Il Villaggio and Murano Grande End Their Seasons with a Bang




By Aaron Glickman




Fashion shows, fire dancers, tarot card readings, barbeques, massages, and a host of wealthy and beautiful individuals mingling against a South Beach backdrop – no, this was not a Cirque du Soleil opening at the Jackie Gleason Theater, nor a cultural fair at South Point Park. Rather, these attractions were featured at the end-of-the-season parties at condos Il Villaggio and Murano Grande. Both extravagant celebrations occurred in late April just prior to many of their seasonal residents’ departures back to New York, or Canada, or Europe, or South America, or wherever they choose to be when they’re not in white-hot South Beach.




Simply put, Il Villaggio’s bash was tremendous. The Thursday evening affair combined community, luxury, high fashion, and excitement. The climax of this ultra-chic event was a runway show that stretched down the gardens on the building’s east side. With DJ Lalo spinning suggestive beats, beautiful models strutted the red carpet in designer clothes and accessories provided by Escada and Luca Luca. One of the night’s sponsors was the impeccable interior designer Sofia Joelsson of SoJo Design. “The evening was amazing,” said Joelsson, who once lived in the opulent penthouse at Villaggio and now resides at the posh Setai. Her offices are still located onsite at Villaggio. “The life on South Beach is glamorous, and Villaggio is one of the sexiest of all the luxury condos.”




Eloy Carmenate’s Il Villaggio Realty was another sponsor. His boutique brokerage firm, located on street level at Il Villaggio, caters to some of South Beach’s wealthiest clientele. “The luxury condo lifestyle is like no other,” said Carmenate, “and when I am asked to sponsor events at Villaggio, I always do. This is the most glamorous building anywhere, and the engagements we throw are always elegant and always fantastic.” In addition to Il Villaggio, Carmenate has exclusive listings at many luxury condos in South Florida.




The Il Villaggio affair was organized by concierge Marcelo Rivero. As social director for Villaggio, Rivero has his finger on the South Beach social scene. “The residents really enjoy the parties,” said Rivero. “Earlier this year, we had the New World Symphony give a twilight concert. Our residents expect the best, and that’s what we at The Continental Concierge Group aim to provide.”




Another high-profile concierge who is also a member of Continental is Murano Grande’s Nicolas Di Giovanni. The eyes and ears of his building, Di Giovanni was responsible for coordinating the celebration on a breezy Saturday night. The poolside event offered a lively mix of entertainment with a Mediterranean theme. Fire dancers mesmerized guests as bikini-clad models distributed an array of Middle Eastern delicacies and top-shelf spirits. Massage therapists and tarot card readers, stationed in cabanas were kept busy all night long. “Parties like this are a lot of fun,” said Di Giovanni. “Residents invite friends, and everybody has a great time. The themed party is obviously our blowout, but we set up smaller events all year. Art shows and barbeques and much more are added bonuses to living at Murano Grande.”




There is no lack of diversions on South Beach, and those fortunate enough to own a unit at any of the area’s luxury condos have even more parties to attend. “It’s like being on vacation everyday,” said Di Giovanni, “and we always do our best to keep that feeling.” Next season promises to be just as exciting, as luxury condos throughout South Beach will continue to go that extra mile to keep their international residents entertained.