From a dream house to the scene of a crime, and eventually to becoming one of the world’s most beautiful hotels. Casa Casuarina, known as the Versace villa or the “Versace Mansion,” as they call it in South Beach, Miami, is a destination visited every year not only by affluent travelers but also by curious minds and enthusiasts of art and fashion. The luxury hotel, acquired at auction by the Victor Hotel Group in 2013, boasts 10 suites and an Italian restaurant named Gianni’s, thoughtfully laid out in the designer’s former dining room and set among splendid gardens.
How can one visit the famous Versace villa and personally experience the luxury that celebrities such as Jon Bon Jovi, Elton John, Oliver Stone, and Madonna enjoyed when crossing the threshold of one of the world’s most famous homes? In this article we explain everything: from the villa’s history to how to visit it during a trip to this glamorous corner of the United States.
The history of Casa Casuarina, Gianni Versace’s villa
With an eccentric and flamboyant taste, Gianni Versace purchased the villa at 1116 Ocean Drive in 1992. Guided by creative flair and in keeping with his signature style, Versace transformed what had begun as a residential complex of 24 apartments into a three-story mansion with sea-view suites and rooms finished to the smallest detail. A tidbit? The bedrooms were furnished with beds so large that they required custom-made sheets! For the creation of the pool, distinguished by 24-carat gold tiles, the lush garden, rich with statues, mosaics and outdoor furnishings, and part of the house, he also acquired the adjacent Art Deco section of the Revere Hotel.
The villa, exquisitely baroque, was built in a Mediterranean Italian-inspired style, while the pool is surrounded by palms, a nod to Miami and the city that would become his second and final home. Finally, because it was here, in 1997, that Gianni Versace was murdered in front of the gate of his residence, under circumstances never fully clarified, at the hands of Andrew Cunanan. All around Casa Casuarina stand many buildings erected in the same era according to the prevailing taste, known as Streamline Moderne, inspired by the most modern cars and aerodynamics.
How to visit Versace’s villa
Among distinctive artworks, carefully chosen, and abundant nods to the medusa, the emblem of the Versace brand, Casa Casuarina captivates visitors with its elegance and the luxury emanating from every corner. But how can one admire it in person? There are three options: reserve a table at the Gianni’s restaurant, stay in one of the magnificent suites, or book a special tour of the villa.
The boutique hotel features 10 suites and guarantees a unique experience. The most prestigious room is certainly Gianni Versace’s former bedroom, with frescoed walls, a king-size bed, and two balconies overlooking Ocean Drive. The rates? They start at about $800 per night and up!
The executive chef of Gianni’s is Valter Mancini, who, using 95% of ingredients from Italian suppliers, offers a high-caliber gastronomic experience in a setting of pure beauty.
Casa Casuarina is a heritage site protected by the Miami Design Preservation League, which makes it possible to join guided tours as well.
The villa on the small screen
For those interested in admiring the interiors of the Versace Mansion but not planning a trip to Miami, you can enjoy them comfortably from your sofa. Casa Casuarina has indeed been used as a location in the TV series American Crime Story to tell the story of Gianni Versace’s murder. The production, led by Ryan Murphy, was able to use the villa’s spaces to shoot the nine episodes of the series, featuring a stellar cast including Penelope Cruz as Donatella Versace and Édgar Ramírez as Gianni Versace. Haven’t seen it yet? A must-watch!
