1. Star Island
As you pass through the heavily guarded gate of Star Island, you are transported into the lavish world of supermodels, A-list celebrities, professional athletes and business moguls. There are only thirty-three opulent mansions and multi-million dollar estates on the super-exclusive island, so it's almost impossible to get an address like Star Island.
The estates on Star Island are the work of world-renowned architects past and present, with the most popular architectural style being Mediterranean, Spanish and European inspired. One villa is more breathtaking than the next, starting with extravagant gates that lead to equally stunning columned entrances and courtyards. Most of Star Island 's sprawling residences range in size from 8,000 to 30,000 square feet, and that's not counting the magnificent guest houses and casitas.
Star Island residents spare no expense, using imported stone, marble, hand-carved doors and cast iron that double as artwork. Elevators, fully equipped gyms, movie theatres, wine cellars, commercial kitchens, expansive balconies and lavish pools with swim-up bars and cabanas are just a few of the luxurious extras you'll find at Star Island properties.
All exclusive villas at Star Island have direct water access at Biscayne Bay. Private docks are the norm for homeowners to dock their luxury yachts. The views of the sparkling Biscayne Bay with sunsets over the water and downtown Miami are unparalleled from these Star Island palaces.
2. Indian Creek Island
Indian Creek Island is touted as "Billionaire Bunker", and for good reason. The 300-acre island has nearly forty sprawling estates stretching along the island's edge, offering unparalleled waterfront access and views of the azure Biscayne Bay. Despite its size and small population, it has its own 13-member police force that patrols the island and surrounding waters. There is only one access point to the island, which is guarded 24hours a day, 7 days a week, providing absolute peace and seclusion for the residents of Indian Creek Island.
The island has long been a haven for famous supermodels, professional athletes, business moguls and entertainers. The current list of island residents includes names such as Giselle Bundchen and Tom Brady, Carl Icahn and Julio Iglesias. Many of these millionaires and billionaires have demolished existing homes to rebuild everything from opulent Mediterranean and European-inspired mansions to eco-friendly estates furnished with expensive, high-end materials.
Located in the heart of the island, Indian Creek Country Club features a beautiful Spanish-style clubhouse reminiscent of an old-world mission. Membership in the club is highly coveted, as it has only 300 members and requires an initiation fee of $150,000. Prospective members must be nominated by current members and vote on their acceptance.
The royal estates at Indian Creek Island have a long list of sumptuous amenities, including movie theatres, master suites with multiple bathrooms, full gyms, manicured gardens, sparkling pools, sweeping double staircases, rooftop gardens and two indoor kitchens. Many of the estates are located on vast estates of several acres.
3. Gables Estates
The lavish community of Gables Estates in southern Coral Gables is the pinnacle in exclusivity and refinement. Situated along two hundred acres of pristine shoreline, Gables Estates comprises of just over 150 exquisite estates. Community residents are provided with 24-hour security at both the entrance and throughout the neighborhood with constant patrolling personnel.
To ensure and maintain the prestigious reputation of the community, the homeowners association requires potential homeowners to be screened via a background check and pay a whopping $75,000 non-refundable deposit before purchasing a property in Gables Estates. Residents within the neighborhood include prominent attorneys, business magnates, and financiers.
The exquisite homes of Gable Estates are required to be no less than 3000 square feet, and the majority far exceed that size by over 10,000 square feet. Opulent extras of these homes include yoga studios, game rooms, outdoor kitchens, five to eight-car garages, and even an inside rock climbing wall. Each home is lavishly landscaped with perfectly fitting tropical foliage surrounding vast pools, cabanas, and entertaining areas.
The work of famous architects such as Ramon Pacheco can be seen all throughout the neighborhood in the form of Mediterranean, Spanish, and modern masterpieces. Gables Estates is one of South Florida’s most sophisticated and prestigious communities along the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay and the canals of the Intercoastal Waterway.
4. Tahiti Beach
The highly exclusive and extremely affluent community of Tahiti Beach is located on an island in the prestigious neighborhood of Cocoplum. Tahiti Beach offers residents unparalleled security and privacy, as both the entrance to Cocoplum and the entrance to Tahiti Beach are secured by an additional guarded gate. Anyone entering Tahiti Beach must be on a guest list to gain access.
Tahiti Beach is home to only a handful of over 25 magnificent estates situated on spacious waterfront properties with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. International business tycoons, high-profile athletes and celebrities are attracted to this secluded enclave prized for its private beach and park, community tennis courts, yacht club and marina.
Like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, each residence at Tahiti Beach oozes with luxury and elegance. Designed by internationally renowned architects, these architectural marvels of European and Mediterranean design feature grand columned entrances, twin sweeping marble staircases, huge foyers, cathedral-style terraces and even secret passageways. Lavish extras such as elevators, movie theaters, full-size gyms, poker rooms, outdoor kitchens and cabanas, and wine cellars are common in these regal estates.
With direct access to Biscayne Bay, yachts can be stored at the estates' private docks. Expertly landscaped, tranquil gardens and outdoor entertaining areas offer the ultimate in privacy and relaxation with expansive pools that seem to effortlessly spill into the bay. Tahiti Beach offers residents complete seclusion and prestige, just minutes from the amenities and world-class shopping and dining of Coral Gables and downtown Miami.
5. Journey's End
The prestigious enclave of Journey's End is home to one of Miami's most expensive streets in terms of real estate, Journey's End Road. Eighteen palatial mansions make up the Journey's End community, home to tech entrepreneurs, supermodels, investors and businessmen. The Journey's End neighborhood is the pinnacle of privacy and security, with a round-the-clock guarded entrance that allows entry only to those on the guest list.
Lush, green landscaping and mature trees line the pristine streets with impressive circular driveways and stately gate entrances leading to each property. Each residence is an individual masterpiece, ranging from Mediterranean and modern to European-inspired villas. Most properties are over two acres with plenty of room for resort-style pools, cabanas, landscaped gardens with fountains, outdoor summer kitchens and even full basketball courts. Some homes have water frontage with unobstructed access directly into the bay for boating or sailing.
Homes are equally large, often exceeding 15,000 square feet, and feature eight to ten bedrooms, maid's quarters, libraries and gyms. For car enthusiasts, some homes offer three to nine-car garages for the homeowners' Porsches, Bentleys and Ferraris. The waterfront community has a private marina with boat slips for residents and tennis courts reserved exclusively for Journey's End homeowners.
