The Sofi Group - the extraordinary in real estate

With its 2.5 miles of gorgeous beach, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, it’s no surprise that the first developer of this stretch of land called it the Venice of America back in 1920 – today those in the know call Sunny Isles Beach Florida’s Riviera, and for good reason.

Recognized in the 1950s and 1960s primarily for its “motel row” – a stretch of many motels along Collins Avenue that attracted throngs of tourists, since 2000 Sunny Isles Beach has experienced an exciting redevelopment renaissance. Today the vibrant and culturally diverse community is increasingly on the radar.

This gem of a community, located between Aventura and Golden Beach to the north and Bal Harbour and Haulover Park to the south, is midway between downtown Miami and Fort Lauderdale. In recent years Sunny Isles Beach has emerged as a high-end resort destination as well as a fantastic place to live. Remember those motels so popular half a century ago? Yesterday’s outdated motels have been replaced by new luxury high-rises – hotels catering to a discerning crowd and stylish oceanfront condominiums.

More than a million vacationers visit Sunny Isles Beach annually, drawn no doubt by the fine-sand beaches as well as the central location, which means easy access to a host of activities from water sports to boating, fishing, golf and tennis. Abundant shopping options include fine shopping at the nearby and exclusive Bal Harbour Shops, the opportunity to engage in some high-powered endurance shopping at the enormous Aventura Mall, and the fun of exploring the many unique stores lining Collins Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare. And South Beach is only a short ride away.

Luxury resorts in Sunny Isles include the Trump International Beach Resort and Acqualina Resort and Spa. The former’s Lime Lounge attracts a trendy crowd who enjoy sipping on cocktails and socializing in a lavish atmosphere. The latter is a favorite for residents and tourists alike – anyone looking to indulge and reward themselves in style. Acqualina’s Il Mulino restaurant is known for delicious Italian and Mediterranean fare served in the most romantic of settings.

In addition to the many shopping, dining and spa options, the city of Sunny Isles Beach offers a rich array of activities for all ages, from ballroom dancing to art classes to capoeira instruction. The city's shuttle bus service allows those without a car to navigate the area with ease.

Anyone considering owning in Sunny Isles Beach should be aware that part of what makes Sunny Isles Beach so special is the municipality’s zoning laws, which ensure view corridors and beach access pathways. While developers are behind the stock of great condos on the east side of Collins Avenue, on the west side of Collins the city is busy building parks, a community center, and upgrading the infrastructure.

Things are definitely happening in Sunny Isles Beach. For those mourning the 2008 loss of Rascal House, Sunny Isles’ beloved Jewish deli, mourn no more – the building at 172nd St. and Collins Ave. has been renovated and is now the northern outpost of that Miami Beach institution, Epicure Gourmet Market – only it’s newer, bigger and has more perks, such as free WiFi and an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet that is rapidly attracting a devoted following.

Among the top oceanfront condos in Sunny Isles Beach are the über-luxe Trump Towers, the all-glass Jade Ocean and the Smart-Bridge-Technology-equipped Jade Beach, both designed by world-renowned architect Carlos Ott, and Acqualina, which offers a 97-room boutique resort along with its 188 condo residences and features a 120,000-square-foot oceanfront spa facility.

It all adds up to one thing: This exciting community is only going to get better.

> View Trump Towers
> View Jade Ocean
> View Aqualina