ON TOP OF THE WORLD IN MIAMI

By PamelaAnn Campbell
Click here for the Miami Treasures Photo Collection by Bridget Azeez

Miami, Florida: Celebrity or not, Miami’s South Beach is the ideal luxury escape for a million reasons and one.

Paint the town red, remain in seclusion or kick back and relax, no questions asked……except by John Nilbrink. All he wants to know is whether you have any special requests. He’s the director of Private Client Concierge Service at Villazzo Luxury Villa Vacations, the guy who pulls out all the stops to make “the impossible come true.”

Nilbrink has all the connections to whisk guests into the finest accommodation, restaurants and nightclubs or special events, and luxury cars, yachts, private jets or helicopters are also available.

Catering to the wishes of his guests is second nature to the Swedish-born Nilbrink, who has worked at luxury hotels in Miami and other parts of the world. Corporate executives, big names within the sports world and music industry, members on the Forbes 400 list and Middle Eastern royalty are among the rich and famous Nilbrink has had the pleasure of hosting.

This is a “do-as-you-please” weekend and that’s just fine with Nilbrink who is available 24-hours daily. Regular staff includes a villa manager, housekeeper, server and cook who prepares breakfast. A chauffeur-driven vehicle is reserved for on-call outings.

We set our sights on The Penthouse at Portofino Tower poised magnificently over Miami’s fashionable South Beach a.k.a. “America’s Riviera” or “SoBe.” The 7,500-square-foot penthouse looks like it belongs in Architectural Digest; after all, the multi-million dollar sanctuary is Miami’s unsurpassed masterpiece in luxury living by The Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership.

It’s no illusion, but an architectural presence. The four-story penthouse’s hallmark design is enhanced by 180-degree South Florida panoramas framed by ceiling-high glass windows. Can you imagine scanning the horizon and seeing nothing but the ocean, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach and downtown Miami? My initial look at the penthouse on the Internet was impressive, but a first-hand visit surpassed all expectations.

The ride to the top is swift and the elevator reaches the private entrance to the penthouse. Double doors swing open to reveal the marble foyer and the expansive 2,000-square-foot living area that includes the sitting room, entertainment room, dining room, kitchen and maid’s suite.

The décor is quintessentially classic Italian, furnished with genuine imports and features Saturnia marble floors and Italian wood veneer and granite. Muted color accents reign throughout the penthouse evoking a sense of serenity from room to room.

The master bedroom suite is a luxurious 1,100-square-foot delight with huge his-and-hers walk-in closets and bathrooms and a sitting area. Instead of a full canopy, the king sized bed is loosely draped right down to its four posters in lily white fabric, in stark contrast to the dark wooden outlines. Sunlight dances across the room invitingly, casting shadows here and there, but it’s the view that creates the “wow factor” - take your pick – cruise ships and leisure craft traversing Government Cut and nearby Fisher Island, or both from the wall-high glass windows. If that’s not enough, feel free to enjoy the tropical breeze from the private balcony.

There’s nothing closer to some guests’ hearts than space, especially when it comes to closets and bathrooms. The roomy closet is ideal for me. I could sort my belongings and never lose sight of them - swimwear, clothing and footwear. There is even a chest of drawers for underwear. No chance of bumping into the other half trying to decide what outfit to wear while getting dressed!

The en suite master bathroom has marble, granite and gold fittings, and the full-length vanity is more than ample for a well-stocked cosmetic case. Apart from a Jacuzzi tub, wall-mounted television and private water closet, the other bathroom is similarly outfitted, only smaller. The lower level also has two guest bedroom suites with private bathrooms, walk-in closets and panoramic glass windows. 

Unlimited picture-postcard scenery surrounds every corner of the penthouse, and the living room is no exception. A soft palette of predominantly beige overtones are offset by the brown hues of the furniture and throw cushions, abstract patterned rust carpet, glass topped table and rectangular wall mirror. A fully equipped bar and Dolby 5.1 home theatre completes the entertainment area adjoining the living room.

The upstairs 700-square-foot mezzanine encompasses office space, open-air garden terrace and a Jacuzzi. The sunrise to sunset terrace is such a temptation it would be nice to return just to savor quiet moments and of course, the magnificent view.

The penthouse appeal extends beyond the comfort zones into the kitchen where any chef would be in seventh heaven. Why? How many kitchens come with such a captivating view? But that’s not all, the appliances echo “gourmet” with names such as Sub Zero, Gaggenau, Ceran and Krups. 

Penthouse guests may enjoy the tower’s facilities – gym, spa, library, billiards room, tennis courts and swimming pool.

If anyone knows how to make an impression with personalized service, it’s Nilbrink. A gentleman who was celebrating his 40^th birthday was pleasantly surprised when a birthday banner suddenly appeared on the horizon as he relaxed by the pool with his friends. Later he enjoyed a specially catered dinner at the penthouse. The expert “magician” treasures the compliment from one of his guests who declared it was the best service he had ever received in all of his travels around the world.

A simple “Thank You” is enough for Nilbrink who says his guests show their appreciation in different ways, but his best gift is to welcome back a satisfied guest.

(Although it was tempting to stay in the luxury of the penthouse, we did manage to enjoy some of  Miami’s favorite spots. Check out more articles in our series on “The Best Getaways Around the World”)