same attention to detail , design and quality materials when they step into our hotels .”
After establishing hotels in Milan , London , Dubai , Beijing , Shanghai and Bali , Bvlgari is currently developing its next property in Miami Beach , Florida , its debut venture in the U . S . The property , reportedly held by BHMI Miami Ltd . Corp ., is a partnership between Bvlgari and London-based developer Blue Horizon Group . Blue
Horizon acquired the property in 2020 for a reported US $ 120 million .
The brand , which operates under a joint venture with Marriott International and is known for a limited number of rooms ( mostly suites ) per property to ensure exclusivity and privacy , is redeveloping the oceanfront , sevenstory Seagull Hotel Miami Beach , and will add two more floors as well as expand the ground floor . Bvlgari also recently announced their second project in the U . S ., a 58-room property spread across 33 acres on the hillsides of Benedict Canyon in Los Angeles , California .
Ursini talked to HOTELS about the brand ’ s plan in Miami Beach and what makes its properties stand out in the ultra-luxury segment .
HOTELS : Why did you pick Miami Beach for Bvlgari ’ s entry into the US ? What is the timing on the project ? Silvio Ursini : Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts operates elite properties in the world ’ s most dynamic cities , making Miami Beach a natural entry point into the U . S . market . Miami Beach is one of the most beloved resort destinations in the world . Our first hotel in North America will offer guests the standards that have come to define Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts globally — timeless luxury , premium comfort , and flawless service .
Plans for Bvlgari Hotel Miami Beach are approved , and construction will begin in 2022 ahead of an opening at the end of 2024 .
H : What is the most distinctive aspect of this particular repositioning ? SU : Our design team , led by architects Antonio Citterio Patricia
Viel , has created a high-end , lowimpact design that will result in a beautiful renovation yielding maximum economic and community impacts , while preserving the character of the neighborhood . The Bvlgari Hotel Miami Beach will feature a spa , fitness center , pool , and restaurant and lounge , but the real essence of the hotel will be the way Bvlgari ’ s Italian roots will be on display in Miami Beach .
H : What is the state of Bvlgari ’ s working relationship with Marriott International ? Is Marriott managing the Miami property ? SU : Bvlgari and Marriott have been partners in Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts for 20 years , and this alliance is working very well . The new Miami Beach property will be operated under an affiliation agreement with Marriott .
H : Beyond Miami , where you are finding traction and conversely , which markets you are staying away from ? What is the near-term potential of growing in resort destinations versus urban opportunities ? SU : Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts are situated in extraordinary locations around the world . It could be an urban property in the heart of a financial district , or a resort property on a serene beachfront . We are finding that our guests are attracted to Bvlgari because of the amenities and services we offer . They are loyal to the brand and eager to explore new places from the comforts of our hotels .
H : How are you applying your luxury goods experience to hotels , especially now that you have been working with the Bvlgari hotel brand for several years ? SU : When we plan a new hotel ,
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