Press & Accolades
SOURCE ARTICLE: Travelandleisure.com
While the property experienced many changes over the years, the most significant transformation happened in 1985, when a local resident bought the land, opening the doors of L’Auberge Del Mar in 1989. Since then, the property has undergone two major renovations, most recently in 2021 under the direction of BigTime Design.
The rooms all have beachy decor and a private balcony to enjoy partial views of the ocean, resort pool, or bustling village streets. The warm neutral tones are offset by bright white crown molding. And the plush bedding with crisp white accents make a nice backdrop for the pops of ocean blues in the artwork. This bright and airy design exudes coastal serenity.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Oceandrive.com
The chic pub displays a modern twist on the traditional pub aesthetic and decor. Designed by Bigtime Design Studios, the restaurant will serve a selection of Irish fan favorites for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy an array of bites, including flatbreads and “afters” for dessert, and there is even a little lads’ menu for young patrons. The delicious dishes range from traditional staples like Shepherd’s pie and fish and chips to the unique Guinness glazed meatballs and duck flatbread.
The pub will showcase original millwork and architectural elements from the era repurposed for modern appreciation. The venue’s grand 43-foot-long bar, once mahogany, received a black and white makeover with a gleaming quartz countertop and charcoal-stained wainscoting. Behind the bar, the pub’s regulars can identify the historic centerpiece from the original millwork. Passionate sports fans will love the modern flat-screen TVs lining the wall to enjoy watching their favorite team play on game day – an essential function of any bona fide Irish pub.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Usatoday.com
With the launch of its newest ship, Carnival Cruise Line is looking toward the future while also embracing the company’s past.
“It’s a ship where nostalgia meets innovation in a way, because you’re taking elements inspired by the past, but you’re creating these experiences that are very innovative, very forward-looking,” Glenn Aprile, Carnival’s Director of New Builds Product Development, told USA TODAY.
The more than 2,600-stateroom ship is made up of six zones, with festive touches and nods to its history incorporated throughout. Guests enter through the atrium in Celebration Central, with a ceiling designed to mimic a confetti cannon, courtesy of roughly 1,400 colorful light fixtures.
Carnival Celebration, the second vessel in the line’s Excel class, will sail its inaugural voyage from the U.S. on Monday. The debut of the 17-deck ship, which bears the same name as an earlier Carnival vessel launched in the late 1980s, marks the culmination of the line’s 50th anniversary celebration this year.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Miami.eater.com
John Martin’s, one of South Florida’s longest-running restaurants and bars, has reopened its doors with a new look and new ownership after shuttering nearly three years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The newly updated space is now being run by Emi Guerra and Alex Mantecon of Breakwater Hospitality Group, the team behind The Wharf, and Erick Passo, owner of Downtown’s Black Market Miami. The two-story restaurant and bar has been redesigned by Bigtime Design Studios; the 7,000 square-foot venue pays homage to the original John Martin’s while offering a more contemporary and family-friendly atmosphere. The space still features plenty of its original architectural elements, but it now showcases a black-and-white color scheme, a new indoor “garden,” and a moss-covered brick wall bordered by portraits of the original founders John Clarke and Martin Lynch, who originally opened the bar on Miami’s Miracle Mile in 1989 but are no longer involved with the restaurant.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: local10.com
The Irish pub, which first opened its doors in 1989, is reopening as part of the Breakwater Hospitality Group, which is also affiliated with The Wharf and Black Market Miami.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Travelandleisure.com
#6 L’Auberge Del Mar
Travelers have been eager to spend time outdoors, and the Golden State delivers mightily on this front. The best resorts in California, according to Travel + Leisure readers, are the ones that put nature center stage.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
While seaside hideaways might be the first places that come to mind, the state has plenty of gems tucked into valleys or the agricultural inland. Take, for instance, Ojai Valley Inn (No. 11), which is ringed by the Topatopa Mountains. “The location is magical,” said one reader, who went on to rave about the “incredible” staff and about the hotel’s signature restaurant, Olivella, declaring it “one of the best Italian restaurants in the United States.”
Still, the pull of the Pacific remains strong, and perennial favorites on the list appear once again, including two properties in Big Sur: Alila Ventana Big Sur (No. 15) and Post Ranch Inn (No. 14). Both properties are perched above a dramatic stretch of this famous coastline south of Carmel. One reader claimed the latter was “the best luxury getaway in the U.S.,” thanks to the “extraordinary location and rooms, fabulous food, and incredible spa.” Another appreciated the “beautiful views” and “top-notch service.”
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Carnival-news.com
Carnival Cruise Line’s next ship, Carnival Celebration, will feature The Gateway, an entirely new area on two decks that celebrates travel and the excitement of exploring new destinations. The zone was revealed during a virtual press conference today hosted by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.
With design and décor inspired by grand terminals, transportation stations and departure points around the world, the entertainment, dining and shopping zone will feature a promenade highlighted by 12 high-definition multimedia virtual windows displaying unique scenes. The 9.5’ by 5’ windows and the nearly 100’ LED ceiling will be complemented by show lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system to create a truly immersive experience throughout the zone.
“The Gateway was created to celebrate the enriching experience we all feel when traveling – not only because of the destinations we travel to, but also the world of cultures we get to explore,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We have millions of guests and team members who come from around the world to have fun together and create a welcoming and inclusive environment while sailing to new places – that is the beauty of traveling, especially on a Carnival ship, and that is what this zone will celebrate.”
Carnival Celebration will be the second Carnival ship to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising platform, and will include BOLT, the award-winning roller coaster at the top of the ship. Carnival Celebration will debut in November from the redesigned state-of-the-art Terminal F at PortMiami, the line’s third terminal at the port and its largest in South Florida. The terminal will be among the first to be shore-power ready in 2023.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Miaminewtimes.com
There are many places in which to get a good meal with great ambiance in South Florida. But for a restaurant to be truly memorable, it has to have an undefinable “it” factor that resonates to your core, possibly tinged with a touch of nostalgia. Restaurants like Joe’s Stone Crab and Versailles are good examples.
In Fort Lauderdale, there’s Anthony’s Runway 84. Anthony Bruno’s aviation-themed restaurant has been serving up red-sauce classics for 40 years, becoming a haven for New York expats who, lured by Florida’s sunny days and lack of state taxes, live here but are still homesick for their favorite Italian restaurants.
For 40 years, patrons have enjoyed martinis at the bar, where a large-scale replica of an airplane serves as the focal point. Sit in a booth and you can gaze out at the Fort Lauderdale skyline from “cockpit windows,” making the entire room feel as though you’re in a jumbo jet — maybe headed back to JFK. In the background, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin croon as waiters reel off the specials: an oversize pork chop, say, or fresh snapper.
More than the unique surroundings or the hearty dishes, though, Anthony’s has always been about people like Cindy, the bartender who makes your martini extra dirty, or Vincenzo, the maître’d with bedazzled gold spectacles and slicked-back black hair who remembers you and every other customer. And those customers are loyal — celebrating birthdays and anniversaries or just sitting at the bar on Thursdays for the weekly Meatballs and Martinis party.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Cntraveler.com
If you ever hear anyone wonder why teensy Portland, Maine’s restaurants have such an outsized reputation in the food world, remember two things: First, those people clearly haven’t eaten here yet; and second, the answer lies in a philosophy ingrained in Maine itself. The state’s proud lack of pretense and its close-knit community of small farms, working waterfronts, and independent restaurants are long-held traditions that predate (and frankly, eclipse) hype phrases like ‘locavorism.’ And it means not only widespread access to far better food for everyone, but that celebrated fine dining here tends to eschew anything high-concept, and instead just keep it real.
It may be housed in the tony Press Hotel, but Union is very much its own entity and destination. Waitstaff and hosts bearing tablets buzz around the suede banquettes, a lustrous marble bar, and the subway-tiled open kitchen. Union was first put on the map by talented chef Josh Berry, who focused the menu on what he called “enhanced local”—i.e., nearby sourcing met with global flavors and techniques. In the wake of Berry’s departure, the gauntlet that he threw down was taken up by Christian Basset. And his game is equally well-balanced, giving familiar ingredients adventurous twists and turns: The squid-ink bigoli pasta with lobster is straight-up sumptuous, the richness of the buttery, saffron-spotted crustacean cut with sweet acid from cara cara and Seville oranges.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Hospitalitynet.org
Key West’s award-winning Southernmost Beach Resort has debuted an extensive $15 million renovation to its exterior façade, breezeways, and 243 guest rooms. This comes on the heels of the recently completed refurbishment of the resort’s lobby, Pineapple Pool and Bar, and the addition of an exterior patio at the signature Beach Café, creating a completely fresh and modern resort experience.
The renovated Key West island resort, aptly named for its perfectly placed location at the southern tip of famed Duval Street and complemented by its highly sought-after beachfront location, is inspired by Key West’s charm, rich history, and laid-back ambiance. Capitalizing on its historical and organic past that is uniquely Key West, Southernmost embraces the island’s heartbeat and personality.
Bigtime Design Studios, a Miami-based design firm, thoughtfully re-envisioned Southernmost Beach Resort’s guest rooms incorporating contemporary top-of-the-line furnishings and linens with playful seaside hues.
Warm sand tones and muted nautical blue shades reflect the ombre patterns of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a sense of harmony with the resort’s idyllic surroundings. Fabric headboards are centered on a soft cadet blue wood-paneled feature wall, while various settee and armchair seating options in complementary shades and patterns offer space to lounge. The architectural cues and beach inspired look are seamlessly unified by decor, artwork and wall hangings featuring elements found in a coastal location that easily fit within the setting.
The guest rooms’ oversized bathrooms were not overlooked in the makeover process. White subway tiled walls and showers create a bright space, and vanity mirrors and sinks featuring wooden shades and clean lines are offset by turquoise chevron pattern tiles. Chrome detailing and contrasting tile patterns in the shower delivers an elevated look and feel.
Southernmost Resort’s renovation will be complemented with a final phase in 2023, focusing on its four guesthouses. In December 2021, two adjacent guesthouses, Avalon and Duval Gardens, were acquired and will be refreshed along with the resort’s existing La Mer and Dewey buildings.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Traveler.es
“ Here we honor what was, what is and what will be. It is our little corner, our music venues, our nod to a secret society where clandestine bars celebrate their creativity, their good humor and their eccentricities, “as described from Bigtime Design Studios to which it has been made with the title of best bar in America: 8 Street Brickell.
“ In every detail, you will see a kind of modern sophistication that it is neither too suffocating nor frivolously ornamented, leaving an impression that will last far beyond your Moscow Mule ”, they continue to say. Inside they stand out warm materials such as wood and a very high ceiling of six meters.
“ Our intention was to design a space where locals feel welcome and tourists discover ”, they conclude.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Sunset.com
Hotels across the West are debuting new looks, expanded amenities, and all-around refreshed hospitality. L’AUBERGE DEL MAR – This seaside resort’s $10.5 million renovation touched its guest rooms, pool, upscale poolside bar, and more. New restaurant Adelaide brings seasonal Pacific seafood to the forefront.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Cntraveler.com
Readers’ Choice Awards 2022. Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in Southern California. #11 L’Auberge Del Mar
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Architecturaldigest.com
When it comes to must-visit destinations in the United States, it’s hard to beat the appeal of San Diego. The eight largest city in the country is a vibrant metropolis with fantastic beaches, a booming food scene, world-class surfing, and an endless list of outdoor pursuits from boating and fishing to golf.
The weather—sunny, low humidity days most of the year—is another draw.
“San Diego is a place that has it all and offers attractions for everyone,” says Colleen O’Keefe, a luxury travel adviser with The Global Concierge who lives in the San Diego area. “People often don’t realize what a gem it is, and with respect to cities in California, it’s often overshadowed by San Francisco and Los Angeles.”
The hotels in and around the city are yet another reason to visit, says O’Keefe, and range from properties in the heart of downtown to beachfront resorts along the coastline that are self-encompassing retreats.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Bizjournals.com
A Coral Gables staple won’t disappear after all, with new ownership pledging to bring JohnMartin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant back later this year.
The 32-year-old eatery, at 253 Miracle Mile, closed in April 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was unable to reopen, even after dine-in restrictions were lifted during the summer. However, Miami-based Breakwater Hospitality Group took ownership of the establishment and plans to reopen it in the fall.
But first, the restaurant will be renovated. Breakwater tapped Miami-based Bigtime Design Studios to reimagine the aging space.
Breakwater is perhaps best known for owning and operating the Wharf locations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It also operates the Rivertail and the Piefather
restaurants in Fort Lauderdale.
“JohnMartin’s had a tremendous impact on South Florida’s bar scene, and you will be hard-pressed to find a restaurant or bar that rivals their iconic status and reputation for hospitality,” Breakwater Hospitality co-owner Emi Guerra said. “Our team is proud to breathe new life into JohnMartin’s, and to continue the tradition of providing the same welcoming service – but with a fresh new look and feel suited for the times.”
“[Breakwater is] carrying on a 30-year tradition,” he said. “It’s great seeing our vision evolve into something new that we know everyone will enjoy for at least another 30 years to come.”
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Seflorida.uli.org
Internationally renowned designer Callin Fortis, founder of Bigtime Design Studios, will discuss the importance of Marchitecture, relationships, and storytelling to create award-winning hospitality, night club, cruise ship, restaurant, and high-end residential destinations.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Stuartmagazine.com
The long-awaited opening of the brand-new Love Street complex is around the corner. Learn about what you can expect from what is sure to become one of the area’s most popular destinations.
When asked to imagine a symbol that best represents Jupiter, most people envision the iconic lighthouse. Since 1860, it has withstood the test of time as the heart of this idyllic seaside town, a beacon for sailors and anglers traversing the shallow inlet, the backdrop for countless photos, and a favored muse for local artists. And now, the town’s oldest structure presides over its newest development: Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street.
The two-acre waterfront restaurant and market complex adjacent to the Pelican Club is set to open to the public in early January, an unveiling nearly 10 years in the making. The project is the brainchild of developer Charles Modica and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath, good friends who both have deep ties to Jupiter that go back decades. In 2011, they purchased the land on A1A, directly across the inlet from the lighthouse, and initial planning stages for Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street started to take shape in 2013 when the duo brought in developer Jeffrey Collins from Collins Development Company. Final site plan approval was received in September 2017, and construction began in early 2019.
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SOURCE ARTICLE: Palmbeachpost.com
The restaurant sits next to the building that houses two other related restaurants, Beacon and Topside.
The mezzanine area inside Lucky Shuck oyster bar is used to store the tavern’s keg coolers. Raw bar offerings and craft beer are a focus of the restaurant, which is one of three at the Charlie and Joe’s at Love Street complex in Jupiter.
A wall at Lucky Shuck oyster bar pays homage to old Florida. The restaurant and bar is part of Charlie and Joe’s at Love Street, a waterfront complex brought to Jupiter by developer Charles Modica and football icon Joe Namath.
The patio at Lucky Shuck oyster bar overlooks the Jupiter Inlet and Lighthouse. The oyster bar is one of three restaurants that are part of Charlie and Joe’s at Love Street. The hospitality complex that bears the name of football icon Joe Namath and developer Charles Modica is expected to open next month.