12 New Venues in Miami/South Florida for Spring 2023 Meetings and Events

Glowing on 4.5 acres with 400 feet of breathtaking Sunny Isles Beach coastline, the five-star Acqualina Resort & Residences underwent a seven-part reimagination that was unveiled in January 2023. The luxurious-yet-laid-back, Mediterranean villa-inspired grounds are now home to a transformed gallery lobby, sophisticated adult pool experience, state-of-the-art AcquaMarine kids club, lavish remodel of all 98 guest rooms and suites, and upgraded food and beverage concepts. To start, Il Mulino New York received design updates (think: textured white walls, light and graceful chandeliers, wood flooring, and refinished seating). And over the sky bridge at the new Estates at Acqualina sits Avra Estiatorio, which debuted in November. STA Architectural Group was at the helm of the stunning, 12,000-square-foot, 330-seat Greek haven adorned with a magnificent bougainvillea-entwined pergola and salt stone sculptures. The resort boasts 3,644 square feet of meeting and event space, which includes the Mediterranean Room with an adjoining terrace overlooking the beach and pool areas, and the event focal point—the Front Lawn, located just steps from the water for 60-70 guests to gather. Plus, the 3,200-square-foot Great Lawn is available for tented events of 150. The 20,000-square-foot, two-story Acqualina Spa also serves as a sanctuary for group-friendly revitalization and relaxation. Rentals range from $5,000–$15,000, and weddings are custom quoted. Food and beverage minimums vary depending on the type of event.

The iconic South Beach Art Deco staple known as the Paris Theater was transformed into a luxurious, 4,294-square-foot Japanese supper club, Queen Restaurant & Lounge, in February 2023. In his reimagination, renowned interior designer Carlos Rodriguez of ModPlay Studio preserved elements of Henry Hohauser’s original 1940s architectural masterpiece. Upon entry of the golden doors. Other notable aesthetics include a custom Italian mosaic, terrazzo floors, a midcentury brass chandelier, and a black-and-white mural by local artist Gonazlo Fuenmayor. The Salon Lounge is accented with 1960s Lobmeyr chandeliers from the Metropolitan Opera House, and the opulent main dining room includes a glimpse of the kitchen through custom looking-glass windows. Semi-private events start at $250 per person and can take place in the lobby salon, main dining room, main bar (or all three), as well as three different mezzanines, where pricing starts at $11,250. Full buyouts can accommodate 277 seated and 577 standing, and pricing starts at $200,000.

Take the elevator up to a chic Asian, Mediterranean, and French-inspired, 6,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant dubbed Giselle that opened in February 2023. It's located in the heart of Miami and boasts an interior design by architect Tristan Du Plessis, which features global touches like Parisian alabaster lights, outdoor furnishings from Cape Town, pendants from London, and hand-crafted bar lamps from New York. The focal point is the Dream Room, a high-end main dining space dressed in French lace with an open-air kitchen. A custom-built retractable roof makes this upscale eatery flexible, and there are four breakout spaces within the 140-seat restaurant. Inquire within for private and semi-private event pricing.

Riviera Dining Group debuted the multisensory, African-themed MILA Lounge in South Beach in November 2022. The 1,700-square-foot, elevated nightlife venue is brought to life with minimalistic, natural materials, warm-glow lamps, and lush foliage hanging from the ceiling. A great option for events of up to 210, there are also two large projector screens for custom slideshows, videos, or presentations, along with exotic and interactive performers to liven up to-dos upon request. Chef Michaël Michaelidis is at the helm of the "MediterrAsian"-inspired culinary offerings, which include wagyu and a swanky sushi program.

Neighbor to the lounge is MILA Omakase, which also opened in November 2022. The ultra-luxurious, 420-square-foot, 10-seat concept has a dramatic chef’s countertop made of a three-slab, 300-year-old Red Camphor tree and is decorated with an overhanging cherry blossom tree. The space is available for intimate occasions, dinner parties, and small receptions. Pricing varies depending on the customization and requirements of each event in both venues.

In October 2022, SFL Food Group updated Canyon, a 27-year-old staple restaurant in Fort Lauderdale's Rio Vista neighborhood. The facelift of the 5,000-square-foot space pays homage to the historic concept throughout four spaces—the main dining room, a lounge, a private dining room, and south-side garage with a 280-seat total capacity. The fare offers a unique take on American artisanal cuisine laced with tastes from Asia, South America, and Central America. An impressive list of specialty cocktails, including the famed prickly pear margaritas, complement the dishes. Full buyouts start at $30,000, and the private dining room requires a $1,000 minimum on Fridays and Saturdays; the pricing of additional semi-private spaces is based on guest count, menu, and preferred style.

After dinner, draw the curtains to unveil the 450-square-foot, 25-seat Rio’s Tequila Bar for a nightcap. The intimate Southwestern hideaway requires a $2,500 minimum spend for private events. Ask about educational tequila tastings and hands-on mixology or cooking classes.

The booming Allapattah area paved the way for the launch of 8,000-square-foot Tropical Distillers in January 2023. A fully automated craft distillery and an in-house cannery sit on-site, along with a 30-seat bar and tasting room decked in vintage wallpaper with old-school tropical touches. There's also 3,000 square feet of designated event space, while offering amenities like a full-screen projector with sound system capabilities, cocktail classes, and distillery tours. Groups of up to 300 are welcome to utilize both indoor and outdoor spaces (rental pricing starts at $500).

Borrowing inspiration from glamorous rooftop hot spots from London to Dubai to Beirut, the 4,000-square-foot Level 6 was designed by award-winning collective Studio Munge. This warm and inviting escape opened in Coconut Grove in January 2023, offering unparalleled views of Biscayne Bay and the iconic Miami skyline. Another aesthetic highlight? The theatrical, 3D, glazed ceramic tile mural from Ben Medansky. Food showcases an urban twist on Spanish cuisine with local tie-ins, and sharing is at the heart of the experience. An expert team of mixologists curated the signature cocktail menu, and an extensive wine list showcases robust sparkling options by the glass or bottle. Buyouts range from $5,000–$50,000, and receptions of up to 150 guests (or 100 seated) are encouraged. Family style menu options range from $90 per person for three courses to $125 per person for four courses. DJs and live entertainers, including belly and fire dancers, are available upon request.

Kimpton completed a rebrand of the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in October 2022. The 96-room boutique hotel boasts coastal vibes with an Art Deco flair. Enjoy a welcome cocktail upon arrival, and tour the hotel’s hidden paths and various courtyards. Then, visit chef Michael Mayer's 2,294-square-foot, 205-seat, ground-floor modern coastal Italian restaurant, La Fuga, equipped with a 374-square-foot private dining room that seats up to 30. Next, take the elevator up to the property's highlight: the angled, 3,500-square-foot rooftop—complete with a full bar, pool, seating, and cabanas—that lends to a stunning yet serene backdrop. The outdoor event space can host up to 75 guests; inquire within for pricing.

Major Food Group’s latest launch is the elegant, two-story Contessa Miami. The 7,000-square-foot, 200-seat Design District restaurant transports diners to Lake Como circa 1960s, with high-gloss teakwood details imprinting traditional Italian Riva boat design. Northern Italian fare abounds, from antipasti and the finest artisanal prosciutto to signature pizzas and rich pastas. Classic dishes include veal Milanese and a robust 40-ounce, dry-aged Bistecca Fiorentina. Extravagantly stunning desserts include cakes of pistachio, amaretti, and gianduja chocolate, along with silky, house-made gelati.

This 4,000-square-foot, 100-year-old church planted in central Fort Lauderdale’s up-and-coming Flagler Village neighborhood was transformed and rebranded by Knallhart Management Group in November 2022 into a state-of-the-art entertainment venue. The Angeles is a spacious property boasting 80-foot ceilings and three fully operating bars. It can play host to concerts, weddings, galas, and private corporate events for up to 500 guests alike. For receptions, a semi-private balcony can host up to 40, while the main floor can seat as many as 300. There’s a Void Acoustics sound system and AV capabilities upon request, as well as staffing and a full catering menu. The events team will work on a custom quote once an online form is submitted.

January 2023 welcomed the newest citizenM to mixed-use complex Miami Worldcenter in Park West. The property fully embraces Miami’s lively cultural landscape with local artwork and the signature black cabinet—which has a curved shape inspired by ocean waves—that's stocked with paintings, sculptures, books, and objects from around the world. There are four separate societyM meeting rooms available, spanning 207-315 square feet with seating capacities of up to 16 people and amenities like Wi-Fi, flatscreens, sound bars, stationery supplies, conference phone lines, chalk and white boards, and complimentary coffee, tea, and water. Rentals range from $225 for a half day to $400 per full day. Guests can exercise in the indoor-outdoor gym or relax at the pool, which is also open at night for gatherings. There are morning, afternoon, and full-day catering packages available courtesy of canteenM that range from $19-$50 per person.

In October 2022, The Trekking Group opened Treetop Trekking Miami across 6 acres in Jungle Island, which sits on Watson Island. The new outdoor adventure park welcomes adults and kids ages five and up to participate in three exhilarating aerial courses, which are color-coded based on difficulty level, and combine more than 55 elements and seven ziplines in a natural environment. While soaring above a lush tropical jungle, guests are treated to scenic views of Miami and Biscayne Bay, as well as the sights and sounds of animals, including capybaras, gibbons, lemurs, iguanas, and ibises. Ideal for everything from birthday parties to corporate team-building excursions, the space offers catering and food options courtesy of Jungle Island, as well as a 10% discount for groups of 15 or more.