Island Reels
Nestled in the sun-drenched charm of Key Biscayne, the Key Biscayne Film Festivalhas quickly become a must-attend destination for cinephiles and creatives alike. Each year, the festival transforms the island into a cinematic playground, celebrating both independent and international films with an intimate, community-driven energy. Attendees can expect a curated lineup that spans thought-provoking documentaries, bold narratives and experimental shorts, all paired with post-screening Q&As and artist conversations that bring the storytelling to life. Beyond the screenings, the festival fosters a vibrant social scene, from beachfront receptions to gala dinners, creating a rare space where filmmakers, collectors and enthusiasts mingle seamlessly. January’s programming promises an especially dynamic roster, highlighting emerging voices alongside established talent, and offering workshops, panels and networking opportunities. With its mix of culture, connection and island atmosphere, the Key Biscayne Film Festival has positioned itself as a jewel of the South Florida arts calendar; KBFilmFestival.org.
The New Ritz
Debuting a striking $100 million transformation, ushering in a bold new era of seaside glamour, where modern coastal sophistication meets timeless elegance, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, unveils its first comprehensive renewal in nearly 25 years. Set across 17 acres of pristine beachfront, the resort blends the oasis of Key Biscayne’s island lifestyle with the fashionable energy of Miami. A new and expansive culinary and cocktail program includes Luma, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving modern Italian; Paralía, an open-air oceanfront concept bringing the vibrant flavors of the Aegean to Key Biscayne; Rum Bar, elevating the contemporary lobby lounge providing an elegant yet relaxed nod to Caribbean heritage; Dune Beach Bar transforms from a breezy daytime retreat to energetic evening destination, serving refreshing cocktails and sea-inspired small plates under swaying palms and star-filled skies; Stefano’s enriches the poolside experience with artisanal wood-fired pizzas ideal for long afternoons by the ocean; and Scoop delights guests with Dolce Vita gelato in nostalgic, playful flavors. “As we reopen our doors, we are honored to welcome guests back to our iconic beachfront enclave that has been an integral part of Miami’s glamorous legacy for decades,” says Derek Flint, Market General Manager. “This next chapter of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami celebrates our expansive landscape, luxury oceanfront accommodations and vibrant setting designed for global travelers and locals alike. We’ve created a resort intended to transport our guests and inspire celebration, reconnection and rejuvenation.”; RitzCarlton.com/KeyBiscayne.
Horizon Magic
From the same vantage point — 11 stories above the shoreline — Laine Shakerdge has watched the sky and sea become a living studio, where light is the medium and time is the brush. The view offers a daily unveiling of fiery sunsets layered like oil on canvas, thunderclouds sculpted in charcoal grays, and soft washes of pink that reflect across the water like watercolor. The horizon serves as the perfect muse for her new photography book The Colors Of The Island. Each breathtaking image is an abstract made of atmosphere, tide and fleeting light. It’s a visual archive of what happens when you return to the same view again and again, knowing that it will be its own unique kind of special. 100% of proceeds go directly to the Key Biscayne Community Foundation; [email protected].
Immersive Fairytale
An illuminated journey across some of the world’s most mystical ecosystems, from the Amazon rainforest to African savannahs and Egyptian temples, Luminosa at Jungle Island features cutting-edge animatronics, holograms and interactive storytelling. Visitors wander through mystical themed lands that represent different ecosystems, creating an unprecedented immersive experience where guests become part of the story unfolding around them. The typical visitor spends hours exploring the magical landscape, with countless Instagram-worthy video opportunities at every turn. Highlights include a towering parrot archway that leads into a glowing world of wonder; and a magnificent 43-foot-tall Chinese dragon that anchors the Gateway of the Dragon Emperor. Deep in the Jaguar’s Temple, an ancient jaguar mysteriously emerges from the shadows; while the Great Baobab Grove features a trio of luminous 19-foot-tall baobab trees. The artistic lantern scenes feature more than 160 tons of steel, 200,000 feet of silk-like fabric, 58,000 LED bulbs, and 720,000 feet of LED light strips. The final design features more than 37 monumental, handcrafted lamp scenes created by over 200 people from around the world; thru Mar. 7; LuminosaMiami.com.
