1. Esmé and the Revival of Española Way
2. A Unique Mediterranean Atmosphere
3. The Historic Allure of Española Way
The newly opened Esmé has been a driving force in Española Way’s revival.
Pink stucco buildings, striped awnings, wrought iron balconies, and tall palm trees, their fronds creating shadows that move with the morning breeze — that’s my view as I sip a cappuccino at a French café. It’s quiet, and voices are low. However, the night before on Española Way was a totally different story.
Outdoor tables lining the street under twinkling lights were filled with diners, and lively chatter went into the late hours. It was a scene reminiscent of summer in Paris, Rome, or Madrid, and I took it all in as I walked back from a tapas and sangria dinner at Tropezón. At the newly opened Esmé, a catalyst in Española Way’s revival, I couldn’t resist watching from my second floor window.
A hundred years ago, developers created Española Way as an artists’ colony modeled after Mediterranean villages. Through years of ups and downs, the two-block area has retained its charming appearance, even in the face of hurricanes and business closures. Today, the renaissance of Española Way is largely due to Esmé Village, which is situated within a row of buildings that included the historically significant Clay Hotel, erected in 1925.
A stroll along the vibrant buildings of the village features colorful tables and chairs, landscaping, overhead lights, and tiled flooring. Adjacent to the lobby of the hotel Esmé, the stylish El Salón serves cocktails created from specially crafted spirits. Just a few steps further, Bar Pintxo offers an array of pintxos, which are Basque-style tasty bites perfect for pairing with cocktails. Furthermore, on the rooftop, guests can enjoy a pool, plush cabanas, and a bar, all connected by a walkway uniting two buildings. Across the street, the chic Casa Matanza provides additional guest rooms and suites.
“We’re thrilled with how the property has been received,” General Manager Jessica LaRosa mentioned to GoTravelDaily. “It didn’t take long for us to start seeing regulars at Bar Pintxo and El Salón, and The Roof has truly become the hidden oasis that we envisioned. The live music during happy hour at Bar Pintxo and jazz at El Salón have been popular as well. I couldn’t be more proud of our team for creating a magical experience at Esmé for our guests every day.”
This historic section of Española Way possesses its own mystique, having served as the base for Al Capone’s gambling syndicate in the late 1920s. Later, Desi Arnaz, known from “I Love Lucy,” is credited with popularizing the rhumba craze when he and his band performed at the Clay Hotel. Additionally, scenes from television’s Miami Vice and the film “The Birdcage” were filmed on Española Way. A revitalization project in 2017 converted it into a pedestrian-only street, with positive progress continuing with the development of Esmé and the overall village.
The glowing gemstone in the hotel’s logo and the name Esmé — derived from Esmeralda, Spanish for “emerald” — reflects the developer’s vision of creating a “hidden gem” in the heart of South Beach. After my visit to this new hotel and village, I can confidently affirm that they have accomplished their goal.
