BAL HARBOUR’S LATEST ULTRA-LUXURY OFFERING SET ON THE LAST REMAINING BEACHFRONT IN THE TINY ENCLAVE IS A BEWILDERING BOUTIQUE COMMUNITY BOASTING SERIOUS SEA POWER

BY AMANDA McCOY

At the northern tip of Miami Beach rests the hamlet of Bal Harbour, a paradise-soaked stew of ultra high-end resorts, leafy palm-lined beaches, fine-dining locales, and multi-million-dollar condos in the clouds. The Bal Harbour Shops, a collective of designer boutiques and prestigious department stores, consistently ranks among the highest grossing retailers in the world. Cradled on three sides by the lapping waters of Haulover Inlet, Biscayne Bay, and edge of the Atlantic, the single-square-mile village boasts the type of panorama that lands on a postcard from a Miami Beach vacation. Real estate is capped by the scarcity of space; nabbing an address here requires both capital and karma. Last year, the Related Group and Two Roads Development announced a dizzying joint venture that would develop the last remaining beachfront stretch in the Harbour. Enter Rivage, an upcoming 25-story boutique community scheduled for completion in 2016.

With neighbors like the Ritz and St. Regis, Rivage developers set out to design an elevated lifestyle concept that could easily rival a five-star resort. “This is going to be one of our most luxurious and boutique products that we’ve ever developed,” noted Eric Fordin, vice president of the Related Group.

The architecture firm SOM took the reins of design, penning a geometric trio of interconnecting ovals encased with glass to reflect the organic blues and greens of the tide and trees. The 275-foot building sits on 200 linear feet of pristine ocean frontage, its clean lines and neutral palette seamlessly blending into the tropical backdrop.

Upon entrance, denizens are welcomed into their personal parking garage with private elevator access. (Or, if they’re entering on foot, there’s also an elegant double-story lobby, staffed with full-time concierge offering estate-level services.) From there, they disappear into one of just 56 sky villas (no more than three per floor), ranging from three to eight bedrooms and 3,300 to a palatial 12,700 square feet. The award-magnet design firm Rottet Studio dressed the interiors, choosing calming hues and contemporary accents to complement the open, light-drenched living spaces. Generous ten-foot ceilings are supported by full walls of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, bay, and sweeping cityscape.

Living rooms finished with linear cove lighting culminate in sweeping outdoor terraces, stretching up to 12 feet deep and finished with outdoor kitchens and plunge pools (in select residences). Rottet Studio took a modern minimalistic approach to the bathrooms and kitchen, offering opulence without the f lash. Each gourmet kitchen, for example, is a stunning mosaic of warm wood and deeply veined marble, stacked with premium Dornbracht fixtures, a built-in wine cellar, and a full Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance suite. A freestanding center island provides enough space for four barstools, and an adjacent breakfast nook is finished with a casual-chic dining table to feast upon egg white omelets amid sweeping views of the surf.

Every suite features a fully finished wardrobe complete with custom oak millwork and leather lined drawers and marble bathrooms with Dornbracht fixtures. Primary suites practically bring the five-star spa experience into the private bathroom with travertine floors and walls, white Volakas marble slab countertops, brushed champagne Dornbracht fixtures, lacquered vanities, and custom mirrors. Sink back into the warm waters of the stone-clad bathtub and let the stresses of the day melt like butter on toast.

The developers allotted a massive 25,000 square feet to the multi-faceted amenities suite, featuring an ultra-lavish line-up of fitness, wellness, dining, entertainment, and social spaces. One of the hottest reservations in town will be at a signature fine-dining restaurant with ocean views, available exclusively for homeowners and their guests. The chef-driven menu will highlight local and global delicacies alongside a curated cocktail program and impressive wine list.

Whether you’re in the mood to move or relax, the state-of the-art fitness pavilion features a signature Rivage spa, offering professional treatment services along with a hammam, sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools. Work up a sweat in the high impact training room, or stretch any tired muscles in the yoga studio overlooking the Atlantic. There are also pickleball and pedal courts. Two pools are on the property, strategically placed in sunset- and sunrise-facing ends. The sunrise swimmer offers uninterrupted ocean views and indoor-outdoor facilities, while the sunset pool along the western edge offers a beverage bar for afternoon sippers. Both pools are finished with cabanas, lounge chairs, and lush landscaping by the vener able Swiss firm Enea Garden Design.

Rounding out the offering are a virtual reality gaming simulator, colorful kid’s playroom, high-tech media room, library, breakfast bar, and cocktail lounge.

Homes range from $8 million to $64 million.

Rivage Bal Harbour

10245 Collins Avenue

786.235.8051 / rivagebalharbour.com