Transport yourself back to the early 20th century. You have been invited as a personal guest of James Deering at what he calls his ‘Vizcaya’ estate just south of Miami in the quiet town of Coconut Grove. Upon arrival, you are greeted with a glass of champagne and then taken on a comprehensive tour of the mansion by Deering himself. Guiding you through reception rooms, library, music room and then upstairs to the private sector, Deering tells you about art the on the walls – some of which dates all the way back to Pompeii – and the odd naming of all nine bedrooms that he strategically incorporated into the modern construction of his eighteenth century inspired Italian villa. After the tour of the main house, Deering is urgently called to handle one of his many business affairs and you are left to explore the never ending private gardens and Mediterranean styled terraces for the rest of the day…

This is the what it’s like to spend a day at The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – the only difference being that you are no longer a personal guest of Deering’s and it is now 2022. 

But that’s about it. Vizcaya is like a fine wine that only gets better with age in that it has only become more glamorous and astonishing since it’s construction was finished in 1922.  

Today, the beautiful gilded Age Estate is composed of a garden, main house, and village that sits on ten acres of tropical green land just next to Coral Gables in Coconut Grove. Overlooking the deep blues of Biscayne Bay, the site offers event spaces both within the main museum – or castle as I like to call it – and in the luscious gardens. 

Event planners at Vizcaya have exclusive access to the inner courtyard, outside terraces and all gardens for cocktail parties, networking events, social conferences, and exhibitions. Allowing for events hosting up to 500 guests, the mystifying environment at Vizcaya provides a setting that combines the nostalgia of home, the nature of South Florida, the charm of Coconut Grove, and the culture of Miami, making it what I consider to be one of the most awe-inspiring event spaces in the whole city. 

Because Vizcaya is a museum, hosts are able to utilize event spaces only in the later parts of the day, making this the ideal venue for those wishing to avoid the Miami heat and enjoy the cool breeze off the bay in the evening hours.

Going to Vizcaya is a relaxing trip back in time that is often much needed to combat the exhilarating, fast-paced, and sometimes overwhelming (but in the best way, of course) time in the city of Miami. Vizcaya has become a love of mine for the sole reason that it is so unique from the rest of the city. It is a place where I can daydream about nothings or romanticize the meaning of life as I walk up moss spotted stairways and throw my penny wishes into ancient European fountains. 

Being the hard-core environmentalist that I am, I also love Vizcaya for its commitment to the environment and sustainability. The estate encourages hosts to opt for reusable glassware, and nature oriented botanical centrepieces that compliment the tropical environment while also fitting the desired aesthetic of the event. 

Another great aspect about this space is that it’s a sight of exploration and adventure within itself. Guests of Vizcaya can take in the beauty and history of the museum by day, and end their exploration at the designated event on the grounds.