Still wondering what’s behind the doors of the über famous and ultra-exclusive celebrity haunt, Casa Casuarina on South Beach? Angry with yourself for not taking advantage of Casa Experience, the fascinating guided tours honoring the venue’s iconic history and legendary architectural beauty? Well, worry not. Due to overwhelming demand, the mansion is extending the open-to-the-public tours through the end of 2008. The unique and memorable guided historical tours, accommodating a maximum of 20 people, each and spanning 45 minutes, will be given seven days a week, every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and are priced at $50 per person, on a first come/first served basis. Tour participants can also enjoy a sneak peek of the soon-to-open al fresco restaurant at the manse, Loftin’s 1116 Ocean.
“The success of the Casa Experience was far greater than we imagined, “ says mansion owner Peter Loftin, who has hosted celebrity guests including Madonna, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, and Bill and Hillary Clinton, among dozens of others. “We want to extend the opportunity to enjoy this rare gem that’s been preserved in the heart of South Beach, to those who didn’t make it in during the summer. It has too much spirit, history and magic to not share with a wider audience.”
In that spirit, guests who join the tours will be taken on a memorable journey with access to the breathtaking facilities, with its unparalleled architectural and design details, intricate stone and marble work, detailed renaissance style mosaics and frescoes, designed by Gianni Versace, in 1992. Stops on the tour will include the inner courtyard, front terrace, private Medusa dining room, terrace bars, mosaic pool garden and terrace, Moroccan Room, and the Baroque and La Mer suites. Guests will also be able to enjoy cocktails at the exclusive Tiffany Bar, as well as previewing Loftin’s 1116 Ocean, the mansion’s new restaurant.
Also being offered at Casa Casuarina Friday, September 18, 2008, the Medusa Experience, a 45-minute twilight tour of the mansion, including cocktails and delicious hors d’ oeuvres for $65 per person. Tours begin at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Reservations required.
Casa Casuarina is located at 1116 Ocean Drive on South Beach. Casuarina Experience tours will be given every hour on the hour, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., seven days a week. Tours, priced at $50 per person, are limited to 20 people each. For more information or to make reservations, please call 305-672-6604 or visit casaexperience@casacasuarina.com.
