10 New Venues in Miami/South Florida for Spring 2021 Meetings and Events

The newly built, 202-room, eight-story Moxy South Beach opened in February. Venue highlights include a 72-foot cabana-lined pool, a rooftop bar and restaurant—complete with panoramic ocean views—and a dedicated beach club. The six new food and beverage spots, which were developed in partnership with the Coyo Taco Group, offer a modern interpretation of traditional Latin and Mexican offerings. Interiors by Rockwell Group and Saladino Design Studios blend the glamour of midcentury Havana, the artistry of contemporary Mexico City and the signature tropical vibrancy for which Miami is known. There is approximately 12,000 square feet of event space, where buyouts range from intimate 20-person seated dinners to 300-person affairs. The hotel is well-suited for weddings, galas, conferences, client meetings, celebrations and more. Event pricing is available upon request.

Designed by Mark Lehmkuhl of Ghost House Creative Group, The Gramercy opened in Coral Gables in December. The interior of the American brasserie is a nod to New York power dining rooms (like The Waldorf and Grand Central) with references to grand columns, large booths, exposed brick, velvet banquettes and French tile, as well as prime oak floors. A check-in desk with keys greets guests, as does a neon “Heartbreak Hotel” sign, while an elevator to nowhere serves as a photo op upon arrival. The 5,480-square-foot space can host a capacity of 173 guests for dinners, meetings, conferences, small gatherings and corporate events.

With 360-degree views of Miami’s iconic downtown skyline and Biscayne Bay, SkyLawn sits on 35,000 square feet of green exterior space and features a 172-foot-long projector wall, a prereception lounge area, and sound, lighting and power capabilities. The versatile outdoor layout can lend to receptions, cocktail hours, yoga and fitness classes and alfresco movie pop-ups for up to 1,000 guests. Food and beverage services courtesy of InterContinental Miami are accompanied by on-site bartenders and contactless food ordering via a custom app. Quotes are customized for each event.

This second location from husband-and-wife wellness duo Matt and Destiny Beck opened in October in Fort Lauderdale. The progressive 1,550-square-foot float therapy center doubles as an event space for four to 12 guests. In addition to offering four private float rooms, Float8 Fort Lauderdale features an art-clad lounge area. Ideal for small baby showers, team-building get-togethers and birthdays, pricing starts at $100 per person with an option to add food and beverage accommodations. Additionally, groups can request services from wellness practitioners who offer Reiki, sound baths and natal chart readings.

Amar Mediterranean Bistro, an intimate 1,200-square-foot Delray Beach restaurant, opened in January on Atlantic Avenue and showcases a rustic-yet-refined design inspired by the quaint neighborhood bistros found throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Inside, expect comfortable banquettes, whitewashed exposed brick walls, handwoven planters and soft lighting. The eatery cooks up Lebanese cuisine—think hummus, labneh, moussaka and tabouleh—for both indoor and outdoor parties (indoor capacity seats 48 and outdoor seats 12). Weeknight buyouts begin at $5,000, while weekend rates start at $10,000.

James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s Uchi made its way to Wynwood in January to serve up its signature, nontraditional take on Japanese cuisine—from sushi and sashimi to seasonal omakase options, and hot and cold tastings. Striking a delicate balance between elevated food and impeccable service, alongside a welcoming and homey atmosphere, the 175-seat open floor plan features interiors by Miami artist and textile designer Elan Byrd. Additionally, there’s a private dining room that seats as many as 28 guests (half-room rentals beginning at $1,000 are available too), as well as a wraparound patio accented by a living plant wall from inspired design firm Plant the Future. Set menu options are available for large parties but are not required.

The whitewashed brick walls, soft wood tones and exposed concrete flooring are contrasted by colored pillow accents at Lionfish Delray which opened in September. Here, coastal tranquility meets approachability to produce a laid-back vibe. A captain's table at the far end of the 5,400-square-foot restaurant serves as the main attraction with a central dining space anchored by a large ceiling cove that features a custom mural. Suspended from the center of the cove is a large cluster of woven rattan pendants, while a row of comfortable banquettes along the walls provide a see-and-be-seen ambiance. The menu comprises cutting-edge cocktails to pair with sustainable, high-quality, modern coastal cuisine, including fresh catches, grass-fed meats and local and seasonal ingredients. Full buyouts for dinners, brunches, corporate events and weddings are available for parties of up to 120 (20 outdoor and 100 indoor). Prices vary depending on group size and menu; prix-fixe three-course dinners are available for $60 per person, brunches start at $30 per person and full event buyouts begin at $12,000.

The 73-year-old Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, which joined Kimpton in 2011, completed a major renovation project in December. Playful, simple, clean and earthy design elements take inspiration from the south of France. The dedicated outdoor Vines Cabanas have been reinvented with new furniture and fixtures and is open to wellness groups (book a midday stretching and meditation session and a smoothie station), as well as those seeking a creative, outdoor breakout/brainstorming setting for groups of as many as 20. Signature restaurant The Social Club and High Tide Beach Bar and Grill recently welcomed executive chef Javier Carballo to share his Latin American, Spanish and Italian influences. And, known as a South Beach backyard wedding destination, the boutique hotel now offers microweddings for as many as 125 guests with beachside dinners too. However, the property can host private corporate cocktail events with its signature Paella Action Station for up to 300, seated dinners for 175 or private events for 1,000 guests on a flow.

Courtesy of restaurateur Ken Lyon and his partner Hakim Mouslim, The Anderson has received a much-deserved refresh. Renovations to the storied 1930s property completed in January. Now, there’s a new entrance from the street, an updated kitchen and a 1,200-square-foot outdoor dining event space for 40 called The Sanctuary—not to mention The Shack, an interior bar and outdoor beach lounge that hosts 30 for tropical cocktails. The previous Magnum interior bar has been revamped, while the Supper Club is slated to launch as a jazz and dinner hot spot this spring. The Anderson has also reinvented El Toro, its 62-seat outdoor bar and dining area, where Top Chef alumnus, barbecue pitmaster and executive chef Howard Kleinberg is at the helm (he smokes his signature meats, pickles vegetables and crafts vibrant sauces and salsas on weekends from noon to 5 p.m.) Event buyout pricing is tailored to a food and beverage minimum; inquire within.

With Mexican soul and South Florida style, this bright, 2,000-square-foot boho restaurant comes alive with hand-painted murals, colorful decor, whimsical drapery and a thoughtful ambiance. Avocado Cantina debuted in Palm Beach Gardens in November to share its seasonal, sustainable and modern take on traditional dishes. For example, parties can pair ceviche, white bean hummus, chile relleno and even vegan options with pitchers from the margarita bar. Groups of up to 200 can buyout the eatery for $15,000 and spice up the setting with live entertainment.