IN TRUE INSIDER FASHION, WE’RE PULLING BACK THE VELVET ROPE TO REVEAL THREE OF MIAMI’S MOST COVETED AND EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCESDESIGNED TO CAPTIVATE THE INTELLECT, ELEVATE THE SPIRIT, AND TEMPT EVEN THE MOST DISCERNING OF PALATES. PREPARE TO BE IMMERSED IN A DISCREET NETWORK OF MEMBERSONLY CLUBS WHERE ART, CULTURE, AND GASTRONOMY INTERTWINE.
BY ERIN MICHELLE NEWBERG
FAENA ROSE
Faena Rose isn’t just another members-only club-it’s an unparalleled gateway to a world of exclusive cultural experiences. Through meticulous programming with A-listers and access to coveted global destinations, members are offered mind-blowing cultural excursions that redefine what it means to belong.
In March 2016, the creative impresario Pablo De Ritis made a bold move from Manhattan to Miami. Joining forces with his long-time friend, hospitality visionary Alan Faena, as Faena launched his iconic hotel, Faena Rose was born. Their goal? To shake up the city with a fresh take on membership, driven by Pablo’s unique vision and access. What they created was unlike anything Miami had ever seen-tailored for those with intellectual curiosity and open hearts.
After researching membership clubs locally and internationally, De Ritis realized they were all the same. “I wasn’t interested in offering just another beach club or a typical clubhouse experience,” he says. “I did what I do best-flipped the script and crafted something new for like-minded individuals.” Thus, Faena Rose’s innovative 80/20 model was born: 80% of the focus was on substantive, enriching programming, and 20% on amenities and facilities. “We wanted to create something meaningful, something that enriches lives.”
With an initial emphasis on art and culture, Faena Rose quickly expanded to touch on a broader range of topics. “We enhance our members’ lives through programming you can only find here, covering current affairs, politics, science, technology, health, and wellness.” Members might find themselves sketching alongside blue-chip artist Will Cotton, or attending an intimate reading by best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell from his upcoming book Revenge of the Tipping Point. “That moment was incredibly powerful,” says De Ritis. And if that’s not your style, there’s always the “Faena Rose Royal Rumble,” where polarizing personalities like Anthony Scaramucci and Mr. Wonderful clash, or “Kitchen Karaoke,” a mash-up of cooking and karaoke, featuring culinary talent like Lucali Pizza founder Mark Iacono.
For those craving more, Faena Rose also offers transformative travel experiences. Members recently returned from the Venice Biennale and are gearing up for upcoming trips: skiing in Courchevel, dining at the World’s 50 Best in Peru, exploring the mysticism of Morocco, and revisiting Havana and ZONAMACO in Mexico City.
THE CLUB AT THE MOORE
Nestled in the heart of the Design District, The Moore and The Club at the Moore have become the go-to destination for sophisticated locals and art-loving visitors alike. Now offering a chic 13-key hotel, this four-story gem features a discreet private entrance for those who crave anonymity. Inside, members are treated to a curated, transformative experience with exclusive culinary delights, bespoke events, and a rich blend of social, intellectual, and cultural discoveries. Each aspect of the club’s dynamic programming is tailored to its members’ passions-whether it’s travel, the culinary arts, or, of course, fashion.
Speaking to the community’s affinity for the arts, culture, food, and wine, some choose to dine in a more social setting at The Light Garden, the communal atrium; while others opt for a private dining experience at one of the five hand-painted dining rooms throughout, including our favorites, the Pina Room by Brazilian artist Incerti and The Rabbit Hole-a red-clad secret bar.
For those seeking a buzzworthy social scene or an air of understated elegance, The Moore strikes the perfect balance. At its core is Elastika, the sleek, public-facing restaurant, while beyond lies a haven of multiple private enclaves. Art aficionados will revel in the collection of blue-chip masterpieces, handpicked by the art advisor Monica Kalpakian. “Each piece adorning the restaurant and throughout the entire property is on loan from members or private collectors who eagerly joined the project,” she shares. “My process began with reaching out to an extensive network of friends and collectors, resulting in a meticulous journey of negotiations, exchanges, and refinement.”
Effortlessly captivating and nearly impossible to leave, the culinary brilliance here is crafted by nutritional expert Chef Joe Anthony, whose “you are what you eat” philosophy shines through each dish. From the first step inside, every detail makes an impression-from the chic camel and cream-hued mod-tiles at Elastika to the stunning, site-specific Hadid installation above, curated by Craig Robins. The space feels tailor-made for the Loro Piana suede loafer crowd, bringing together style, taste, and ambiance in perfect harmony.
THE ARMADA
With unparalleled passion, global knowledge, and an undeniable presence, when Roman Tsunder speaks, people listen. His journey began in 2011 with the launch of PTTOW¨, a nationally recognized membership platform uniting A-listers, CEOs, CMOs, and some of the world’s foremost thought leaders, all driven to make a positive impact. Splitting his time between Los Angeles and South Florida, Tsunder recalls that in 2021, “I started spending more and more time here and found myself caught in the typical Miami cycle-Carbone, Faena, Soho Beach House-all the usual spots.” That’s when he began to view Miami as “a theatrical stage, a street theater.” But, he thought, something was missing: substance.
Perceiving Miami’s scene as often avaricious, Tsunder decided to create an antidote: The Armada, which came to life last year.
Discreet and low-key, The Armada stands apart. It’s more interpersonal than your average social club, designed for heart-centered individuals who live authentically. “It has grown into a hand-selected, invite-only collective of successful leaders, people I can form deep relationships with,” Tsunder explains. “I want the vulnerable, the people striving to lead better lives and reach peak performance, those with magnetism, mindfulness, and success to be part of this magic.”
With only 140 members, The Armada offers bi-monthly enriching programming for the mind, body, and soul. Without a fixed venue, intimate events take place at private residences or vibrant venues across town. From immersive dinners to mind-expanding discussions centered on art, music, entrepreneurship, technology, and wellness, members can meditate with industry leaders, learn the art of Feng Shui, take part in underwater meditations, or sweat out their stresses in c fitness classes. Fireside chats with luminaries such as JP
Capello and Christina Getty of Nue Life, singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, and visionaries like Rick Doblin, Jim Kwik, Dave Asprey, and Tony Cho bring even more depth to the experience.
The club offers an online directory, exclusively for members to connect, a WhatsApp group for sharing insights and ideas, and a weekly email that keeps everyone up-to-date with upcoming events and announcements.
