Versace and the Medusa. They seem to go together with a plan to seduce. The Greek mythological figure’s head is on a banner that hangs at Villa Casuarina, commonly referred to as the Versace Mansion.  Spellbinding and captivating, legend tells us of her power– making you fall in love with her with no turning back.  And that was Gianni Versace’s vision for his fashion line that began in 1978, which he carried through to the design of his own home–now a hotel with a dark history.

I stayed at the mansion’s Signature Suite which is Santo Versace’s room.  The bedroom is done in dramatic reds and gold with animal prints on traditional Italian furniture.  Colors were struggling to break out of the darkness in this room that only had a few windows.  However, the large sitting room had a little balcony that looked out to the ocean bringing light onto the fashionable animal prints that were on the sofas, chairs, pillows and on the ceiling.

The artist had an ominous desire to create a huge presence which manifested well in the dressing of men and women in ornate prints and vibrant colors we’ve come to identify the Versace name with.  His style was blatant, strong, appearing leisurely but in mad pursuit of satisfaction.  That’s the subtotal of form, color and style I saw and felt during my stay at this infamous house.

The other suites were brighter and fresher, redesigned for Donatella and her daughter, Alegra.  But the most sought after suite, which was unavailable at the time is Gianni’s called The Villa Suite.

The Villa Suite

I immediately had lunch at the only restaurant in the hotel called–Gianni’s (of course), in the terrace overlooking the pool.  Hoping for an à la carte menu, I was stuck with a set three course meal.  I first had the beef Carpaccio topped with just the rightly aged parmesan shavings, followed by a most wonderful black pasta with seafood that had so much balance to its flavor.  I was so glad I had the option for just a light trio of sorbet to end the meal with.  I really couldn’t see how I could possible eat again, that evening, after all I had.  But I managed.  I persevered. Haha!

Coconut Panna Cotta at Gianni’s, Miami

My table by evening was next to the pool, where guests constantly took photos of themselves against the blue lit backdrop of lion’s heads and urns on an intricately tiled wall.  The pool was also beautifully tiled which reminded me of the one I had when I lived in Hawaii, although mine had a fleure de lis pattern.  I remained an observer. I snapped away with my camera, and they’re all in the video for you, below.  The branzino was simply good, but all too large a serve.  They gave me the entire fish of which I could only have one side of!  This restaurant definitely gives you generous servings.

I had my dessert delivered to the room…a fascinating and wonderful coconut panna cotta, which is really just sweetened coconut cream, thickened with gelatin and then molded.  But the finish with little berries, fruit and tiny macarons were oh so cute, it made for a delightfully beautiful finale.

On my last day, I visited the Holocaust Memorial which was only about a mile from the Villa.  But again, worthy of separate cover in all of its intended reverence– I’ll keep you posted.  Andiamo!  [That’s Italian for later.]

 

 

 

November 21, 2018
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