Introduction
The Versace Mansion, also known as Villa Casa Casuarina, is nestled on Ocean Drive, among charming low-rise Art Deco hotels. This iconic sea-front palace has transformed into a luxurious 10-suite villa featuring a high-end restaurant and an elegant event space. A tour here begins with a chauffeured drive through the vibrant streets of South Beach, offering breathtaking views of the ocean-facing neighborhood. With its velvet rope and a stern security guard at the entrance, the mansion exudes exclusivity and mystique, captivating everyone passing by.
Beyond the gilded gates, a lavish world awaits, though it remains not open to the public for regular tours or casual visits. Staying at this prestigious destination requires a minimum of $1,000 a night, making it an extraordinary experience. The Versace Mansion Tour offers unmatched luxury and a glimpse into opulence few can afford. Also read this Florida Itinerary 7 days
Why Book in Advance?
To experience the Versace Mansion Tour fully, it’s essential to book in advance and book early. My travel partner and I secured our reservation as soon as they open their doors at 12:00 PM. We arrived 15 minutes early, making us the second ones there, which ensured seating on the iconic patio. This patio, with its stunning ambiance, is a highlight for guests visiting the legendary mansion.
Things To Take Along On Your Versace Mansion Tour:
- Camera – To capture the luxurious interiors and stunning architecture.
- Comfortable Shoes – For walking around the mansion and exploring the grounds.
- Sunscreen – Miami’s sun can be intense, so make sure to protect your skin.
- Water Bottle – Stay hydrated during the tour, especially in Miami’s warm climate.
- ID or Ticket – For entry to the mansion or as part of your reservation.
- Sunglasses – Miami’s bright sun calls for stylish eye protection.
- Cash/Card – For any purchases, tips, or optional extras (like lunch or a souvenir).
- Light Jacket – The air conditioning inside the mansion may be cool.
- Notebook/pen – To jot down notes if you want to remember the historical details or facts shared during the tour.
- Charged Phone – For emergency contact or to snap photos during the tour.
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Although making a reservation is crucial, it doesn’t always guarantee seating on the patio. Guests who arrived on time for their reservation were instead seated inside the mansion. Many folks visit specifically for the patio, so arriving early enhances your chances of enjoying this sought-after space. Whether for a meal or a tour, planning ahead ensures a memorable experience in this luxurious and iconic destination.
Staying at Villa Casa Casuarina
Live the Versace Experience
The Villa Casa Casuarina, once the former home of Gianni Versace, is now a luxurious boutique hotel. This iconic property allows guests to sleep in Versace’s bedroom, his sister Donatella’s bedroom, or the suite where Madonna stayed during her visits in the 90’s. Far from a museum or private home, it offers an immersive glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the legendary fashion designer.
The mansion adds to its mystique by remaining closed to public tours and restricting any look inside to outsiders. Hidden behind wrought iron gates, it teases visitors with its lavish world, which continues to inspire awe and curiosity. Staying here is more than a visit; it’s an invitation to step beyond barriers and live a slice of history in unmatched elegance.
Luxury Versace Mansion Style
Mosaic Garden and Stunning Pool
Step beyond the gates to discover the lavish digs of the Versace Mansion. The Mosaic Garden courtyard is truly breathtaking, with its centerpiece being the enormous pebbled Medusa inlaid in the deck, leading to the 54-foot-long Thousand Mosaic swimming pool. This masterpiece, designed by Versace himself, is lined with 24-karat gold and crafted from over one million mosaic tiles. The pool draws its elegance and inspiration from a scarf in Versace’s Marine Vanuras collection, blending artistic flair with timeless luxury.
Opulent Bedrooms and Baroque Interiors
Inside the mansion, the custom bedrooms were originally designed for Versace’s friends and frequent guests, including Madonna, Elton John, Princess Diana, and his sister Donatella. These rooms are adorned with original artwork and intricate flourishes, creating a visual delight. The ceilings feature painted palm fronds, illuminated by twinkling chandeliers. The elaborate gilded wooden headboards crown double-king-sized beds, while rich tapestries rest on top of marble floors in an array of detailed Baroque patterns. Every detail, from the furnishings to the design, reflects Versace’s unmatched style and love for opulence.
Versace’s Mansion – Luxury and Legacy
Luxurious Yet Comfortable Home
The iconic Versace’s mansion in Miami was more than just a luxurious property; it was a true home filled with warmth and grandeur. Decorated with works of art, including pieces by Picasso, the mansion stood apart from being a mere museum-like space. Instead, Versace ensured it was a comfortable living space for himself and his partner, Antonio D’Amico, balancing sophistication with a welcoming atmosphere. Every room radiated style, yet it retained a personal touch that reflected the designer’s personality and life.
Ways to Explore Inside
Today, the Casa Casuarina remains a symbol of opulence, offering 10 luxurious suites, a restaurant, and a bar. Guests can reserve a room to immerse themselves in the sumptuous world of Versace. Alternatively, they can book a table at Gianni’s for a memorable lunch or dinner, where dishes like lobster are served on elegant Versace-designed Rosenthal china. For those seeking exclusivity, the mansion allows private buyouts for corporate events or weddings, ensuring an unforgettable experience. The courtyard by the pool or the exquisite dining room provides a perfect setting for these grand occasions.
Versace Mansion History
Built in 1930 by Alden Freeman, the mansion is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival architecture. Freeman, a philanthropist bachelor and heir to Standard Oil, designed it as a masterpiece inspired by historic palaces. Its design was modeled after the Alcazar de Colon, a 16th-century palace built by Christopher Columbus’ son in Santo Domingo. In 1992, Gianni Versace purchased the mansion and transformed it into a cultural hub for South Beach’s elite scene. His presence on Ocean Drive, along with his celebrity-filled parties, defined South Beach’s glittery resurgence during the 1990s. After his death, the property changed hands several times, adding to its fascinating history. In October 2013, the Nakash family of Jordache Enterprises acquired the property for $41.5 million, ensuring its preservation. They also purchased the Hotel Victor South Beach, further solidifying the mansion’s legacy as a timeless symbol of luxury and elegance.
Mansion Mysteries and Modern Elegance
Secret Doors and Hidden Passageways
Casa Casuarina, also known as the Versace mansion, holds an air of mystery that fascinates visitors. Among its unique features are secret doors and hidden passageways scattered throughout the mansion. These clever architectural elements were designed to ensure Versace’s celebrity friends could move around the property unbothered, enjoying privacy and discretion. The presence of these concealed routes is a testament to the designer’s thoughtfulness and his ability to blend luxury with practicality.
Alden Freeman’s Time Capsule
Before Versace, the mansion’s original owner, Alden Freeman, made his mark on the property by placing a time capsule in the house when it was built in 1930. During Versace’s extensive renovations, the item was never uncovered, sparking endless speculation. It is believed to be hidden within the building’s cornerstone, which was left untouched during the remodel. This enduring mystery adds intrigue to the property’s already fascinating history and keeps visitors guessing about what treasures might lie undiscovered.
The Villa – A MICHELIN-Selected Boutique Hotel
The iconic Versace mansion has transformed into a luxury boutique hotel, now operating under the name The Villa. According to the MICHELIN Guide, it offers a high-quality stay, blending historical elegance with modern opulence. This patchwork Italian-style palace, which once served as a monument to excess, is now accessible to the public, though limited to its ten suites. Every corner of The Villa reflects grandeur and refinement, making it a destination that seamlessly combines history, luxury, and sophistication for its guests.
The Best-Known Property on Ocean Drive
Casa Casuarina’s Role in Television
The opulence of Casa Casuarina, widely regarded as the best-known property on Ocean Drive, made it an iconic choice for filming. The TV series “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” premiered in 2018 and showcased the mansion. The series told the story of Gianni Versace’s life, his tragic death, and his infamous home. The show explored the grandeur of the mansion, emphasizing its luxurious interiors and iconic architecture as integral elements of the narrative.This dramatization brought the mansion’s legacy to a global audience, solidifying its place as a symbol of history and opulence. The series highlighted the cultural significance of the property while linking it to Versace’s extraordinary journey in fashion. This portrayal firmly established Casa Casuarina’s role in pop culture, reaffirming its status as a landmark of timeless luxury and intrigue.
Star-Studded Cast of the TV Series
The show’s stars brought brilliance to the series with their outstanding performances, making each role memorable and engaging. Penelope Cruz captivated audiences as Donatella Versace, portraying her strength and resilience with extraordinary grace. Ricky Martin delivered a heartfelt performance as Versace’s longtime partner, Antonio D’Amico, capturing the depth of their relationship. Edgar Ramirez embodied the essence of Gianni Versace with remarkable depth and emotion, bringing his complexity and charisma to life. These portrayals added authenticity to the series, immersing viewers in the world of Casa Casuarina and the life of one of fashion’s most iconic figures. The series not only honored the legacy of Versace but also elevated the mansion’s status in popular culture. By turning the property into more than a backdrop, the show transformed it into a character in its own right, forever tied to Versace’s extraordinary story.
Versace Found Inspiration in Miami
Versace’s Connection to Miami
Versace drew immense inspiration from Miami, a city he deeply admired. In an interview, he expressed his love for Miami, saying, “I wake up and I work. I’m very serene here.” Miami’s vibrant atmosphere influenced his work, with pastel colors and palm tree prints prominently featured in his collections. His private residence on Ocean Drive was one of the few in the area, offering him both privacy and proximity. Each morning, he walked to his favorite News Café, enjoying a serene routine that defined his life in Miami.
Tragic Ending on Ocean Drive
Sadly, Versace’s story in Miami took a tragic turn on July 15, 1997, when he was shot and killed. That fateful morning, he was returning from the News Café, his cherished spot, when the unimaginable happened. On the steps of his beloved home, his life was tragically cut short. Despite the heartbreak of his passing, Versace’s legacy in Miami lives on, forever tied to the city that inspired so much of his creativity and spirit.
Personal Touches at Casa Casuarina
Historic Origins and Freeman’s Vision
Upon arrival, the staff greets guests with a glass of champagne and invites them to step inside this historic landmark on South Beach’s Ocean Drive. Originally built in 1930 by Alden Freeman, an accomplished architect, author, and philanthropist, the house drew inspiration from a 16th-century castle. Freeman modeled it after the Alcázar de Colón in Santo Domingo, which Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego, built. Freeman named the estate Casa Casuarina, though the origins of the name remain debated. Some believe it was influenced by W. Somerset Maugham’s short story collection, The Casuarina Tree, while others link it to the last tree standing after the 1926 hurricane in South Florida. The name was restored in 2013 to honor Freeman’s vision and legacy.
Versace’s Renovation and Exquisite Design
When Versace purchased the mansion in 1992, he began a three-year renovation, seamlessly blending his distinctive style with the villa’s original charm. The interior design still includes decorative medallions in the second-story open-air courtyard, featuring historical portraits like Cleopatra and John D. Rockefeller. One of the villa’s standout features is the 54-foot-long Million Mosaic Pool, composed of over one million mosaic tiles, with thousands of 24-carat gold pieces. The pool was crafted in Italy and meticulously shipped to the United States for final assembly.
Signature Experiences at Casa Casuarina
The grandeur continues with an Italian-Mediterranean dinner at Gianni’s at the Villa, meticulously curated by chef Thomas Stewart. The menu features exquisite food and fine wine, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the opulent glamour of Versace’s world. The stunning setting, inspired by the designer’s private quarters, creates an atmosphere that transports guests back to an era of extravagant entertaining. Every detail, from the elegant dishes to the lavish surroundings, reflects the timeless elegance of the mansion. For those who wish to explore further, the concierge is available to help arrange a tour or assist with making a reservation. A visit to Casa Casuarina promises an unforgettable experience, blending luxurious dining with an appreciation of Versace’s unparalleled vision and legacy.
Course Meal at the Versace Mansion
Dining Experience and Costs
The course meal at the Versace Mansion combines exclusivity and luxury, though many consider the food overrated and overpriced. A $29 lunch, including a glass of wine and tip, quickly adds up to $60, while dinner can cost at least $200. The menu rotates, featuring a variety of salads, meat lovers and vegetarian-friendly entrees, along with delectable desserts. Despite the high price, the patio seating enhances the experience, allowing diners to enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings.
The Stunning Ambiance
The outdoor pool is the highlight, adorned with 24-karat-gold-encrusted mosaic windows that reflect Versace’s flair for luxury. The pool, famously deconstructed and brought from Italy, transforms the setting into a different world. Spending an hour by this beautiful pool during lunch was easily the favorite moment of my entire Miami Beach trip. This unparalleled ambiance showcases the mansion’s timeless elegance.
Exclusive Opportunities
The mansion, steeped in mystique, remains not open for public tours, which adds to its allure as a lavish world. However, guests staying at The Setai, Miami Beach, can enjoy a private tour of the renowned fashion designer’s sea-front villa, a true modern-day palace. For those planning a longer stay, the Villa Casa Casuarina offers premium options, including apartments, villas, and flight + hotel packages. With special offers, low rates, and 24/7 customer service, the property ensures a great choice for an unforgettable luxury experience.
Conclusion
The Versace Mansion, or Villa Casa Casuarina, embodies the essence of luxury, history, and mystique. From its lavish interiors to its 24-karat-gold-encrusted mosaic pool, every detail reflects opulence and artistic vision. Designed by Alden Freeman in 1930, the mansion was transformed by Gianni Versace into an icon of grandeur. The mansion continues to captivate visitors with its historic charm and modern-day elegance. While the food may be considered overpriced, the patio seating and ambiance offer an unparalleled experience. Guests of The Setai, Miami Beach, can enjoy exclusive private tours of this renowned modern palace. These tours offer a glimpse into the designer’s life and legacy, bringing visitors closer to his extraordinary vision. Whether for dining, exploring, or staying, the mansion remains a destination that transports you to timeless luxury.