Gianni Versace’s lavish Casa Casuarina in South Beach, Florida, has been reborn again under the auspices of Miami restaurateur and events visionary Barton G. Weiss. The Villa By Barton G. reclaims Versace’s original creative spirit with 10 flamboyant suites served by a team of British-trained butlers. Versace’s bedroom has been transformed into the 1,174-square-foot Villa Suite with a nine-foot, double-king-size bed outfitted in eye-popping turquoise and orange linens, while the larger Venus Suite features two private balconies overlooking the Thousand Mosaic swimming pool, glittering with 24-karat-gold tiles.
Weiss’s renowned culinary flair will be demonstrated in the Dining Room, a 70-seat restaurant adorned with ornate pebble mosaics. Weiss recently tapped award-winning chef Jeff O’Neill to oversee the kitchen and direct the preparation of signature dishes, such as the Villa Salad with “smoking nitro” Caesar dressing and the Villa Soufflé, a raspberry soufflé with passion-fruit and white-chocolate sorbets. Starting November 1, the Villa will serve afternoon tea in a nod to old-world tradition. Special introductory rates starting at $1,900 per night are offered until October, after which they will rise to $2,500 during peak season. (305.576.8003, www.TheVillaByBartonG.com)
