“The whole experience isn't really supposed to be programmed. It's actually meant to get lost. And that has multiple meanings. It means to get lost in time. Like what era is it? Am I in the twenties, the thirties? This building has gone through a hundred years of history and we pick up on different decades at different parts in time in the property. We don't have clocks in the room, so it doesn't matter what time it is. It's Miami beach, you're on vacation. But more so than that, it's also to get lost on the street, wander, see what's around the corner.”

We’re in great company with David and Maya Berg, the husband and wife duo behind Esmé Miami Beach Hotel, where they are restoring the glory of the Spanish Village to its artistic heyday. With its Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, diverse Latin flavors and finishes, its original wonderment made modern, its appeal made timeless. 

Celebrating its 100-year history - once a colony for artists and outcasts, where the infamous Al Capone ran his underground gambling syndicate - now stands a chic hotel escape in the heart of South Beach, adorned in rich, nuanced, and eclectic treasures for guests to discover. 

In this episode, David and Maya divulge how Esmé is a ‘boutique gem hidden in plain sight’ among hushed historic paseos, beckoning the old country’s lust for life and the Mediterranean coast’s deliciously slower pace.

Top Takeaways

[1:50] It was a New York City love story between a young David in real estate and a young Maya in hospitality, filled with long work days, late weekend nights, and summers spent in the Hamptons that started it all. 

[5:10] What makes Miami, “the next New York borough” according to the Berg’s - from its international culinary finds to its multiple cultural flairs, from its livable neighborhoods to its vibrant arts scene. 

[8:40] David shares how real estate is all about relationships, and that is why the previous owner of the buildings that make up Esmé, cared so much about ensuring it ended up in good hands, that would do right by the neighborhood and continue on his dream for Española Way.

[12:10] If the walls of this 100-year-old Spanish-Mediterranean revival landmark could talk it would tell tales of its ‘diamond in the rough’ inspired name and its infamous residents such as Al Capone. 

[15:30] Beyond the beach, there's so much to do strolling the paseos, from window shopping to rooftop sunset watching, eating and imbibing all along the way. 

[22:00] With the creative eye of designer Jessica Schuster, Esmé returned to its former glory - with authenticity glowing in the ornate fireplaces and shining through the original skylights. 

[24:20] Local collaborations, rooftop classes, paseo popups and more are always in season at Esmé - just check out their Happenings to explore what excites you the most. 

[28:15] As a recipient of the inaugural MICHELIN Key, which recognizes the most outstanding hotels in the world, it's a testament to all those who make Esmé the ‘boutique gem hidden in plain sight’ that it is today.   

Notable Mentions

À la Folie Café for crêpes

The Drexel for coastal Mediterranean cuisine 

The Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s speakeasy 

Pane e Vino for homemade pasta

Sushi Bar for omakase 

Tropezón for tapas and churros 

La Sandwicherie for Cuban sandwiches 

Cortaditos for the best coffee

Hotel Il Pellicano, Monte Argentario, Italy 

Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy 

Visit For Yourself

Esmé Miami Beach Hotel Website | @esmehotel

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