Whether it’s reducing stress or improving concentration, eating outdoors has proven to have many health-related benefits.
Photo courtesy of DooArchitecture
Private terraces with al fresco eating spaces not only offer a unique setting for entertaining and barbecuing, but also a relaxing, peaceful environment. Dilip Barot, founder and CEO of Creative Choice Group — the developers behind Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences, understands the importance of designing a development with outdoor space in mind.
“Some of the benefits (of spending time outdoors) are improvement in the ability to focus, mood elevation and you get to exercise more,” he explains. “Being out of doors can help one return to a natural state of balance with a simple deep breath of fresh air to feel a sense of renewal.”
While enjoying a meal outdoors can provide a natural mood boost, it can also fight chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Barot also notes that spending time outdoors can lower the risk for seasonal affective disorder, which is attributed to a lack of sunlight creating feelings of sadness and depression.
“Amrit’s location and year-round warm, sunny climate contribute to a natural stress reducing mood enhancing experience,” he says. “With our South Florida sunshine producing melatonin, serotonin and Vitamin D in the body, stress is reduced and happiness naturally shines through.”
Keeping this information in mind, many developments are beginning to embrace outdoor dining. Here are just a few from the Sunshine State:
Photo courtesy of Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences
Located on the exclusive shores of Surprise Lake, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach offers a unique outdoor space with vast terraces and balconies to enjoy the outdoors at home. This waterfront property has a rooftop pool deck with spacious cabanas and poolside grille, lush meditation garden and deeded boat slips on a private waterway. This peaceful oasis also has a spa and state-of-the-art fitness center to enhance day-to-day living.
Photo courtesy of Prive at Island Estates
In Oceana Bal Harbour’s penthouse, the wrap-around terrace and rooftop deck boasts 9,950-square-feet of outdoor living space, including an elevated pool and sunset deck, a heated infinity pool, a summer kitchen and an elaborate dining area. The entire pool area is adorned with lush vertical gardens designed by famed landscape architect, Enzo Enea. Every one of Oceana Bal Harbour’s spacious homes and terraces are designed to offer al fresco dining experiences and breathtaking views; whether it’s the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Biscayne Bay and the Bal Harbour marina to the west, or Miami’s intoxicating city skyline to the south.
Photo courtesy of Brickell City Centre
Amrit Ocean Resort and Residences will introduce a new way of mindful living in Palm Beach, Florida with its enhanced lifestyle experiences and customized programs that will be focused around the “Five Pillars of Wellness,” which are nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, sleep and relaxation.
Upon entering the grounds through a private ramp, guests and residents will be brought to an elevated level where they will find a captivating water wall and seven acres of beautiful terrain.
With countless features, the property will be comprised of two towers, each offering indoor and outdoor living with modern cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances, designer fixtures and large sliding glass doors that open to covered terraces with spectacular water views.
Photo courtesy of DooArchitecture
Prive at Island Estates feature expansive terraces ranging from 760 square-feet to 1,800 square-feet in size with outdoor summer kitchens and elaborate views of the azure intracoastal, Sunny Isles’ dotted skyline and beyond. Its penthouse terraces also include rooftop infinity pools, dining greenery spaces and full outdoor summer kitchens.
Photo courtesy of Ocean Bal Harbour
RISE, one of the two sleek, 43-story premier luxury condominium tower that sits atop of Brickell City Centre, allows residents to enjoy the fresh outdoors and tropical Miami weather with an expansive half-acre amenity deck including tropical gardens, barbecue grills, heated lap and social pools, outdoor fitness areas and children’s play area.
Providing high-end amenities and views of the Caribbean Sea, these four luxury developments are gaining traction among homeowners and travelers.
By Brielle Bryan
Photo courtesy of Mahogany Bay Village
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Caye Chapel
Four Seasons Private Estates Caye Chapel
Located in the heart of Belize’s largest marine sanctuary, this private island invites guests to connect with nature while enjoying the level of personal service and luxurious amenities that Four Seasons offers. Opening in 2021, Caye Chapel will feature approximately 50 Four Seasons Private Estates, with opportunities starting at $2 million.
Erasing the line between indoor and outdoor, these exclusive lots encourage owners to take advantage of the unparalleled access to the natural environment of Belize through boat expeditions, snorkeling, paddle boarding, diving, mainland exploration and more. In addition to the private estates, the 2.5-mile island of Caye Chapel will feature a 100-room Four Seasons Resort, 35 Private Residences, a private airstrip, a Fabien Cousteau Nature and Conservation Institute, an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course, bustling Harbor and Marina village, world-class dining options and a stylish Beach Club.
The Ellysian
The Ellysian is owned by Belize’s Prime Minister’s wife, Kim Barrow, and opened in May of 2017. The boutique property is ideally located within the charming and vibrant village of Placencia, placed perfectly along Belize’s Southern Coast. Upon arrival, guests are immersed into an incomparably lush escape that is in walking distance to local artisan shops, restaurants and sites the village has to offer.
There are 12 beautiful rooms at The Ellysian, consisting of beach view studios and one-bedroom suites. The limited number of suites at The Ellysian ensures guests are afforded privacy and a higher standard of personalized service. Each suite is fitted with a private veranda, viewing either the Caribbean sea or the famous sidewalk center of the village. The boutique hotel values making a difference in the community, and as a result, it supports several charitable organizations such as the Belize Cancer Center and The Placencia Humane Society.
Photos courtesy of The Ellysian
Mahogany Bay Village
Mahogany Bay Village is a fresh and energized take on the conventional resort community. The Village is made up of Belize’s first global luxury branded resort, a collection of customizable homes, and a bustling retail marketplace. Located on the soulful island of Ambergris Caye, Mahogany Bay Village, which just opened in December, sits no more than 10 minutes from the colorful eateries and shops of the historic San Pedro Town.
Photos courtesy of Mahogany Bay Village
Dream Hotel Group
In January, the Dream Hotel Group announced the development of two new hotels in Belize: Unscripted Belize and Dream Belize. The first of the two Belize openings for the group, Unscripted Belize, will debut in late 2018 with 24 beachfront cabana accommodations that will be steps away from the Caribbean Sea. With an open-air concept, the property will also feature an outdoor restaurant and bar, an expansive pool area and two private boats for snorkeling and scuba diving.
In 2020, Dream Belize will feature 100 guestrooms and suites, 120 hotel condominiums and 40 branded residential home sites. Also included will be four vibrant dining and nightlife concepts, three pools, a luxury spa and fitness center and multiple coworking suites to round out the dynamic resort offerings.
Photo courtesy of Gensler
No2 Opus Place, a luxury development in Atlanta, Georgia, encompasses more than 46,000 feet of private amenities, including a spa and wellness haven, artful experiences and Mozart’s Club Level.
No2 Opus Place, famed for its record-setting plans to become the tallest residential tower along the Midtown Atlanta skyline, will be known for more than its height in the near future. The luxurious development is soon to be the most highly amenitized condominium building in Midtown, encompassing more than 46,000 feet of private amenities spread over three floors with endless city views and top-of-the-line finishes and features. No2 Opus Place wrote 20 contracts during the month of March and the project is in the site work phase of construction.
At only 48 cents per square foot, No2 Opus Place’s monthly homeowners’ association fees will offer residents a well-appointed lifestyle with access to an outstanding number of in-house amenities, without the high rates normally associated with luxury living.
“The developer thoughtfully curated No2 Opus Place to incorporate a fully loaded line-up of amenities, services and gathering spaces at a reasonable cost to the homeowner,” said Lori Lane, senior vice president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Right now is a great time for buyers to discover No2 Opus Place — we’re currently in our pre-sale phase which offers the best pricing options and choice of residences.”
The Opus Club, a finely selected collection of best-in-class amenities, will provide residents and their guests the ultimate in exclusive hospitality, all under one roof.
Situated atop a fine dining restaurant, the private 8,200-square-foot arrival experience will welcome residents home with an on-site bellman and full valet service. The grand entryway leads residents into the Entrance Suite, featuring a double height space accentuated by a contemporary crystal chandelier and blue-chip art collection. Also included in the arrival is access to on-site parking, dry and cold package storage and on-site property management. A 24-hour Concierge is available to offer residents services typically found in a boutique hotel. Additionally, No2 Opus Place will employ a full-time Lifestyle Curator to plan events such as wine tastings and movie screenings.
Ascending upwards through the tower, residents will experience a 26,000-square-foot health and wellness facility featuring both indoor and outdoor amenities. The outdoor area will provide ample entertainment space for residents and their guests. From the resort-style pool featuring a massive movie wall, waterfall and private cabanas to alfresco dining spaces with fire pits and BBQ grills to a juice bar in an open-air lounge, the exterior amenities cater to every aspect of an active, stylish lifestyle. The outdoor area also includes a covered lap pool perfect for catching the sunrise during exercises, an outdoor kitchen and a dog run.
An on-site Wellness Director and Spa Attendant will help guide residents’ wellness routines within the indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. Sauna and steam rooms and a state-of-the-art gym, along with a Pilates and yoga studio, are also a part of the rejuvenating spa and wellness center.
Near the pinnacle of the building lies Mozart’s 41st, the 8,900-square-foot Club Level featuring a 23-seat IMAX Screening room, ultra-lounge, cocktail bar, demonstration kitchens, a culinary tasting lounge and a wine tasting and storage space. For residents looking for a more intimate experience, access to private guest suites, a private dining room and a library is also available.
Photos courtesy of ARX Solutions