A $100 million renovation plan has been unveiled for The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, marking the first full-scale redevelopment of the resort since its debut in 2001. Gencom, which co-developed the original property nearly 25 years ago, spearheads the effort to modernize the 13-story, 420-key hotel. Completion is anticipated by December 2025.
Credit: DesignAgency.
Located at 455 Grand Bay Drive on the barrier island of Key Biscayne, the 275,000-square-foot resort occupies a 17-acre oceanfront site with 600 feet of direct beach frontage. The initiative will include architectural and interior upgrades across guestrooms, public spaces, dining venues, and amenity areas. Hart Howerton serves as design architect, with public areas led by DesignAgency and guestroom interiors by Chapi Chapo Design. The renovations are intended to align the property with evolving standards in the luxury hospitality sector while maintaining its island character.
Credit: DesignAgency.
“With this transformative renovation, we are honoring the property’s legacy and doubling down on our 25-year commitment to the Key Biscayne community,” said Karim Alibhai, Founder and Principal of Gencom. “These enhancements will allow the property to remain competitive in the region’s increasingly sophisticated hospitality landscape, while further elevating Key Biscayne as a premier destination.”
Credit: DesignAgency.
The renovation scope includes a reimagined lobby featuring an East-facing glass façade, upgrades to the Spa at The Ritz-Carlton drawing inspiration from local mangroves and coastal materials, and enhancements to existing amenities. These include two swimming pools, a fitness center, The Club Lounge, and the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center—the largest tennis complex within the Ritz-Carlton portfolio. The hotel’s 37,000 square feet of event space will also be updated.
Credit: DesignAgency.
The property’s culinary program will be restructured through a new signature restaurant concept and updates to its six existing dining venues: RUMBAR, Cantina Beach, Dune, Scoop, Stefano’s, and Key Pantry.
Credit: DesignAgency.
“The transformation represents a remarkable investment in the property’s future that will create an elevated hospitality experience for new and returning guests,” said Alessandro Colantonio, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Gencom. “With this latest capital investment, we remain committed to ensuring that this iconic resort continues to set the standard for luxury in Miami.”
Credit: DesignAgency.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is part of Gencom’s broader portfolio, which includes branded properties such as The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, The St. Regis Chicago, and Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Gencom currently oversees nearly $8 billion in assets under management and development across 23 owned properties.
In a recent move to expand its footprint on Key Biscayne, the firm also acquired the adjacent Grand Bay Club, a private beachfront property at 445 Grand Bay Drive, for $20 million. The acquisition is expected to create future operational synergies with the Ritz-Carlton resort while reinforcing Gencom’s long-term investment in the Key Biscayne market.
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I was hoping your article would speak to their purchase of the club property 300′ away. Not sure what they plan for that location. Its close to the hotel but far enough for it to have limited options.
I added a bit of information on it at the end. Thanks for the heads up!