Versace's former mansion transformed into a boutique luxury hotel: The Villa By Barton G.

One of Miami's most iconic properties, Gianni Versace's former mansion, has been transformed and renovated by Barton G. Weiss. If this name rings a bell, it may be because Barton G. also owns two restaurants in Miami- Prelude by Barton G. at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and Barton G. The Restaurant on South Beach. Barton's latest venture: The Villa by Barton G., a boutique luxury hotel he officially opened in March 2010. After a one million dollar renovation, the villa hotel now features 10 custom suites as well as the mansion's famous Thousand Mosaic Pool and Gardens. Did I mention they also have a restaurant, a rooftop lounge and a spa? Barton G. has truly combined his signature designs with Versace's over the top lifestyle to revive this Ocean Drive beauty.
Above: The Signature Suite (view more suites). The late designer's one-time bedroom was converted into the Villa Suite. This room is for the ultra-fabulous who crave: a nine-foot double king-size bed, two balconies, seven closets and a custom oversized shower. SEVEN CLOSETS? Take that Carrie Bradshaw...
The Villa by Barton G. is definitely bringing Miami to a whole new level of elegance. This property was actually built in 1930 by architect, philanthropist and author Alden Freeman. Alden named the property Casa Casuarina as a homage to the oldest existing house in the western hemisphere, the "Alcazar de Colon" in the Dominican Republic. Overall, a very cool story I just had to share!
The rates per night start at $2,100 and the hotel is located at 1116 Ocean Drive. For more information on The Villa by Barton G., call 305-576-8003 or email info@thevillabybartong.com. Even if you do not stay at this hotel, it is comforting to know that Versace's mansion is in good hands and its essence will remain on Ocean Drive. Check out this video by Lilly Echeverria from the Miami Herald and meet Barton G. Weiss:

FREE tickets to the Florida Grand Opera's Carmen at the Adrienne Arsht Center!

Listen up Miami! The Florida Grand Opera is giving away 1,100 pairs of free tickets to Georges Bizet’s beloved opera Carmen. This is an amazing opportunity if you've never seen a live opera. Starring mezzo-soprano Kendall Gladen, the performance will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center (8 p.m.) on April 26th. To win a pair of free tickets to Carmen visit www.FGO.org and sign up! You can also mail in an entry on a 3”x 5” card with name, address, phone number and email address to: Carmen Ticket Giveaway c/o Florida Grand Opera P.O. Box 561837, Miami, Florida 33256-1837 by midnight on April 5th (one entry per person and make sure to mail each entry separately). There is no purchase necessary. Watch the tempestuous gypsy, Carmen, as she captures the heart of a young soldier, Don Jose, who sacrifices everything to be with her. Meanwhile, Carmen is drawn to a matador, Escamillo, and casts Don Jose aside. For the rest of the drama, you'll just have to see what happens at the opera house! Carmen presents some of the greatest roles ever written for grand opera: the brazen bullfighter, the love-struck soldier and the object of their desires...the beautiful Carmen!

Flamenco Festival Miami 2010 Series

Need a little Spanish flavor in your life? The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and PerilloMusic are bringing Miami residents a special dance series called "Flamenco Festival Miami." The series kicks off with "Gala Flamenco: Todo Cambia" on Saturday, February 13th. This performance features Rocio Molina, Pastora Galván, Manuel Liñán and Belén López as they move to the beats of guitars and rapid hand claps. The second performance takes place on Wednesday, February 17th at the Knight Concert Hall and it will showcase "Rocio Molina." Rocio was the winner of the Best Dancer Award at the Flamenco Bienal of Seville and now she will be mesmerizing our city with her beautiful dance techniques. Tickets for this show range between $35 to $95. To purchase your tickets or to watch exclusive videos from the shows, visit http://bit.ly/83zyLt. In this economy, why travel to Spain when the best flamenco dancers will be stopping by our neighborhood?

Rocio Molina dancing Flamenco in a traditional Spanish dress...lovely!

Broadway hits Miami Stage!

Do you love Disney's 1961 animated movie 101 Dalmations? Watch the Broadway version beginning tomorrow, December 30th, right here in Miami! The live musical stars Rachel York as Cruella de Vil and also features eight kids and 15 real Dalmatians. This family-friendly tale concerns Mr. and Mrs. Pongo, a pair of spotted dogs, whose puppies are kidnapped by Cruella de Vil. The new musical version was created by composer-lyricist Dennis DeYoung (lead singer and songwriter of the rock group Styx), playwright and co-lyricist B.T. McNicholl and four-time Tony Award winning director Jerry Zaks. The musical is told from a dog's perspective so that the human actors appear extra tall while the performers playing puppies and adult dogs seem smaller...very cool! 101 Dalmations runs till January 3rd at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $25 to $70. For more information about the musical or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/.