Island Gardens Miami

Watson Island
Miami, Florida
For years Watson Island—the diamond-shaped 87-acre island located between mainland Miami and Miami Beach—has remained mostly undeveloped, except for a couple of small tourist attractions.  But that’s all about to change. 

The sleepy island will soon be awakened with the $600 million development of Island Gardens, already under construction. When completed in 2010, the 10-acre site will include 2.2 million square feet of new buildings, including a Westin hotel and one of the country’s first Shangri-La hotels, which will offer 100 residences in full and fractional-ownership shares.

The Shangri-La Hotel & Spa will be a five-star, 44-story hotel overlooking Biscayne Bay.  Fractional ownership consists of 1/8 shares which entitles owners to 45 days of guaranteed use each year under a very flexible usage program.  A managed rental program will be available.

Owners at Island Gardens Miami will have access to these amenities:

• CHI, the luxury spa at Shangri-La Hotel
• 60+ designer boutiques
• Private club members’ lounge
• Super-yacht marina
• 8-10 restaurants
• Mediterranean fish market
• Pre-arrival grocery shopping and set-up
• Use of a car while in residence
• Full butler service
• 24-hour concierge
• Valet parking
• Yachts available for day trips

Designed by London-based architect Eric Kuhne, the Shangri-La will be shaped like an abstract lighthouse—a fitting reference considering the development boasts a 50-slip super-yacht marina on Biscayne Bay.  

The fractional residences will be located on the hotel’s upper floors and designed by Milan-based Piero Lissoni, best known for his modern creations for Boffi, Cappellini, Cassina and Living Divani.  Lissoni says his work will combine simplicity and elegance with a lot of natural materials and the spectacular natural light of Miami. 

While the property does not have its own beach, owners will have access to a  beach club in nearby South Beach.  A shuttle will take people from the property to the beach club.  A water taxi will also be available to shuttle people between the property and other points in Miami Beach.

The unique site of Watson Island is being likened to Portofino and St. Tropez, a place that will be a must-see on the itineraries of super yacht owners who favor distinct lifestyles.  It is located just five minutes from downtown Miami and South Beach. 

SoBe, as the locals call it, is a huge entertainment destination that offers residents and visitors hundreds of clubs, restaurants and hotels. It’s also one of the most popular places for the fashion industry to have photo shoots and is said to be home to over 1,500 models during the year.

Construction on Island Gardens Miami is scheduled to begin in late 2008 and is expected to last until late 2010 or early 2011.

The residences will offer panoramic views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay.  The one- to four-bedroom spaces range in size from 996 to 3,416 square feet and include a butler, concierge, and daily housekeeping services. All residences will be delivered fully-furnished. 

Prices start at $215,000 for a 1/8 fraction. There is a 7% discount for those who wish to buy units for whole ownership.

If you are interested in learning more about Island Gardens Miami, please feel free to ask specific questions or request our detailed data sheet. We will respond within 24 hours (usually much sooner). Contact Maria Lopez at Maria@CondoHotelCenter.com or call (305) 944-3090.