Imagine dwelling in the most prestigious neighborhood, situated along the most coveted coastline of the world. That’s what life at South of Fifth (or SoFi) in Miami feels like. Located along the picturesque beach, this distinguished coordinate on the map is home to the sprawling nearly 18-acre South Pointe Park which (for the uninitiated) featured in scenes of 2 Fast 2 Furious. Being the most sought-after area on Miami Beach takes some becoming. It is decked with high-rise condos that overlook the wide vistas of the ocean. Down below, residents can enjoy a bevy of experiences, from dining to shopping, cultural and recreational setups, and more. Architecture is among the most underrated attractions in the area, with several art deco buildings still standing tall, marking their presence in the cultural landscape of SoFi.
It goes without saying that a residence in an area like this begs for a convenient marina to dock your weekend getaway ride. The Miami Beach Marina is located right here and can accommodate 400 vessels of varying sizes. This active marine presence also paves the way for several watersports and adventure activities, which are a delightful spectacle from your condo, up high.
It’s here, in the heart of SoFi, that we explore three sprawling real estate projects that are bound to become the most famed ‘address within the address’ in Miami.
Apogee South Beach – South Florida’s most luxurious condos
Among the most recognizable luxury condo projects around Miami Beach is Apogee South Beach. The project was completed in 2008 and has since been a spectacle of envy for everyone who doesn’t hold the keys to one of its spectacular 67 condo residences. What makes the project stand out is the way all its residences enjoy spectacular views, be it of the city hustle or the azure ocean.
Apogee South Beach was developed by ‘The Related Group’ and has been fashioned into the luxury cocoon that it has become, by Sieger-Suarez. The residential tower is 22-storeys tall and offers 3- or 4-bedroom options to potential buyers. The spacious condos offer massive areas, beginning from 3,103 square feet.
There are four residences on each floor with a flow-through design that offers the best of both views. The lobbies are awash with luxurious touches of exquisite granite and French limestone. Every unit within the condo has its own private elevator and is blessed with an air-conditioned, spacious, two-car garage.
The residences are breathtaking, with their tall ceilings, AMX smart panel access to valet, security services, spa, and other essential amenities and services offered by the building. The technology extends to each condo’s keyless fingerprint entry system. You could spend your afternoons basking on the massive 11-foot-wide terraces, with summer kitchens set up for the perfect barbeque experience. An inconspicuous vanity to thrill any Florida citizen is a gas hearth that is set up in the living room.
The kitchens have Salvatore cabinetry and a Franke round bar sink and faucet. The entire construction is made with the effort of reducing sound between floors and the same concept carries into the construction of the kitchens too, which have sound-killing flooring. A 27” SubZero refrigerator, cast iron plumbing, ambient lighting, highest quality of wood finishing, and installed dishwasher systems complete the look.
The bathrooms spare no comfort, with his and hers showers, with three body sprays with a bath. The rain shower heads offer a refreshing and cleansing stream as you take in the fascinating tub lights and have your spirits lifted.
Apogee has its own infinity-edge pool, a spa with varied beauty and wellness treatments, a fully-equipped fitness center, a party area with a sprawling landscaped lawn, and a fully-serviced concierge. It truly is the first thing one would want to consider should they come face-to-face with a wish-granting genie.
Continuum South Beach – Resort-styled condos at the tip of the world
This beautiful two-tower masterpiece houses 505 units, offering some of the best amenities in all of Florida. From an infinity-edge lap pool to a tennis court, you can dream of truly living the big life in these residences that have marked the edge of land in SoFi. The Continuum Towers are so prominent in the Miami skyline that they can be seen from Fisher Island and Key Biscayne, which is located on a barrier island miles away.
There’s no better greeting into a luxury sanctuary like this than a two-story lobby. It simulates the arrival at a resort that magically transforms into a residential complex. The construction of the Continuum was completed in 2008 and it offers 42 floors in the South Tower and 37 floors in the North Tower. Given the variance that can be afforded across over 500 units, the sizes range from 435 square feet to massive unit with over 7,000 square feet. Given the location of the Continuum, it could be declared as one of the best-located sea-facing towers in Miami, considering the views it offers its residents.
Given its proximity to the beach and the promising resort-like feel it exudes, Continuum offers residents the benefit of a full-service Beach Club, a free-form lagoon swimming pool, and a well-appointed spa. The project was designed by the visionary Sieger Suarez Architects. There’s ample tech employed to keep residents in touch with every amenity made accessible to them.
The sprawling residences enjoy 10-foot-high ceilings with ample glass facades and wrap-around balconies. Each apartment is bestowed with a private elevator foyer, a massive kitchen area with granite countertops and glass backsplashes, SubZero 48’ in-built refrigeration, and a touch-controlled cooktop by Miele, convection oven and dishwashers, and wine chillers in select residences. The bathrooms have a whirlpool tub, marble countertops, best-in-class Kohler fixtures, and classic European vanity cabinets.
Residents can make use of the three-level fitness center or relax at the lounges that offer a eucalyptus steam room, heated whirlpools, cold plunges, and even a redwood sauna. The professional tennis court is where you can play when you’re not working out of the private meeting rooms. It’s like living in a luxury resort for the rest of your life, and after this, nothing else will do.
Murano Grande – The biggest condo units at Portofino
Built- in 2003, the Murano Grande at Portofino is among the most recognizable addresses in South Beach. Its large and modern condo units offer some of the most spectacular views of the pristine blue Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The residential tower is a SoFi favorite with residences beginning from 1,310 square feet. The project was developed by Thomas Kramer’s Portofino Group in partnership with the Related Group of Florida. The architecture is the brainchild of Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership, which is known to fashion some of the best destinations across Miami.
Residents have access to resort area within the complex with its full-service restaurant, 24-hour security and concierge, a fitness center, a heated bayfront pool and spa, 24-hour valet parking, and a professional tennis court.
The 270 units within the 37-floor tower are well exquisitely designed with 9-foot high ceilings, oversized decks to overlook the sunset or the sunrise, highly efficient central air conditioning and heating systems, private elevator foyers, and tempered glass to protect you from Florida’s notorious hurricanes. The kitchens are swanky and contemporary in style, with granite countertops, an eat-in breakfast area, Sub-Zero built-in refrigeration, touch-controlled cooktops, and wine chillers in select apartments. There’s ample granite and contemporary design that has inspired the bathrooms as well. The European-styled cabinetry is attractive and gives the bathrooms an extra touch of class.
Murano at Portofino – Stylish condos meet South Beach lifestyle
A condo that offers you exclusive access to a saltwater pool is something that would be unthought of. However, South Beach surprises us again with a residential tower that simply outdoes itself. Constructed in 2001, Murano at Portofino South Beach has become a jewel of the coastline, with 37 floors hosting a total of 189 independent units. Residents can choose between 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom units.
In the bustle for space, Murano at Portofino has managed to stretch its wings and accommodate a lush ground that offers residents ample room for recreational activities. The shops and nightlife hubs of South Beach are just a short walk away from the tower. The complex creates a feeling as if you have always dwelled here, giving you the essence of the South Beach lifestyle and luxury, everywhere you go.
Located at the southernmost tip on the western side of Miami Beach gives residents fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. They also enjoy private elevator foyers at select residences, ocean to Bay flow-through floor plans, adjacent terraces that are large enough to host a small gathering, 9-foot-high ceilings, large walk-in closets, and spacious living areas.
The bathrooms are well-appointed with a whirlpool tub, enclosed glass showers, European cabinetry, and granite tops. The kitchens come with the most modern refrigeration and oven options, sound-insulated dishwasher, and touch-sensitive cooktops.
Residents can feel the pulse of the Miami heat as they indulge in social and recreational activities across the 12 acres of manicured grounds. Other exciting amenities include professional tennis courts, a luxury resort-like spa with steam, a hot tub, and cold plunge, and two heated lagoon pools.
Life at the Murano at Portofino is no less than a dream come true for those who have truly arrived in life. Because they have arrived at the best that life has to offer – Miami South Beach.
In partnership with Millionandup.com.
