Florida Weekender » Mediterranean Revival

Miami is a city of flash and excitement, but if you look closer you’ll see that there is a quiet and serene side to this beautiful city. Nestled just outside of downtown in Coral Gables you’ll find large tree-lined streets blooming with bougainvillea and splashed with fountains and large arched gates. At the center of this beautiful area sits one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in America, the Biltmore Miami. Built in 1926 by Coral Gables developer George Merrick and Biltmore hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman, the hotel became an immediate success. It saw guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, and Al Capone. The hotel even became a surrogate White House as Franklin Roosevelt set up offices here during his extended stays in Miami. The hotel itself is magnificent. It was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style and features a 315-foot…

Nestled amongst the bougainvillea and banyan trees of Coral Gables lies one of Miami’s hidden treasures. The Venetian Pool, an 820,000-gallon spring-fed swimming pool, has drawn locals and visitors alike since it’s construction in 1923. Originally conceived as part of the Venetian Casino, the Venetian Pool was a central feature to George Merrick’s master plan for Coral Gables. The pool was constructed from a coral rock quarry that was the source of much of the beautiful coral found in the neighborhood’s homes. Built in the Mediterranean Revival style, the pool features loggias, porticos, and a beautiful bridge leading to small palm-tree island. Its main features, however, are its waterfalls and secluded grotto.