Floral City Guide: Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour

By
Sarah Bancroft
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour
North Koi Pond, Bal Harbour Shops
The St Regis Bal Harbour
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Manolo Valdes Butterflies, Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ 2021

On the northern tip of Miami Beach lies Bal Harbour – a warm, sunny enclave with white sand beaches, beautiful waterfront pathways, and manicured lawns that seamlessly blends tropical beauty with artistic allure. With beautiful sculptural pieces peppered throughout the village (such as Manolo Valdes’ Butterflies), Bal Harbour offers an exclusive retreat for those seeking refinement and creative inspiration. Sitting on the edge of a city known for its art fairs, musicians and culinary scene, there is no shortage of events to add to your floral itinerary in Bal Harbour and beyond.


HOTELS AND SHOPPING 

Bal Harbour Shops

Our annual springtime Fleurs de Villes show (March 1-10, 2024) takes place at the all-luxury open-air Bal Harbour Shops and throughout Bal Harbour Village. This year, guests are invited to enjoy Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE – a fresh floral celebration of remarkable artists. This 10-day floral exhibition will feature Miami's talented florists, creating incredible fresh floral mannequins inspired by female artists from around the world, telling the stories of these remarkable women artists en fleurs. This worldwide launch coincides with Women’s History Month, as well as International Women’s Day on March 8. The show will include gorgeous floral doorways supported by brands such as Brunello Cucinelli and Rene Caovilla, who offer up the season’s top fashion: from ready-to-wear to couture. Check the calendar for other special events such as galas and our flower market (Saturday March 9, 2023). Refuel at one of Bal Harbour Shops’ top-rated restaurants – a grand floral doorway will welcome you to Mediterranean-inspired Aba restaurant, while buzzy Stephen Starr restaurants Makoto and Le Zoo, will each host their own inspired floral mannequin.

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour

A stunning five-star beach-front resort, it’s close to the energetic center of Miami, yet tranquil enough for leisurely rides up the coastline on the hotel’s beach cruisers. The casual yet modern waterfront Artisan Beach House restaurant serves fresh local seafood such as grilled Atlantic octopus. For Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour will take inspiration from an artistic power couple of the early-twentieth century: Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour

Panoramic views of the beach from your wraparound balcony in the luxury suites are just one of the draws of this five-star hotel. Within the lobby you will find the world-renowned Opera Gallery, showcasing emerging and internationally renowned artists. The St. Regis Bar will be serving a special menu of botanical cocktails during the Fleurs de Villes show. Book an afternoon at their famous spa, or enjoy complimentary poolside services such as refreshing cold towels, smoothie tastings, and even foot reflexology. In a nod to its Gilded Age history, St. Regis Bal Harbour will host a floral mannequin inspired Impressionist painter Marie Bracquemond during the show.

TOP FLORAL ATTRACTIONS

Bal Harbour Waterfront Park: Celebrating its grand opening in January 2024, the Bal Harbour Waterfront Park features strolling paths, exercise zones and open lawns. At the heart of this new park is the community center, with Raymond Jungles-designed landscaping and mirrored glass exterior that’s focused on bringing nature inside. With a “Mother Earth, Cycle of Life”-themed playground and terrace rooftop garden, this waterfront enclave offers a harmonious blend of arts, nature, and recreation. Make sure to take advantage of Bal Harbour’s iconic beach path - walk, jog, or bike the length of North Miami Beach, parallel to the water, along this beautifully-landscaped path, and along the way you may come across beautiful sculptural pieces by Manolo Valdes.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A short trip out of Bal Harbour, this is a showstopper of an Italian Renaissance-style villa, built for the industrialist James Deering in 1916. The estate features 10 acres of formal gardens, including an Italian Renaissance Garden, a Fountain Garden, and a Rock Garden. Manicured par-terres and ponds make the experience even more magical. It is also known for its orchids, brought to the grounds in the 1920s by Deering himself, and now filling a dedicated orchidarium. From Rococo-inspired rooms, to a statue garden, this is one stop not to to miss, for flower and art lovers alike. Free yoga, a weekly farmer’s market and a contemporary art program round out the experience.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: This is an 83-acre garden located in Coral Gables and is considered one of the world's finest tropical botanic gardens. Popular as a wedding venue, it features a diverse collection of rare and exotic plants from around the world, including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. The garden also features a lush rainforest and a butterfly garden for memorable photo-ops. For the aspiring artists, this tropical paradise serves as the setting for various arts classes – learn the basics of botanical drawing, try your hand at landscape watercolors, or find your passion for photography.

The Kampong: This is a unique botanical garden located in Coconut Grove, Miami. It was once the home of Dr. David Fairchild, a world-renowned botanist, and is now a National Historic Landmark. The Kampong features a wide variety of exotic tropical plants, including a collection of palm trees and a mango grove. You can book a tour, or listen to a lecture from a roster if visiting botanists. At the weekly Aloha Market, Thursdays at 12:30pm, local farmers and artisans offer everything from fresh produce to jewellery to art.

Pinecrest Gardens: This is a 20-acre park and botanical garden located in Pinecrest, Miami. The gardens feature a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk through the gardens, or enjoy musical entertainment, such as the annual free concert by Orchestra Miami. Pinecrest supports and exhibits artists throughout the garden and within their galleries. Since 2017, Cypress Hall has presented temporary fine art exhibitions, and the Hibiscus Gallery has featured artworks from Pinecrest’s Artists-in-Residence program and beyond.

On the northern tip of Miami Beach lies Bal Harbour – a warm, sunny enclave with white sand beaches, beautiful waterfront pathways, and manicured lawns that seamlessly blends tropical beauty with artistic allure. With beautiful sculptural pieces peppered throughout the village (such as Manolo Valdes’ Butterflies), Bal Harbour offers an exclusive retreat for those seeking refinement and creative inspiration. Sitting on the edge of a city known for its art fairs, musicians and culinary scene, there is no shortage of events to add to your floral itinerary in Bal Harbour and beyond.


HOTELS AND SHOPPING 

Bal Harbour Shops

Our annual springtime Fleurs de Villes show (March 1-10, 2024) takes place at the all-luxury open-air Bal Harbour Shops and throughout Bal Harbour Village. This year, guests are invited to enjoy Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE – a fresh floral celebration of remarkable artists. This 10-day floral exhibition will feature Miami's talented florists, creating incredible fresh floral mannequins inspired by female artists from around the world, telling the stories of these remarkable women artists en fleurs. This worldwide launch coincides with Women’s History Month, as well as International Women’s Day on March 8. The show will include gorgeous floral doorways supported by brands such as Brunello Cucinelli and Rene Caovilla, who offer up the season’s top fashion: from ready-to-wear to couture. Check the calendar for other special events such as galas and our flower market (Saturday March 9, 2023). Refuel at one of Bal Harbour Shops’ top-rated restaurants – a grand floral doorway will welcome you to Mediterranean-inspired Aba restaurant, while buzzy Stephen Starr restaurants Makoto and Le Zoo, will each host their own inspired floral mannequin.

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour

A stunning five-star beach-front resort, it’s close to the energetic center of Miami, yet tranquil enough for leisurely rides up the coastline on the hotel’s beach cruisers. The casual yet modern waterfront Artisan Beach House restaurant serves fresh local seafood such as grilled Atlantic octopus. For Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour will take inspiration from an artistic power couple of the early-twentieth century: Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour

Panoramic views of the beach from your wraparound balcony in the luxury suites are just one of the draws of this five-star hotel. Within the lobby you will find the world-renowned Opera Gallery, showcasing emerging and internationally renowned artists. The St. Regis Bar will be serving a special menu of botanical cocktails during the Fleurs de Villes show. Book an afternoon at their famous spa, or enjoy complimentary poolside services such as refreshing cold towels, smoothie tastings, and even foot reflexology. In a nod to its Gilded Age history, St. Regis Bal Harbour will host a floral mannequin inspired Impressionist painter Marie Bracquemond during the show.

North Koi Pond, Bal Harbour Shops
North Koi Pond, Bal Harbour Shops
The St Regis Bal Harbour
The St Regis Bal Harbour
TOP FLORAL ATTRACTIONS

Bal Harbour Waterfront Park: Celebrating its grand opening in January 2024, the Bal Harbour Waterfront Park features strolling paths, exercise zones and open lawns. At the heart of this new park is the community center, with Raymond Jungles-designed landscaping and mirrored glass exterior that’s focused on bringing nature inside. With a “Mother Earth, Cycle of Life”-themed playground and terrace rooftop garden, this waterfront enclave offers a harmonious blend of arts, nature, and recreation. Make sure to take advantage of Bal Harbour’s iconic beach path - walk, jog, or bike the length of North Miami Beach, parallel to the water, along this beautifully-landscaped path, and along the way you may come across beautiful sculptural pieces by Manolo Valdes.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A short trip out of Bal Harbour, this is a showstopper of an Italian Renaissance-style villa, built for the industrialist James Deering in 1916. The estate features 10 acres of formal gardens, including an Italian Renaissance Garden, a Fountain Garden, and a Rock Garden. Manicured par-terres and ponds make the experience even more magical. It is also known for its orchids, brought to the grounds in the 1920s by Deering himself, and now filling a dedicated orchidarium. From Rococo-inspired rooms, to a statue garden, this is one stop not to to miss, for flower and art lovers alike. Free yoga, a weekly farmer’s market and a contemporary art program round out the experience.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: This is an 83-acre garden located in Coral Gables and is considered one of the world's finest tropical botanic gardens. Popular as a wedding venue, it features a diverse collection of rare and exotic plants from around the world, including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. The garden also features a lush rainforest and a butterfly garden for memorable photo-ops. For the aspiring artists, this tropical paradise serves as the setting for various arts classes – learn the basics of botanical drawing, try your hand at landscape watercolors, or find your passion for photography.

The Kampong: This is a unique botanical garden located in Coconut Grove, Miami. It was once the home of Dr. David Fairchild, a world-renowned botanist, and is now a National Historic Landmark. The Kampong features a wide variety of exotic tropical plants, including a collection of palm trees and a mango grove. You can book a tour, or listen to a lecture from a roster if visiting botanists. At the weekly Aloha Market, Thursdays at 12:30pm, local farmers and artisans offer everything from fresh produce to jewellery to art.

Pinecrest Gardens: This is a 20-acre park and botanical garden located in Pinecrest, Miami. The gardens feature a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, including orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk through the gardens, or enjoy musical entertainment, such as the annual free concert by Orchestra Miami. Pinecrest supports and exhibits artists throughout the garden and within their galleries. Since 2017, Cypress Hall has presented temporary fine art exhibitions, and the Hibiscus Gallery has featured artworks from Pinecrest’s Artists-in-Residence program and beyond.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Manolo Valdes Butterflies, Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ 2021
Manolo Valdes Butterflies, Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ 2021
Manolo Valdes Butterflies, Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ 2021
BACK TO JOURNAL