“La vita è un sogno, e il sogno è la vita.” — Italian Proverb
Life is a dream, and the dream is life…
There is something effortlessly cinematic about Mr. C Miami | Coconut Grove. Perhaps it’s the way the sunlight reflects off its glossy white façade, punctuated by playful porthole windows. Or maybe it’s the refined elegance of the interiors, where Murano glass chandeliers shimmer above high-gloss timber panelling, and the air carries the faintest whisper of sea salt and citrus. This isn’t just another Miami luxury hotel; it’s a transportive experience, a carefully curated retreat that blends Italian modernism with mid-century coastal glamour.
Conceived by Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani, Mr. C Miami is a continuation of the family’s legacy of effortless luxury, bringing European refinement to Miami’s oldest and most charming neighbourhood. Opened in 2019 as an addition to the brand’s outposts in Beverly Hills and New York City, the hotel embodies a sophisticated yet laid-back elegance. Set in the heart of Coconut Grove, it is surrounded by lush banyan trees and just steps away from the glistening Biscayne Bay, an enclave where the pace slows, and the city’s frenetic energy gives way to old-world charm. Unlike the neon-drenched glamour of South Beach, Coconut Grove’s bohemian spirit has long been a haven for creatives and jet-setters alike, its winding streets home to independent boutiques, storied cafés, and sun-drenched marina views.
The building itself, designed by architecture firm Arquitectonica, is a striking homage to the nautical heritage of both Miami and the Cipriani family’s native Venice. Elevated on stilts, a nod to the storied Stiltsville structures off the Florida Cape, and punctuated by oversized porthole windows, the façade immediately sets the tone for the experience within. Inside, the vision of Swedish-born, London-based designer Martin Brudnizki unfolds in a seamless interplay of maritime aesthetics and Italian modernism. High-gloss timber and lacquer detailing evoke the sleek interiors of a luxury yacht, while a palette of rich blue, crisp white, and warm walnut imbues the space with a sense of serenity. Curved lines echo the gentle sway of the ocean, and Murano glass chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow, creating an ambience that is both intimate and transportive.
From the moment of arrival, personalisation is paramount. The team at Mr. C already knew our names before we stepped through the doors, greeting us with a familiarity that felt more like a private club than a hotel. A chilled Bellini, the Cipriani family’s signature cocktail, was placed in hand—its delicate blend of prosecco and peach purée was the perfect welcome. Every detail here is curated, from the monogrammed umbrellas and bikes available for guest use to the Eau de Parfum infused subtly into the linens. The in-room experience is no exception. Each of the 100 guestrooms features a private balcony, some with breathtaking views of the bay, where sunrise casts a golden shimmer across the water.
Designed with the same impeccable attention to detail, the rooms exude understated opulence. Glossy walnut wood furniture, blue leather tufted headboards, and terrazzo floors create an inviting yet polished retreat. The bathrooms, clad in blue and white tiles, feature double console vanities, walk-in rainfall showers, and exclusive Jonathan Adler and Mr. C toiletries, all sourced from the U.K. and Italy—ensuring even the most mundane routines feel indulgent.
The property’s amenities extend beyond the rooms, offering an elevated take on Miami leisure. The rooftop pool deck, lined with encaustic tiles, is a haven of tranquillity, with uninterrupted views stretching across the bay. A state-of-the-art gym ensures wellness is never an afterthought, while the spa room, complete with a steam bath, invites relaxation. Even the minibar is an affair to remember, stocked with vintage-labelled cocktails inspired by classics from 1934—each sips a journey through time. For those with a penchant for fine spirits, selections include everything from Knob Creek Bourbon to Buchanan’s Whisky. And then, there’s the coffee. Unlike the often-overlooked experiences across Miami, Mr. C gets it right—rich, robust, and unmistakably European.
Yet, the crown jewel of Mr. C is undoubtedly Bellini Restaurant, perched on the fifth floor with sweeping panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. Here, service is an art form, executed with a level of precision and expertise that rivals Michelin-starred establishments. There is no dedicated sommelier—because there doesn’t need to be. The waitstaff possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of the extensive wine and cocktail selection, guiding guests through each pairing with effortless confidence. We began with a Super Tuscan from the Cipriani family winery, bold in flavour yet strikingly smooth, its fruit-forward notes the perfect prelude to the meal ahead.
The menu is a testament to the Cipriani legacy, honouring traditional Italian flavours with an unwavering commitment to the finest ingredients. The journey begins with the Bruschetta del Giorno, topped with creamy burrata and the Hawaiian Walu Carpaccio, sourced from the Indo-Pacific region—its buttery, delicate texture needing little more than a squeeze of lemon to shine. House-made gnocchi, served that evening alla Sorrentina, melts in the mouth, while the main courses are a carnivorous dream. The grilled grass-fed lamb chops, sourced from small Amish and Mennonite family farms in Pennsylvania, arrive perfectly cooked and accompanied by a silky carrot purée and ash-dusted potatoes. Meanwhile, the milk-fed veal chop, imported from Victoria, Australia, is a revelation—tender, flavourful, and expertly paired with sautéed spinach.
And then, dessert. A theatrical flourish arrives in the form of a Sgroppino, the Venetian classic of prosecco, vodka, and lemon sorbet whisked table-side to a frothy perfection—an impeccable digestif after such an indulgent meal. We couldn’t resist the pistachio gelato, either, its velvety richness was the final note in a dining experience that was, from start to finish, flawless. Every element at Bellini is executed with an unerring precision that leaves no detail overlooked, no moment unconsidered. It is a tightly run ship, a testament to the Cipriani family’s time-honoured approach to hospitality. If Michelin were to return to Miami, there is no doubt that Bellini would be high on their radar.
In a city known for its high-octane glamour, Mr. C Miami | Coconut Grove offers something different—an escape that is both refined and refreshingly understated. It is a love letter to a bygone era of travel, where the journey itself was as indulgent as the destination. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the bay, one thing was certain: at Mr. C, life isn’t just a dream—it is a dream realised.
For more information visit HERE
Mr. C Miami | Coconut Grove
Address 2988 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL 33133, USA
Phone +1 305-800-6672
Photography courtesy of Mr C Miami - Coconut Grove
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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