230 units. The first 10 floors are dedicated to 150 one and two-bedroom fully-furnished hotel suites.  Inside these suites are the most luxurious accommodations that you can imagine with high-end fixtures and finishes as well as designer-quality furniture and accoutrements.  Owners of one of these units can choose to live here full or part-time, put the unit in the hotel rental program or lease it at their discretion.  With leasing, there is no limit to the number of times or length of stay for the hotel suites. 

The other five floors (11 through 15) are home to 80 traditional condominium units.  The owners have the choice of living here full or part-time or purchase as a rental investment and rent it at their will.  The difference in these units is that there is a six-month minimum lease.  

Residents of the Center Tower have access to a 60,000 square-foot state of the art spa and fitness center which includes the Canyon Ranch Health & Healing Center which offers preventive medicine and wellness services. Additionally, other amenities include walking and biking paths along the beach, Canyon Ranch Café, 24-hour lobby reception, seaside sun terraces with direct access to 750 feet of beautiful white sand beach, and valet and concierge.

Owners of property in the Center Tower have the ease of having everything (amenities) at their fingertips.  Life in the Center Tower is like living on holiday all the time or whenever they choose to do so.

List prices in the Center Tower range from the low-$400s to well over $1 million for one and two-bedroom units.  In 2013, 11 units sold in this building with sale prices from the low-$500s to over $1.1 million. 

North Tower – 6899 Collins Avenue.  The North Tower is comprised of only residential condominium units.  It has a much more exclusive and private atmosphere than the other two buildings with its own entrance, fewer units per floor and private valet service.  Inside, there are 207 units spread over 35 floors along with seven oceanfront townhomes. 

Still, the North Tower, like its sister buildings, offers residents and guests access to all that the entire property has to offer in addition to its own including the Sunrise Pool that sits just steps away from the beach and the Sunset Pool located on the 6^th Floor.  In addition, the Ocean Studio is located in the North Tower where residents can participate in any of the fitness classes offered (fees are part of the Condo Association Fees). 

The North Tower houses one and two-bedroom units ranging in size from about 800 square feet to over 2,000 square feet as well as two and three-bedroom townhouses that are between about 2,500 square feet and almost 3,600 square feet.  List prices range from the mid-$600s for a one-bedroom unit to about $5.5 million for an oceanfront townhouse.  In 2013, there were 14 sales with sale prices from about $400K to well over $3 million. 

South Tower – 6799 Collins Avenue.  The South Tower is the other residential condominium at Canyon Ranch that is 21 stories tall with 146 units.  Connected to the Center Tower via an enclosed walkway, residents have easy access to the spa and fitness center area and other areas in that building.  Along with this come 24-hour security, a reception desk and valet parking.   

List prices in the South Tower range from the low-$400s to over $2 million for residences ranging in size from a little over 700 square feet to over 2,000 square feet.  There were 24 sales in 2013 with sale prices from the upper-$400s to over $4 million for one, two three and four-bedroom units. 

Residential Features and Amenities

From the outside, the architecture is designed to complement the oceanfront background with each of the blue-glass towers.  Inside, there are floor to ceiling windows with unbelievable bay, ocean and city views.  The contemporary, gourmet kitchen features high-end stainless steel appliances from Miele and Sub-Zero as well as custom Italian cabinetry and granite counter tops.  Bedrooms have walk-in closets and lots of space. 

Canyon Ranch describes itself as a healthy living community and offers tons of amenities to expand on that idea and include a 70,000-square-foot spa, five-star cuisine, and other services that aid residents and guests in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Healthy Living Community

Canyon Ranch Living offers residents and guests the most luxurious accommodations combined with a healthy lifestyle.  It is all about making everything work together to create an environment similar to that of a five-star spa and resort like those seen out west.  Miami real estate like that at Canyon Ranch is a chance to live a wonderful life – inside and out.

MEi Miami Beach

MEi is the Mandarin word for “beauty” and no other word better describes MEi Miami Beach.  This upscale, luxury condominium is the perfect blend of Asian- influenced design with the most-advanced technology to create the most prestigious Miami Beach condominium.  MEi stands out from the rest of the luxury Miami condominiums with its unique design.  From the moment you enter the grounds of MEi Miami Beach, an immediate zen-like atmosphere engulfs you to bring you to a relaxed state of being. 

Completed in 2008, MEi Miami Beach is an architectural stroke of genius designed by the architecture firm of Rosello Balboa & Lordi, developed by PMG Collins, a subsidiary of Property Markets Group, and built by TGI Construction.  Interior design firm, Hersch Bedner Interior Design carried the Asian influence of the architecture throughout the interior of the condominium.  With 22 stories and 135 condominium units that include 36 two-story townhouse structures on upper level floors, MEi Miami features one, two and three-bedroom residences.  Condominium residences range in size from 900 square feet to over 1,900 square feet with two-story residences ranging in size from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet.  Attention to detail is everywhere you turn on the grounds, in the lobby and other public areas as well as inside each residence.    

Location

Located at 5875 Collins Avenue, MEi Miami Beach is situated along the oceanfront on Millionaire’s Row in the heart of Miami Beach. Within walking distance to the restaurants on Lincoln Road, it is centrally located between the action of South Beach and shopping in Bal Harbour not to mention being a very short drive from Brickell and the Design District.   

Amenities

MEi Miami Beach features a creativity that defines a new type of condominium.  With sparkling glass, water trickling over limestone, teak furniture and accents, and exotic Asian fabrics from the East, an immediate sense of calm comes over anyone who enters the lobby.  Residents and guests enjoy all the luxurious amenities like the incredible pool deck that surrounds the resort-style pool with a bridge over a tranquil lagoon; a state of the art fitness center and luxury Asian spa; a library and tea room; and, so much more.  On top of the building amenities, residents enjoy a private beach with cabanas and the most amazing views of the Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.    

Homes feature only top of the line amenities and extras expected with such an extravagant property.  Residences feature ‘smart-home’ capabilities for multiple phone lines, wi-fi and security; high-speed elevators; 24-hour concierge; high-end state of the art stainless steel appliances and Asian-influenced cabinets in large gourmet kitchens; elegant master suites with walk-in closets that rival any private estate; wrap around balconies, and so much more.  From there, individual owners added other amenities like automated black out curtains in bedrooms, and more.

Property for Sale at MEi Miami Beach

Currently, there are nine residences for sale at MEi Miami Beach.  They range in prices from under $2 million for a one-bedroom condo-hotel unit to well over $2 million.   Over the past year, 12 residences sold with sale prices between the mid-$500s for a one-bedroom unit to almost $1.9 million for a large two-story unit.    

Rental Property at MEi Miami Beach

For those who insist on luxury accommodations when spending time in South Florida but do not want to make the investment of owning property,  MEi Miami Beach rentals feature furnished accommodations for seasonal rentals and unfurnished rentals for long term tenants with monthly rental rates ranging from about $3,000 to $8,000. 

Live a Zen Life at MEi Miami Beach

Not only is MEi Miami Beach the most prestigious condominium residence in all of Miami Beach, it is definitely the most unique and filled with a upscale ambiance that is only prevalent in a handful of condominiums in South Florida.  Owning Miami real estate here allows owners and guests an opportunity to live a Zen life at MEi Miami Beach.