Villa Casa Casuarina

Formerly the Versace Mansion, today the upscale Villa Casa Casuarina is a 10-suite luxury boutique hotel hidden in plain sight in the center of Miami’s famed Ocean Drive. The opulent property was originally constructed in 1930 as an homage to the Dominican Republic’s Alcazar de Colon residence. When legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace purchased the […]

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Marla Cimini

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Villa Casa Casuarina

Photo: Courtesy

Villa Casa Casuarina

Photo: Courtesy

Villa Casa Casuarina

Photo: Courtesy

Villa Casa Casuarina

Photo: Courtesy

Formerly the Versace Mansion, today the upscale Villa Casa Casuarina is a 10-suite luxury boutique hotel hidden in plain sight in the center of Miami’s famed Ocean Drive. The opulent property was originally constructed in 1930 as an homage to the Dominican Republic’s Alcazar de Colon residence. When legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace purchased the villa in the 1990s, he refurbished the interiors and added a new wing, expansive gardens with dotted with sculptures, and an over-the-top 54-foot gold-tiled mosaic swimming pool. Versace resided at the mansion until his untimely death in 1997, and traces of his flashy décor are still present in the villa today. The lavish landmark, which is only open to overnight guests, also features an onsite restaurant, a tranquil interior courtyard, and a rooftop terrace.