The Villa Casa Casuarina - the former Versace Mansion turned hotel in Miami

I’ve been General Manager at The Villa Casa Casuarina for almost a year now but have been in Miami for more than 20 years; much of it at The Forge, a Miami Beach landmark dining destination, where I served as Director of Operations until the restaurant closed for renovations. I’ve got over 30 years in the hospitality industry – I relocated to Miami from DC, where I got my start after finishing my degree in upstate New York.

Since Versace’s death, the Villa went through different owners before being purchased by the Nakash family, who take their stewardship of the property very seriously. Today, the Villa is a luxury boutique hotel, encompassing ten lavish suites; the signature restaurant Gianni’s, Onyx Bar, Sushi by Bou (an exclusive experience in Versace’s former bedroom) and several unique event spaces. The three-story villa has been completely preserved with furnishings and appointments as Versace styled them. The restaurant and bar overlook a 54-foot long pool lined with 24-karat gold, showcasing Versace’s notorious Medusa logo comprised of more than one million Italian mosaic tiles. Additional amenities include the open-air courtyard, a rooftop oasis, an observatory, and more. There is a resident artist whose job is to maintain the Villa’s tile mosaic work and frescos, so they remain as they were when Versace lived there. The restaurant, one of South Beach’s most popular dining destinations, is helmed by Italian chef Valter Mancini and is named Gianni’s in Versace’s honour.

The Villa is a 90-year-old historical residence transformed into a luxury hotel; its original Mediterranean architecture augmented by Versace’s design improvements. It’s charming and iconic – the second most Instagrammed location in the United States. It’s not often you can stay in the home of a fashion icon.

At its heart a classic property, we have modernised the Villa to suit our customers’ tastes. Since we’re such a small exclusive property our public amenities are a bit limited, however, as part of a group of Miami Beach boutique hotels, guests can pop next door to the Hotel Victor and visit K’Alma Spa – our gorgeous new Peruvian Crystal healing wellness centre; our fitness centre and business centre. And of course, we can bring anything to them as well, from a massage therapist to fitness equipment.

A great hotel is all about the people who work there. Luxury appointments, design and architecture, are all great, but a staff that takes care of guests is the most critical part of any hotel group.

Guests are more informed about their options and do most of their research online. To keep up with trends, we are continually doing research, attending trade shows, dining in other local restaurants to provide our guests with up to the minute information and access.

Design is very much a part of the Villa Casa Casuarina experience; obviously, we’re a unique property and most if not all of the guests that stay with us are interested in design – after all, it was the home of an iconic fashion designer. But it depends on the client – some are more interested in technology or modern amenities; or prefer a more corporate property.

Miami has evolved so much in the time that I’ve been here; it’s hardly the same city. Our location here on Ocean Drive, one of the most famed thoroughfares in the world is right on the ocean. We’re a year-round destination now, but it’s busier in the winter when it is 72 degrees and sunny and snowing in other parts of the country.

Despite our fun in the sun reputation, you can get in an uber and be at a world-class museum in 10 minutes. We have amazing restaurants – featuring homegrown talent with chefs like Michael Schwartz and Michelle Bernstein, as well as restaurants from world-renowned chefs like Michael Mina, Scott Conant and Daniel Boulud, great architecture (including the New World Symphony and Perez Art Museum) and big-league shopping at Bal Harbour Shops and in the Design District. And of course, we’re famous for nightlife, popping bottles and all that, which makes Miami an international celebrity magnet.

Because it’s the essence of Versace and high fashion to this day. His sense of style still permeates the property, and his legend brings many of our guests here – we’ve hosted several gay weddings and other special occasions as well – people are passionate about their connection to Versace.

For the past 12 years, we’ve celebrated Miami Beach Pride steps from the Villa on Ocean Drive. Hundreds of thousands of people attend every April, and it’s a massively fun event. 12th Street Beach is the epicentre for those who want to sunbathe. But mostly, the best part about Miami Beach is that LGBTQ travellers have been welcome here for so long and are extremely valued. As a town that counts tourism as its most important source of revenue, we are in the business of being inclusive and making everyone feel welcome.

Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.