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Why Boca Grande is the Most Beautiful Florida Island You Can Visit

Take Interstate 75 to mile marker 71, and you’ll find Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, a peaceful escape.

After crossing the Gasparilla Road causeway, you’ll discover this seven-mile stretch of island paradise. Since 1885, this place has been famous for its phosphate industry, a 44-foot lighthouse, and thousands of anglers who come here to catch tarpon.

While other Florida beaches get crowded with tourists, Boca Grande keeps its small-town charm with touches of luxury. Here are 11 reasons why you’ll wanna keep coming back.

Click here to read more at MSN.com

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The Rise of the Home Library

Having a space for books is the ultimate stamp of personality that enriches your living environment

A relaxing library retreat in a London home designed by Pirajean Lees. Photo: Michael Sinclair

No matter how many bookshelves a home may have, there’s something special about a dedicated library. Who hasn’t dreamt of curating their own shelves, dusting off old favorites and getting lost for countless hours between the pages? The popularity of the personal library as a luxury home feature seems to have increased over the past few years, perhaps as a reaction to the pervasive presence of digital consumption. In the online era, a room of books is a regular reminder to reconnect with the pleasure of reading, to surround yourself in words with personal meaning, and to define a space that’s screen-free.

While studies and home offices imply the drudgery of work, a library can be something much more whimsical—and this is reflected in design approaches. “They provide endless opportunities to add a personal touch,” say designers Clémence Pirajean and James Lees of London-based firm Pirajean Lees. Indeed the recent “bookshelf wealth” trend points to the power of expressing oneself through the books and items on home shelving. For a 2023 townhouse project in London’s Marylebone neighborhood, Pirajean Lees included a library as an “inviting, quiet retreat—a relaxing space perfect for a morning coffee or a Sunday read.” Layered with the owner’s collected novels and titles on art, fashion and design are pieces of framed art, sculptural vases, and decorative objects that reflect his life story. 

In the Pirajean Lees project, the owner’s personality is expressed through the books and objects on display. Photo: Michael Sinclair

Compared to the neutral color scheme for the rest of the townhouse, the library sets a different tone with bookcases painted in the rich and nostalgic “Hague Blue” by British paint and wallpaper company Farrow & Ball. The compact space has several touches that work together successfully: a deep-seated armchair, a variety of lamps, a handcrafted rug and a wood-paneled ceiling that adds warmth, while absorbing sound. 

A glamorous Toronto home designed in 2023 by leading American interior designer Kelly Wearstler also offers a small library as a place of escape. Like a castle turret, this dramatic wood-paneled room has a circular plan where shallow bookshelves sit between slot windows. The family’s large-format books are the crowning glory here; the front covers face outward, displayed as they might be on the shelves of a shop, allowing their designs to be fully admired. Instead of a chair, a glass table in the center of the room is the place to leaf through anything that takes the reader’s fancy. 

A library hideaway in a Toronto home designed by Kelly Wearstler. Credit: Adrian Gaut

Families are particularly keen on imaginative library spaces as they draw members together, away from the allure of personal devices. In a 2022 remodel of a California residence for actor Samira Wiley, writer Lauren Morelli and their growing family, a generous three-seater sofa is the central feature of the classically styled library. LA-based designer Stefani Stein set the statement furniture piece in a nook surrounded by bespoke joinery, painted in a deep green with a gloss finish, and filled with books and decorative objects. A large artwork behind and wall-mounted lamps with pleated fabric lampshades make a clear invitation to linger and enjoy the space. A low coffee table set up for playing chess or board games also marks this room out as a place for the family to entertain guests or enjoy time together. 

New York-based architect Frederick Tang has another theory about why we love to make books a feature of our homes: to impress. “Whenever I go to someone’s home, whether for the first time or the twentieth, I always spy on their shelves,” he says. “Book collections are the clearest window into someone’s preoccupations and always an opportunity to establish the point of view of a space.” 

The multifunctional library space in Frederick Tang Architecture’s Quarry Loft project in New York. Photo: Gieves Anderson

Quarry Loft, a New York apartment designed by Frederick Tang Architecture in 2022, features an adaptable library that can also function as a sitting room, guest room, office or entrance hall, thanks to a timber and fluted glass sliding partition. It’s a light and contemporary rendition of a classic library that makes the most of the small footprint. The white oak shelves are minimally arranged rather than stacked full, and the room’s barrel-vault ceiling does the job of lending the space its distinct character.

In French designer Pierre Yovanovitch’s 2024 conversion of a quintessentially Parisian apartment, the main hallway also functions as a library. It’s a nod both to the book collector who formerly owned the home and the aspirations of the couple who live there now, who wanted to combine period charm with a modern expression. Curved walls are fitted with slim bookshelves that surround doorways, maximizing the capacity of the small space to store and display books. Much more than just a room to pass through, the library features a playful ceiling fresco by artist Matthieu Cossé, a table by collectible mid-century designer Jean Royère, and thick textured wood surfaces that give it the feel of solidity.

A hallway library in a Parisian project by Pierre Yovanovitch. Photo: Giuilio Ghirardi

In homes both contemporary and classical, the library is showing serious staying power, helping us feel both grounded and connected to bigger ideas. “Books always elevate a room,” says Tang. “On a purely visual level, a surface of perfectly aligned spines becomes a living wallpaper. On an intellectual level, a giant coffee table with big art catalogues and monographs projects one’s curiosities and inspirations.”

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16 Best Things To Do In Gasparilla Island, Florida

From white sand beaches to historic Old Florida resorts.

By Meredith Lindemon of Southern Living Magazine

Gasparilla Island FL
Photo: Getty Images/Wiltser

Nestling on the scenic Gulf Coast of Florida—just south of Venice and north of Sanibel Island—Gasparilla Island forms a small finger out into the ocean. This relaxed oceanside haven of beautiful tree-lined boulevards and pristine beaches is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway when you just want to relax. Home to “Old Florida” resorts as well as on-point street food vendors, the locale is the perfect weekend retreat for those who’ve seen it all in the Sunshine State and just want to chill out beachside.

Check out the best things that Gasparilla Island has to offer, including where to eat, stay, shop, and play.The 14 Best Places For A Weekend Getaway In Florida

What To Do

Gasparilla Island FL
benkrut/Getty Images

Enjoy Beautiful White-Sand Beaches

Gasparilla State Park and the Barrier Island Parks Society is the place to go for access to their four beaches on the island. Expect to find quiet, white sand beaches with crystal blue water and less foot traffic than you’d think you’d fine on the beach during peak season. The park access points begin at the Range Lighthouse, just south of 5th Street, and includes additional points south. 

floridastateparks.org, 880 Belcher Rd., Boca Grande FL 33921

Learn Local History At A Lighthouse

If you need a break from the beach, hit the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum where you can learn about local history and peruse the historic artifacts found in the area. Housed in a lighthouse from the 1890s, this is the place to soak up the local history and catch the water views from a unique vantage point.  

bips.org, 880 Belcher Rd., Boca Grande, FL 33921

Try Out Paddle-Boarding

The certified staff at SUP Englewood provide land-based paddle-board instruction to Boca Grande if you want to head out on the water. They provide all the equipment and safety gear, as well as dry bags to keep your belongings safe on the water. You need to make reservations in advance to secure your spot for adventure.

Where To Shop

Sunsets Boca Grande
Courtesy Sunsets of Boca Grande

Check Out Fly Fishing Gear

Boca Grande Outfitters has been in operation since 2004 and is the spot for fly fisherman to get kitted out. They sell the whole range of salt water fly fishing tackle and equipment, fly lines, and an assortment of flies for large tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout. Have a last minute fishing adventure planned? Get all your equipment here so you can catch the fish that frequent this part of Florida.

Broke something on your last expedition? The shop is the place to replace what you lost in your last struggle to land the big one. Bonus: The shop has qualified staff who offer guided fly fishing trips on their own boat. 

bocagrandeoutfitters.com, 375 Park Ave. #1, Boca Grande, FL 33921

Pick Up The Daily Catch

Since 1949, Hudson’s Grocery carries fresh fish caught daily, butcher carved meats, and fresh produce. Taking a picnic to the beach with you? Three chefs put together prepared meals every day that you can grab and go to the park with. Hudson’s gets fresh bread in store twice a week. Deceptively small, this independently owned grocery store is very well stocked. Bonus? They also cater.

facebook.com/Hudsons-Grocery, 417 Park Ave, Boca Grande, FL, United States, Florida

Find A Beach Read

Opened in 2019, The Tide Bookstore is the place to get both sunny day and rainy day items. Find this season’s best beach read, as well as non-fiction and children’s books. Their selection of Florida-specific books, cookbooks, and coffee table tomes make the perfect present for friends and family. They also sell children’s toys, puzzles, greeting cards, and jewelry by local artists. 

instagram.com/thetidebg, 321 Park Ave, Boca Grande, FL 3392150 New Beach Reads To Add To Your List

Check out Local Artisan-Made Goods

Sunsets of Boca Grande has fashionable basics by the celeb-loved brand, Catherine Gee, as well as one-of-a-kind jewelry made by local artists, Shelling Bags by an island resident artist, the locally-made Sunsets of Boca Grande Beauty Products formulated by a local aesthetician, and their popular Mason Pearson hair brushes and combs.

facebook.com/sunsetsofbg, 433 4th Street West #2 Box 927, Boca Grande, FL 33921

Pick Up a New Frock

The Palm on Park is a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store that will dress you up in the colorful, paisley prints you love from the brand, that blend perfectly with the relaxed-but-preppy Florida lifestyle the brand is known for. Here you can get all your going-outfits to look the scene in a traditional, old Florida aesthetic.

facebook.com/thepalmonpark, 444 4th St., Boca Grande, FL 33921

Where To Eat

Tortuga Mexican Street Cuisine
Courtesy Tortuga Mexican Street Cuisine

Grab a Filling Breakfast

With a menu full of morning staples, Keylime Bistro delivers your culinary kick-start with salmon benedict, bistro-style corned beef and eggs, and a classic take on quiche with a side of Texas toast. Established as a sister restaurant for family-favorite spots on Captiva Island, Keylime Bistro is the perfect spot for tried-and-true breakfast and brunch classics you already know and love. 

keylime-bistro.com, 433 4th St. W., Boca Grande, FL 33921

Hit Up a Flavor-Packed Food Truck

David Mota is the mastermind behind the popular and ever-busy Tortuga Mexican Street Cuisine food truck, located conveniently outside of an ice cream shop called The Pink Pony, and sharing their address. Crowd favorites include the standard Mexican classics and lines can reach down the block. They do take phone orders if you want to avoid the line. 

471 Park Ave., Boca Grande, FL 33921

Plan Dinner at the Inn

The Pink Elephant, while it is part of the Gasparilla Inn and Club, is a standout destination for relaxed upscale dining for lunch or dinner. Find creative interpretations of fresh and local seafood as well as Florida style comfort foods that have been influenced by the region. 

the-gasparilla-inn.com, 491 Bayou Ave., Boca Grande, FL 33921

Don’t Miss Out on the Local Catch

Right in center of town, you’ll find The Temptation. The restaurant opened in 1947 and remains popular with the locals for their fresh-caught fish and steaks. Make sure to try the pan fried snapper, which is cracker encrusted and pan sautéed with lemon, garlic, and apple juice, then finished with a citrus beurre blanc. Make your reservations in advance of your trip: there’s sometimes a three-month waiting list during the winter season.

facebook.com/temptationrestaurant, 350 Park Ave, Boca Grande, FL 33921

Where To Stay

The Gasparilla Inn and Club
Courtesy The Gasparilla Inn and Club

Get a Feel of Old Florida Glamor

Booked out a year in advance, the Gasparilla Inn and Club is an Old Florida-style resort that has everything you need right on-site—and a bit more that includes private spa service, several highly-acclaimed restaurants. The inn also offers a range of accomodations from their main inn suites, to beach cottages, villas, and petite houses where you can spend days that are rainy or too sunny for the beach in luxury. 

the-gasparilla-inn.com, 500 Palm Ave., Boca Grande Fl, 33921

Stay at a Fishermen’s Favorite

If you’ve come to Gasparilla for the fishing, you want to stay at The Innlet. This is where guests come every year to stay during their fishing excursions so the hotel fills out several months ahead during peak season—you’ll want to book at least four months in advance. Popular for the dockage and bayou location, which are prime for Carping season, this casual hotel has a locally-loved restaurant called The Outlet, where you can get breakfast all day while taking in the views of the Mangroves. Not to miss? The Shrimp Po’ Boy. 

theinnlet.com, 1251 12th St. E, Boca Grande, FL 33921

Book a Classic Beach Room

This 20-room hotel is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for basic amenities and good location at an affordable price. It’s the perfect spot to sleep during high season when you know you’re going to be spending most of your days on the beach!

bocagrandehotel.net, 5800 Gasparilla Rd, Boca Grande, FL 33921

Stay Like a Local

There are plenty of short-term rentals available on the island—via vrbo or Airbnb—where you can stay in a cottage like a local and have all the luxuries of home. This is the perfect option if you’re entertaining friends and want to try a recipe you found in that cookbook you scored at the local bookstore.

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Introducing the 2025 Luxury Outlook Report

Sotheby’s International Realty released its 2025 Luxury Outlook℠ report, which delves into emerging trends and key developments set to shape the global luxury real estate landscape in the coming year. The report highlights significant factors including how a US$84 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer may affect the real estate market, where 135,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are projected to relocate, and the profound impact of “Best Places to Live” rankings on a city’s property values and inventory levels.

“When we first introduced the Luxury Outlook report in 2021, the definition of home was undergoing a seismic shift because of the pandemic. Unprecedented changes in the real estate market created a critical need to provide our clients with timely intelligence informed in real time by our unparalleled network of global real estate advisors. Our goal with this report is to deliver strategic insights so that clients can make informed decisions in their investment portfolios,” said Bradley Nelson, chief marketing officer, Sotheby’s International Realty. “As we enter 2025, the global luxury property market remains resilient. Our report provides an in-depth analysis of the many indicators that validate experts’ forecasts of an impending real estate cycle upturn.”

The 2025 Luxury Outlook report draws on insights from Sotheby’s International Realty agents worldwide who specialize in transactions in the US$10M+ price category. Their expertise is complemented by data from industry leaders including J.P. Morgan Private Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cerulli Associates, Henley & Partners, UBS, and the National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Key findings featured in the report include: 

The economy has largely normalized following the volatility of the pandemic years, which has led to adjustments in the property market. Overall, home sales volume in the U.S. in 2024 was a little behind 2023, but the upper brackets performed better than the average priced market.

On January 7, 2025, devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles County, California, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. J.P. Morgan economist Abiel Reinhart has predicted they may be the costliest climate disaster in U.S. history, which stems both from their size and the high value of the residential real estate they are destroying.

The great wealth migration hit record levels in 2024 as an estimated 128,000 HNWIs migrated to new countries.

By 2045, as much as US$84 trillion will have flowed from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers into the bank accounts of their children and grandchildren. In response, the luxury market is changing to reflect the tastes and preferences of younger generations.

Women are coming into their own as independent homebuyers. Women’s presence in the high-end housing market is set to increase. Women are expected to be in charge of US$34 trillion, or about 38% of all investable assets in the U.S. by 2030. Data from a March 2024 report from the Bank of America Institute indicates that the coming intergenerational wealth transfer “will contribute to women controlling more wealth than ever before.”

Year after year, several cities consistently rank among the best places to live in the world. These lists can have genuine impacts on the cities they champion.

Branded residences have existed for several decades but the trend notably picked up during 2020, according to global architecture firm WATG. Since then, the firm has tracked 84 new projects that have opened around the world. As of 2024, the global branded residential market is valued at US$66 billion.

Buyers continue to seek homes that align with their personal aspirations and values. Trends such as hybrid working, heightened demand for wellness amenities, and sustainability are shaping the luxury housing market and influencing buyers’ decisions.

Click here to read the complete report.

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Boca Grande, Florida: The Unmissable Exotic Destination of 2025

“In the world of tourism, emerging destinations are like diamonds in the rough, waiting to be discovered.” This is the case with Boca Grande, a picturesque enclave on Florida’s southwest coast, poised to become the most sought-after destination of 2025. With its historic charm, white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture, Boca Grande not only attracts English-speaking tourists but also the Anglophone-Latino community, seeking authentic and memorable experiences. As global interest in sustainable tourism and exclusive getaways grows, this idyllic destination promises to become the jewel of tourism in the coming year.

Article appeared on Infonegocios Miami

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Florida’s “Saint-Tropez” Is A Chic & Exclusive Island Town Where The Rich & Famous Have Fun

Saint-Tropez has been the epitome of stylish travel on the French Riviera for generations of visitors, ever since Bridgette Bardot put the town on the map in the 1956 film Et Dieu…crea la Femme.

There is nothing quite like it in the U.S. However, a few small Florida towns do give off some Mediterranean of America vibes—and at least one of them offers the same celebrity-friendly blend of luxury, exclusivity, and privacy: Boca Grande, on Gasparilla Island.

Original article appeared on MSN.com

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Sotheby’s International Realty and Art Basel Miami Beach

Celebrating the Convergence of Artistry and Global Real Estate at America’s Premier Art Show

Sotheby’s International Realty, a global leader in luxury real estate, is thrilled to announce the continuation of its partnership with Art Basel Miami Beach, celebrating the convergence of modern and contemporary art and architecture for the second consecutive year.

“Sotheby’s International Realty is honored to support Art Basel Miami Beach for a second year,” said Brad Nelson, CMO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Our commitment to fostering relationships with collectors of both art and trophy properties remains at the forefront.”

Reflecting the spirit of Sotheby’s International Realty’s new “1 of 1” brand advertising campaign, which celebrates the unique features of each home, the partnership with Art Basel Miami Beach underscores the brand’s dedication to showcasing homes that offer distinct ways of living. During the show, Sotheby’s International Realty will exhibit a curated selection of the world’s finest homes through global windows of the world in an area exclusively reserved for Art Basel Miami Beach’s high-net-worth VIP guests.

Sotheby’s International Realty partners with Art Basel Miami Beach alongside renowned brands including UBS, Audemars Piguet, NetJets, and BMW, amongst others.